Happy Wednesday! I’ve been wanting to make some of these rice packs for a while now. I did a bit of research and once I found out how easy they are to make, I whipped up a few myself! Literally you can make them in half an hour.
My talented niece, Audrey made one of these rice packs for me years ago. It’s made from cotton fabric and filled with long grain rice and lavender oil. These bags can be stored in the freezer and used on boo-boos or you can heat them in the microwave to soothe sore muscles or aches and pains. I had a mishap a few months ago and I used this rice pack until it wore completely out! (now when I heat it in the microwave it smells of burned popcorn) Time to make a new one! Want to make one too? Here’s what you’ll need.
Perhaps the easiest rice pack I saw on Pinterest was made from a new, clean sock. Just fill the sock with rice and lavender oil and tie it off. So, if sewing is not your thing, this is super simple. But because I have tons of scrap fabric on hand, I decided to dust off my sewing machine and whip up a few. I modeled my new rice pack from the one that Audrey made for me. It’s the perfect size as you can fold it in half or lay it flat. Whatever suits your needs. This is 100% cotton fabric I have on hand…
Materials Needed:
Cotton Fabric
Long Grain Uncooked white rice (2-2 ½ cups per bag)
Dried Lavender (optional -¼ cup)
Lavender oil-about 15-20 drops (I used Radha Lavender Oil which is 100% pure and natural oil)
Mix the rice, dried lavender and the lavender oil in a bowl and set aside.
1-I started by cutting a 12″ by 12″ square from my fabric. I have this pretty topiary fabric from a previous project as well as some Penn State fabric so I cut one square from each.
2-Fold each square with right sides together and pin the three sides. (the fourth side is the fold)
3-Sew one short side and one long side all of the way and the last short side about half way. This leaves an opening to turn the bag right side out and fill with the rice mix.
4-Zigzag stick along the seams for extra strength if you like.
5-Turn the fabric right side out and iron.
Below: At the lower left corner of the Penn State bag you can see the opening left open to accept the rice mix.
6-Fill each bag with 2 to 2 ½ cups of the rice and lavender mixture.
7-Sew the end firmly closed with your sewing machine. I used a straight stitch then went back and did a zigzag stitch to secure it. Trust me, these bags get lots of use, so make sure they are nice and strong!
There you have it! A reusable rice pack that can go from hot to cold depending on your needs. To store it in the freezer I recommend putting it in a zip lock bag to keep the bag clean and hold the lavender scent longer. Then it is ready at a moment’s notice! Bang your knee? Put an ice pack on it! Headache? Ice pack!
Because the rice is malleable the bag folds easily in half and conforms to your face, hand, etc. Be sure to heat it slowly in the microwave as it can get really hot in spots. Isn’t this Penn State fabric cute? These probably would have been useful when my boys played hockey or as stocking stuffers when they were in college.
These “boo-boo” bags would be cute too if you used a cartoon print or a favorite animal or favorite color for young children. You could also make them into shapes if you are so motivated. But the rectangle shape works fine! I just tested mine out and the warm heat and lavender scent are so soothing. I made two rice packs for just a few dollars. I had the fabric, dried lavender and lavender oil on hand so it was super inexpensive, quick and easy!
NOTE: Because I was making two bags I used about 5 cups of rice and double the dried lavender and lavender oil. I figured while I was at it I may as well make two, right?
Earlier in the week I blogged about a get well basket. I’m thinking this would be a cute addition to a basket depending on one’s injury or illness. Have you ever used a rice pack? I think it must be an old home remedy and it’s making a comeback. 
I hope you have a wonderful day and no need for a rice pack. But if you do….. Now you know how to make one! Or call Audrey. She’ll make you one! Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and well. xoxo Dell
