DIY Rice Heating Pad with Lavender

A microwaveable rice heating pad with lavender is a great way to relax those neck and shoulder muscles at the end of the day. A lot of us spend time working on a computer from a desk or even the couch, and that can do a real number on the way our neck muscles work support our heads. 

It’s easy to make a rice heating pad with just a few supplies. (some links affiliate) You’ll need:

1/3 yard Flannel fabric
Rotary cutter
Self-healing mat
Acrylic ruler
Sewing machine and thread
Iron or EasyPress
Sewing clips
4 cups rice
Lavender essential oil (optional)

Start by mixing 3-4 drops of lavender oil into the rice if desired. After stirring, set aside in a plastic bag so the lavender can blend through all the rice while you’re making the bag.

Using the rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and self-healing mat, cut the fabric to 10 inches by 40 inches – mostly you’re trimming the frayed edges and squaring up your fabric. Measurements don’t need to be exact.

Fold over about an inch on one long end of the fabric and press.

Fold the fabric right sides together so it’s about 20 inches wide now and sew the short seam and the long seam that isn’t folded. Use 5/8 seam allowance. Turn right side out.

Divide the bag into three sections and sew two dividing lines to make different pockets in the bag.

Fill each part of the bag as equally as possible.

Then carefully sew up the top seam so none of the rice falls out while sewing.

You can then microwave the heating pad for about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Check the temperature with your hands before placing on other skin. Wrap the rice heating pad with lavender around your neck and shoulders, or on your back, and enjoy a few relaxing minutes. 

The rice heating pad will stay warm for about 20 minutes. They can also be stored in the freezer – a couple of smaller sized ones would be great to have around for bumps and bruises.

These heating packs make great gifts and can, of course, be customized with all kinds of fabric. One thing to note – you probably shouldn’t decorate with any kind of iron on vinyl. It may melt or have problems with the adhesive in the microwave.

Any questions? Let me know! And have you tried something similar with other essential oils? I’d love to know what else I should add into my next bags I make!