To be honest, I was inspired by this DIY Upcycled homemade eating pad after years of blood, sweat, and cold feet!
I’m not sure why my feet are always so cold. Maybe it’s the weather. Maybe it’s genetics or women’s health issues because it’s a cruel world.
My husband swears my cold feet have been used as icy weapons on chilly nights when we might have had some unresolved conflict. That’s just crazy talk!
So, I set my mind to think of a way that I could have my feet warm when I’m sitting at my desk, lounging around on the couch, or lying in bed with my honey. A DIY corn bag!
I made this foot warmer heating pad, but it can be sewn however you want and made into a large heating pad for whatever ails you.
Key Takeaways
- Homemade heating pads are easy to make with common household items, such as old shorts, socks, or Ziploc bags.
- Rice or corn is used as the filling material for the heating pads- they heat up and retain heat to help soothe muscle pain.
- Optional essential oils or herbs can be added for a pleasant scent and additional benefits.
- Heating pads can be microwaved in short intervals (30 seconds each) until the desired warmth is achieved.
- Homemade heating pads can also be used as ice packs by freezing them.
- Proper storage in a cool, dry place or inside a Ziploc bag can prevent odors and moisture.
- A DIY heating pad should be replaced every 1-3 years, depending on its condition and usage frequency.
Homemade Heating Pad: DIY Upcycled Corn Bag
You might have heard of rice heating pads. Well, I’ve used a DIY heating pad (same idea) for years. If only I could swaddle my feet with it.
Some people make medical discoveries that change lives. That’s how we found that heat expands blood vessels and helps with muscle and joint pain.
I’m keeping it simple by making an easy heat pad to lessen your pain.
Let’s make a heating bag that I can wrap around my feet!
I decided to really save some money on this crazy idea by using a comfy pair of old sweatpants. They had outlived their usefulness, so they were the perfect guinea pig on my quest for warm feet.
Here are the steps I took to make this simple DIY Upcycled Corn Bag:
Supplies
Here are the supplies you are going to need:
- 100% Cotton Sweat Pants
- 5 pounds of corn
- sewing machine
- 100% cotton thread
- straight pins
- scissors
The shorts and thread can’t be polyester or elastic or another synthetic material because they may melt in the microwave.
Feeding corn for deer is perfect for this. Don’t use popcorn, as it will be heated in the microwave. A 40-pound bag of corn costs around $7 at the feed store, sports, and outdoors store, or anywhere that sells hunting equipment.
Instructions
Here are the Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Pick through the corn to remove rocks and weird pieces and throw them out.
Ones that are really sharp can be noticeable depending on how you’re using your heating pad, and if you’re using it for some heat therapy, getting poked isn’t exactly relaxing, LOL.
Step 2: Take the pants and cut off anything that isn’t cotton, including embellishments or decorations.
I removed the grommets for the drawstring and elastic from the waistband, making it safe for microwaving.
Step 3: Turn the pants inside out.
You’ll want to “try on” the bag before you make any cuts. Sit in a chair and place the pants around your feet so that the waistband lands where you want it to be tied off. You might want it right at your ankles.
I liked mine to sit just a little higher toward my calf. Depending on how you like the bag to fit, you might use some of the pant legs for your feet, or you might just use the seat of the pants.
Mark that spot with a pin on the left and right of the pant leg so you’ll know where to cut in the next step.
Step 4: Cut where you pinned the legs.
Step 5: Cut off the bottom hem of the pants and set aside for later.
Step 6: Now, use the legs to cut four sections that will fit inside both sides of the front and back of the pants.
You’re basically cutting four sleeves that will turn into corn heat pads that look like little pillows. The corn “pillows” should fit easily below the waistband and above the bottom, where you cut the legs off.
For my project, I used petite-length sweatpants, and I made four heat pads to go inside my foot heating pad.
If you want to make 2 long heat pads plus the 4 minis rather than the toasty pad for feet, you can also cut along the butt and crotch seams to be sewn together later.
Step 7: Turn the leg sleeves you just cut for the corn pillows right side out. We will be sewing them so that the inside will be outside, but that’s confusing, so just trust me for now.
Step 8: Leaving the shorts inside out (yep, you made some cool sweat shorts), sew the legs shut with a straight seam. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each leg to lock the stitches.
Step 9: Now sew the corn pillows halfway shut on one side and all the way shut on the other. You leave one side part way open so that you can turn the bags inside out in the next step.
Step 10: Turn each corn pillow inside out so that what used to be the inside of the pant leg (the pilly, soft side) is now facing out.
Step 11: Fill the bags with corn. They can’t be too full because we still have to sew them shut.
Step 12: Turn the pillow seams in about 1/4 inch and sew the corn pillows shut with a straight stitch. If you’re more comfortable, you could hand sew this.
Step 13: Pin the corn pillows to the front and back of the bag. I placed mine about an inch below the waistband and then sat a few inches above the bottom to leave room for my feet.
Step 14: Sew the corn pillows in place with a zig-zag stitch (I like this stitch here because the corn pillows kind of pull down on the pant fabric, and this seems more supportive than a straight stitch).
I stitched about 1/2 inch below the top of the bag so that the fabric wasn’t too thick right on the edge.
Step 15: Now to make the drawstring.
Retrieve the pant hems you cut off earlier. Cut them in half. Sew the two hems together with a zig-zag stitch to make one string.
Step 16: Turn the bag right side out. Thread the drawstring through the pants with a safety pin.
Then it’s all finished!
When I get into bed at night, I warm this up in the microwave for 2 1/2 minutes, then place my feet inside and tie it shut. Now my feet are all warm and toasty in bed, so I don’t have to turn up the heat and sleep like a baby!
Other Ideas for Making Heating Pads
Creating your own heating pad isn’t complicated, right? What’s even better, you don’t have to use only an old pair of shorts to make your heat pad!
In fact, you can make a simple and effective heating pad using items you probably have around the house, such as a sock or a Ziploc bag.
Let me show you how:
Sock Corn Heating Pad
Supplies:
- A clean, 100% cotton sock
- 1-2 cups of uncooked rice or corn (not popcorn)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Needle and thread
Instructions:
- Fill the Sock: Pour the rice or corn into the sock, filling it about three-quarters full.
- Add Scent (Optional): To add a pleasant aroma, mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil with the rice or corn before putting it in the sock.
- Sew the Sock: Once filled, sew the open end of the sock shut to prevent the rice or corn from spilling out. A simple whip stitch will do.
- Heat the Pad: Place the sock in the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired warmth, usually about 1-2 minutes.
Ziploc Bag Rice Heating Pad
Supplies:
- A microwave-safe Ziploc bag
- 1-2 cups of uncooked rice
- A clean cloth or small towel
Instructions:
- Fill the Bag: Pour the rice into the Ziploc bag, filling it about three-quarters full. Seal the bag tightly.
- Wrap the Bag: Wrap the filled Ziploc bag in a cloth or small towel to provide a soft barrier between the bag and your skin.
- Heat the Pad: Place the wrapped bag in the microwave and heat it in 30-second intervals until it reaches your desired warmth, usually about 1-2 minutes.
Both of these methods are quick and easy ways to create a heating pad that can help soothe sore muscles, relax tension, or just keep you warm on a chilly night.
Whether you use a sock or a Ziploc bag, the key is to ensure that the materials are microwave-safe and that you heat the pad in short intervals to prevent overheating.
FAQs
Can I use other clothes besides shorts to make a heating pad?
Absolutely! You can use any item of clothing that is made of a heat-safe material and has enough fabric to create the necessary compartments for the corn or rice.
Consider using old t-shirts, socks, sweatshirts, or even flannel pajamas. Get creative and use what you have on hand to upcycle.
How long should I microwave the heating pad?
Start with 60-second intervals and check the temperature after each one until you reach your desired level of warmth.
I also rotate and shack mine up a bit to get the corn all toasty throughout.
Can I add other herbs or scents to my heating pad?
Yes, you can add peppermint, eucalyptus, chamomile, or lavender oil to help with relaxation and healing.
Be sure to mix them thoroughly with the rice or corn before filling your pad, and do not oversaturate it.
Too much liquid isn’t good when it could be going in and out of the freezer or microwave.
Can I use my heating pad in the freezer as an ice pack?
Yes, you can! Simply place your heating pad in a plastic bag and freeze it until it reaches your desired temperature.
You can use this as an ice pack for sore muscles, joint pain, menstrual cramps, or headaches.
How do I keep my heating pad from getting a funny smell from freezing or heating?
Proper storage when not in use is crucial to ensuring your heating pad remains fresh and free from odors or moisture.
Place your heating pad in a microwave-safe Ziploc bag before putting it in the freezer or cupboard.
This will act as a barrier, protecting your heating pad from absorbing unwanted liquids or odors that might be present in your freezer or storage area.
If you’re storing your heating pad in a cupboard instead of the freezer, choose a cool, dry place to minimize the risk of mold and mildew.
Avoid damp or humid areas like basements or bathrooms!!
When should I replace my heating pad?
Depending on how often you use your heating pad and its condition, it’s recommended that you replace it every 1-3 years.
If your heating pad becomes dirty, emits a persistent odor, or shows signs of wear and tear, it’s time for a new one.
Final Thoughts
Making a homemade heating pad is a simple and rewarding project that can bring comfort and warmth to your daily routine.
Whether you use an old pair of shorts, a sock, or a Ziploc bag for a regular or special foot warmer, the process is straightforward and utilizes easily accessible materials.
These DIY heating pads can soothe sore muscles, aid relaxation, and keep you cozy on chilly nights.
Remember to always use heat-safe materials, heat in short intervals, and store your heating pad properly to maintain its effectiveness and longevity.
Thank you for following along, and I hope these tips help you stay warm and comfortable!
