DIY Hand Warmers
If your hands are always cold, these DIY hand warmers will bring warmth to your fingers. The reusable hand warmers are perfect to use both indoors and outdoors.
Our homemade hand warmers are made from an old flannel shirt, though you can use any cotton material you choose. We used uncooked rice from the pantry as the filling.
The hand warmers can be put in the microwave to make a damp heat that is soothing and warming on your hands.
Our easy tutorial shows TWO different ways to make hand warmers with rice. Each way takes only 10 minutes (or less) to make.
One method is to trim the edges with pinking shears (one of the different types of sewing scissors) for a decorative look.
The other method has no exposed edges so you don’t need to worry about fraying.
Type of Fabric To Use (This Is Important!)
Because these hand warmers go in the microwave, it is necessary to use fabric and thread that can be heated at high temperatures without melting or catching fire.
Most handmade sewing projects designed for microwave use require only 100% cotton fabric (with no embellishments) and 100% cotton thread.
We upcycled an old flannel shirt to make these warmers. I checked the tag to make sure it was all cotton (many flannel shirts are not, so be sure to check).
Polyester, satin and rayon should NOT be used with this sewing project.
Finding 100% cotton thread may be the hardest part. Most threads are polyester, so check the end of the spool label to see what the thread is made of.
Helpful Tip: Glaced Cotton thread is NOT recommended because it is coated with a wax or other type of coating to stiffen the thread which is used in hand-quilting.
This easy tutorial is just one of our many sewing projects to keep you warm.
Homemade Hand Warmers Tutorial
Supplies
- Two Pieces 4 x 4 inch Fabric (10 X 10 cm) for EACH Hand Warmer
- 100% Cotton Thread (Do NOT use Polyester)
- 1/4 Cup Uncooked Rice for EACH Hand Warmer
- Scissors
- Funnel (optional)
- Pinking Shears (only needed for the decorative edge method)
- Turning Tool
Instructions
Cut two pieces of 4 X 4 inch fabric for each hand warmer you want to make. For a pair of DIY hand warmers, cut four pieces of fabric squares.
Zig-Zag Edge Hand Warmers
Place the fabric squares together with the RIGHT sides facing out.
Stitch around the edges using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, but leave a gap of about 1 inch open on one side. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.
Using a funnel, add the rice into the opening of the pouch.
Bring the rice filled pouch back to the sewing machine. Push the rice away from the open seam so that you can get your presser foot to lay flat over the fabric, then sew the open gap closed.
Now, if you really wanted to you could leave the hand warmer as it is with straight edges. However, the fabric may fray faster.
Using pinking shears, cut around the outer edge of the square, getting close to the stitching but not cutting it.
Hidden Seams Hand Warmers
With your two cut squares of fabric, place the RIGHT sides facing each other and WRONG sides facing out.
Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew around all four edges, leaving a 2 inch gap on one side.
Clip the corners of the square, cutting close to the stitching but do not cut the seam.
Turn the square inside out. Push out the corner edges with a turning tool, if needed.
Fill the pouch with 1/4 cup of rice.
Tuck under the fabric of the open gap. Sew shut. You can do this by top stitching over the fabric near the edge, or hand stitch the opening closed. A ladder stitch is recommended and will not be visible.
How to Use
Place the warmers in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Time needed will depend on the strength of your microwave.
Be sure to check the temperature before putting in your hands to make sure it’s not TOO hot.
Hold in your hands to absorb and enjoy the warmth.
Reheat as needed.
Helpful Tips (and How to Customize)
- 100% cotton is the best fabric and thread to use because it is safe in the microwave.
- Do not use polyester fabric because it is made with plastic and can melt at high heat.
- Essential oils, dried flowers or dried herbs can be added to the rice mixture to add a pleasant smell when heated.
- Any shape or size of fabric can be used. Smaller sizes are great for children, while larger sizes are perfect for adult hands or for extra coverage.
- Spot cleaning is recommended for the exterior. Allow to dry completely.
- If the fabric pouch needs to be put in the washing machine, open up the stitching, pour out the rice, and launder the fabric. Then add new rice afterwards and re-stitch.
Pin This project to save for later! Find it here on Pinterest.
This easy DIY reusable hand warmers are just one of our sewing projects that cost less than $1.
Want more money-saving zero-waste sewing projects? See these ideas next:
