Bean Bag Heating Pad
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Don’t Let Pain Side Line You!
Caitlin and I did some shopping today. We had so much fun and sang all the way home. It is official. I am beginning to see spring around the corner and I love it!
The only thing I don’t love is my lower back and hip pain I get when I walk too much or am on my feet for too long.
Pain Relief You Can Count On
Just because I get stiff and store, I am not going to stop doing what I love. Instead, I will take a few NSAIDs and use my homemade bean bag heating pad for back pain relief.
When I was little, mom was a great caretaker. She was there for every little ache and pain. She always had her homemade bean bag heating pads for back pain relief on hand. She would keep a handful in the freezer and another handful in the bathroom cabinet.
Depending on our injury, ache or pain, mom would give us a boo boo bag. I have followed in mom’s footsteps and use her directions for making a homemade bean bag heating pad.
Homemade Bean Bag Heating Pad Supplies:
- 1/8 yard of fabric (I choose flannel because it is nice and soft)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Iron on tape (if you don’t have a sewing machine)
- Iron
- Long grain rice
- Small bowl
- Spoon
Step 1: Cut two pieces of fabric, 7″ x 7″, which allows you a 1/2″ selvage edge.
Step 2: Lay the 2 pieces of fabric, patterned side up, on top of each other. Beginning on one side, sew a straight line with a 1/2″ allowance. Turn your fabric before you get to the corner. Continue on three sides. Continue on the fourth side, but leave 2 inches open.
This will be where you turn your bag right side out and fill your rice. If you are using iron on tape, place tape in between the 2 pieces of fabric, along the sides. Following the package directions, iron the 3 sides together.
Step 3: Snip the tips of the corners.
Step 4: Turn the boo boo bag for your back pain relief right side out. Using the spoon or paper funnel, pour the rice into the bag. Don’t overfill.
Step 5: Fold the open side under and sew it closed or with the iron on tape.
[For the cold bags, I place 3-4 of them into a gallon size Ziploc bag . This way there is one bag for each of us. Just replace into bag when you have used it. For your hot bags, place them in the microwave and heat for about 30-45 secs. Re-heat as needed.] These bags also make great hand warmers. You can also cut fabric into a rectangle and make a sleep mask!
Buy all the supplies you will need to make your bean bag heating pad for pain relief by clicking the Amazon buttons below!
10 Assorted Flannel Fat Quarters – Color Crush Plaids Stripes Hounds-Tooth Bright Plush Yarn-Dyed Flannel Fat Quarter Bundle M225.01
SINGER 00445 8-1/2-Inch Fabric Scissors with Comfort GripBrother Sewing Machine, XM2701, Lightweight Sewing Machine with 27 Stitches, 1-Step Auto-Size Buttonholer, 6 Sewing Feet, Free Arm and Instructional DVDMahatma White Rice, 5 lb.OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon Set, 3-Piece
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Kelly Hutchinson
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
November 15, 2016 at 4:14 pmI love that so much! I have something like this that I use when my knee gets bad. They really work, and I love how cute you made yours.
Reesa Lewandowski says
November 15, 2016 at 4:58 pmI’ve always wanted one of these! I had no idea it was so easy to make yourself!
Jeanette says
November 15, 2016 at 6:28 pmThis looks very easy to make and I could use it because my neck is constantly sore. I cannot wait to make this.
Jenn says
November 15, 2016 at 9:33 pmLove comfort bags like these. Did not realize these could be cold as well as hot. Great products to help with aches and pains too!
Danielle says
November 15, 2016 at 9:48 pmI need to make one of these! It’s exactly what I need for my little one’s injured leg right now.
Amy Desrosiers says
November 15, 2016 at 10:02 pmDiys like these make me sad that I cannot work a sewing machine. I so could have used one of these heat packs today.
Linda Sherred says
November 24, 2016 at 2:57 pmFor Christmas, buy yourself a plain Jane machine from Kenmore or Singer nothing fancy. Black Friday at Joann’s. They’re portable and don’t take up much room. Read the directions specially about threading machine and try these bags. They’d be a great first project. Or check Craig’s list, but you want a simple machine. Zigzag is about the only extra stitch you need. Have fun!
sarah says
December 4, 2016 at 8:39 amMy first machine machine as an antique 1923 electric machine made by Westinghouse. My mother didnt want me messing up tension and such on here’s. It was $25, lol. I still have it and it still runs. When I started working I bought myself a portable Brother at Kmart for $88. That still works and sent it to a friend who had no machine. I ave a newer version I paid just $99 for at Walmart. You can also look at yard sales, thriftstores, church rummage sales are all great places to find excellent machinescwo problems
Margaret says
December 21, 2016 at 8:30 amBrother is a great machine
hiyce says
November 26, 2016 at 8:40 amUse an odd sock, pour in rice, tie end closed and you have an instant rice bag.
Linda J says
November 27, 2016 at 11:33 pmAdd a few drops of lavender essential oil before tying.
Rebecca says
November 26, 2016 at 8:33 pmPut rice in a sock,about half full,tie the top and you’ve got it.wont look as pretty tho.
Tracey says
November 26, 2016 at 9:31 pmYou can use a cotton sock too, just fill and tie the end.
Marg says
November 26, 2016 at 9:53 pmYou don’t need to sew! Use iron on clout tape, it’s used for hems and such.
JEANNIE HERMAN says
November 27, 2016 at 6:32 amUse the iron on tape!! Very easy, or get a friend to whip them up!!
Cat says
November 27, 2016 at 6:58 pmI’ll make you one!
Delma says
December 5, 2016 at 1:29 amIt’s never too late to learn to sew!
Kathy says
November 15, 2016 at 10:23 pmI think that is a great kit. I really need to make one of those heat packs. I keep forgetting about them, and I’ve always wanted to try them out.
gingermommyrants says
November 15, 2016 at 11:07 pmThese bags are so cool. I will have to make a few for my family to use. I like that they can be used hot or cold.
Tammi Roy says
November 15, 2016 at 11:08 pmThese bags are so easy to make. I will have to get the supplies I need to make some. I like them when my shoulders are sore.
Peggy says
November 28, 2016 at 11:53 amA dish towel folded in half is the perfect size
Ann Bacciaglia says
November 15, 2016 at 11:09 pmI have been wanting to try making one of these. It looks so easy to make. I will have to give it a try.
Dawn McAlexander says
November 16, 2016 at 12:23 amThis would be a great idea for Christmas. I think I am getting inspired by your post. Thanks for getting my wheels turning!
Toni | BoulderLocavore.com says
November 16, 2016 at 2:57 amThis is a great idea! I would love to make one! Thanks for sharing!
mycraftingworld says
November 16, 2016 at 6:40 amI have made these for myself before. I like making them as a gift for others. Thank you for nice instructions.
Nancy @ whispered inspirations says
November 16, 2016 at 10:45 amGreat tutorial! Never knew how easy it was to make a comfort bag! Those are life savers when you’re sore.
Brianne says
November 16, 2016 at 10:46 amThis is such a great tutorial! I have constant back pain and use bengay all the time!
Sherry says
November 16, 2016 at 12:54 pmMy mom used to make hot/cold boo boo bags but she used horse oats. They are the best thing ever. The heat just penetrates to where you need it most.
Leann says
December 8, 2016 at 6:11 amDo the horse oats have a scent? Maybe I’m thinking of grain….? I might try this , I am looking for other fillers besides the rice. Thanks, Sheri
Lynne B says
November 16, 2016 at 5:05 pmI have some in the freezer but I love the ideas for heating them and as a hand warmer or rectangle for sleep mask. Is there any difference in the types of rice that one might use? I see you recommend the long grain. Is there even a difference in using the cheapest store brand of long grain?
Julie Wood says
November 19, 2016 at 8:15 amThis looks so good to use for those cold days that you want to feel warm. I want to make these and have them on hand to use.
Eva. Woolard says
November 25, 2016 at 5:57 amHow long will the rice be good for hours got hot. or to cold. Will you have to replace it
Lorraine Tarbox says
November 26, 2016 at 11:11 amIf or when you are heating in the microwave, make sure the fabric and thread is cotton, not a blend of other cloth, like polyester for instance, that would melt or catch on fire!
Janice says
November 27, 2016 at 12:22 amThanks for reminding me that I wanted to make one of these to use as a bed foot warmer. I made oblong rice bags for sore necks several years ago for gifts and still use mine, but think I will make the square ones this time.
Jackie Rogers Cantara says
November 27, 2016 at 2:02 pmFabric used in these bags should be COTTON., 100o/o. Otherwise”‘ it could get too hot and cause burns.
Veronica Lee says
November 30, 2016 at 7:50 amTotally making one of these! I had no idea it was so easy to make!
Dotty J Boucher says
November 30, 2016 at 5:17 pmI love this idea, I am going to have to look for some of that tape, I don’t own a sewing machine , not yet at least.. but these would make wonderful gifts.
@tisonlyme143
Marion Elis says
December 5, 2016 at 9:47 amI use these when I have a sinus headache, great to put on your feet or legs when you get cramps in them (larger ones of course). We use them for a multitude of things, both the small and larger ones. I take spells about getting cramps in my legs and these bags work wonders. I make a smaller version for babies just learning to walk up to 2-3 years old.
Catherine says
December 5, 2016 at 9:41 pmAlways keep in the freezer. Many years ago some mice found the one in an upstairs bathroom. What a mess!
I also add dried mint and lavender to mine. Soothing for a headache.
Norma says
December 6, 2016 at 9:26 amDo you use rice for the cold packs also?
Denise says
December 7, 2016 at 9:21 pmI’ve made the heat packs using part of an old flannel shirt sleeve or front. Soft and comforting. I’m a farm wife so I have used corn kernels in the past. Will have to try it with rice next time. Never tried to make cold packs – not sure if the corn would work for that or not.
Cherie says
December 15, 2016 at 2:45 amThe hot pack is also a cold pack. Just put it in the freezer.
Cherie says
December 15, 2016 at 2:45 amI use flax seed to make my pads. It holds the essential oils longer than rice. Also, use only pure essential oils and be cautious about what you use. While Lily of the Valley of wonderful for calming children, it’s also toxic. I use a mixture of lavender and eucalyptus for my sinuses.
Mary says
December 17, 2016 at 8:51 pmIf you are thinking of making a large bag for shoulders or tummy, why not use cherry pips? In the summer when cherries are in season and your’e making cherry jelly or cherry pies, save all the cherry pips, rinse them clean and spread them out to dry on paper towels. Takes a couple of weeks to a month depending on the ambient humidity. every time you are cooking with cherries, save & dry those pips till you have enough to fill the sized bag you plan to make.
Once you do, pour them into a plain cotton pillowcase and fold the case to the size you want for your boo-bag. Stitch it closed. Using your choice of fabric, make your boo-bag and tuck the pillowcase full of cherry pips into it. Hand stitch closed. That way, if you need to wash the bag, the pips will be safely contained.
mycraftingworld says
December 21, 2016 at 7:18 amThese are good for the arthritis in my hand too. I am trying to come up with a concept like a glove that will be on top of my hand and in the palm at the same time to cover all the areas that hurt.
Carla says
December 24, 2016 at 7:13 pmI got 2 of these as gifts and have made 2 more, but they are filled with corn. I have found that the corn stays warm longer than the rice ones. I buy the corn at a horse feed store to be sure it is clean and pesticide free. They are great for my arthritic knees and to just hug on a cold night. After 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave, they stay warm nearly an hour.
Kimberly Flickinger says
February 16, 2017 at 8:40 pmI will definitely have to try this, I am a sufferer of chronic aches and pains as well.
heather b says
March 30, 2017 at 11:02 amI love these! However since I don’t know how to sew I use a long tube sock and tie off one end!! Works great for around the neck!
KC says
March 31, 2017 at 10:26 amThese are so cute and they look so easy to make. I’ve made Boo Boo Bunnies before, but never these guys. Can’t wait to try making. 🙂
Margot C says
April 10, 2017 at 9:23 pmHow sweet these are, and useful! I keep one in the freezer.
mycraftingworld says
October 5, 2017 at 6:49 amI like BenGay too. It is so good on these old bones. I have made these rice bags too. They help. I have a bad wrist and made one long one with velcro to help it stay on.
sarah lehan` says
November 11, 2017 at 11:15 pmThose are good ways to help boo boos. I like that they can do either hot or cold.
Kim Avery says
February 7, 2019 at 5:53 pmI have a couple that are corn filled but have heard rice is better. I’ve surely had my aches and pains this winter!
Crystal Starr says
February 7, 2019 at 8:10 pmI’m new here and I’ve already found many useful and interesting things. Relief from back pain is always a plus!