Sew an Easy Weighted Heat Massager in Minutes! With a removable cover!
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
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AND NOW, FOR TODAY'S VIDEO....
Welcome Shiny, Crafty people! Tim Totten here with sewing projects you can do yourself!
This very easy project is designed to get you away from sewing masks and back to making great craft items to give to your family and friends! The one I used for inspiration was made for me by my mom, Linda. Thanks mom!
These rice-filled warmers are great for soothing your muscles! Just pop one in the microwave for 2-3 minutes and work out those pains. Or use it as a dry "hot water bottle" in your bed on cold nights.
To make this easy project, you'll need the following:
1 tea towel (I used a 20" x 30" towel from Ikea)
1 fabric of your choice (either a fat quarter or a piece 11"x32")
3" of sew-on velcro (both sides meaning hook AND loop)
Dry rice (I got four of these out of a 10 pound bag of white rice)
Scissors or rotary cutter
Straight edge or cutting grid
Thread
Iron
Sewing Machine
Here's where you can buy the iron I referenced: www.amazon.com...
It's important to note that you don't want to use the kind of velcro that has sticky backing, as it will gum and possibly ruin your sewing machine. Also, you can make different sizes and shape, so don't feel like you have to stick with the 20"x30" towel I've described here. You'll obviously need to adjust your fabric measurements if you choose a different inner container for the rice.
Some people make these with coffee beans because they think the smell will be nice, but you may want to test how well the coffee beans retain heat, as I've found they normally lose their power very quickly.
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I have been making these for 30 years. I started with a square bag with no sections filled with corn. Corn is pointy. I started using dried beans, coffee beans, various shapes with sections. After about 10 years we moved and I made 41 bags for all the people that helped us with the move. I made 10 bags for a firend since her family was hogging her bag. So here are the things I have learned. You must use 100% cotton for the inner bag. If it starts to smell like cooking rice stop immediately. They can disintegrate quickly once the fabric scorches. I generally use heavy cotton fabric for draperies. I have also leaned not to fill them too full. They do not drape as well when draped over a body. It is also easier to stitch the sections. Your method of making the sections is brilliant. I am going to use that next time. I use a large funnel but cut off the end so the rice will flow easily. However yout bag scout is great. I also use a french seam in the rice bag eacept for the top where I add a double row of stitching. Do you take the outside off to heat it? I be concerned about the velcro melting. In any case, I learned a few things so thanks. I need to make some new ones because after a decade or so they get a little groddy.
Using a teas towel for the inner rice bag fabric is a great idea 😊
Love ur videos and I use flannel fabric on the outside so it’s extra soft and cozy on my skin. Thanks for sharing your talent with us. I have learnt so much from sewing to canning from watching how to videos on CZcams for free. How great is that! Bless you
Yes, you made an absorbent cover! Too often the bag gets dirty around the neck, like ring around the collar (I could be dating myself). Socks will work if they don't get overfilled. But, I too put a s,eeve over my bags. I've also used sleeves from a cotton dress shirt. A man's dress shirt can make 2 bags, lr covers for the bags. It's a great way to upcycle clothing from the thrift shops, or our own closets. 😊
That’s really smart!!
This looks like it's easy and quick. Thanks.
The neck warmers heat easier if you sew little compartments for the rice. If you add things like lavender seed, it can also help relax those muscles and the mind. 😊
Tim, I purchased one of these warmers at a craft fair a while back. It's very simple. It was not sectioned off, so doing that -- GENIUS! Adding the additional out sleeve for washing -- DOUBLE GENIUS!! I am also a fan of the "smacking" method. Thank you for this project!!
I use the french seams with my magic pillow cases. After stitching my top, I use an overclock stitch, then I sew a narrow seam right side out, turn it inside out and sew a seam to enclose the parts that could fray, and enclose that small area where all the layers come together. It's just an extra step that takes less than 5 minutes. Then my pillow case looks so much better, more professional. I can ask more money for only 5 minutes more. Then I can afford to give my church a few for our Christmas bizarre, and donations from church to heavenly beds, a local charity that makes beds for local kids who have no bed to sleep on. This way, they have bedding with their new beds. 😊
Wonderful!!
Years ago someone asked me to make one in the horseshoe shape...think half circle with arms. They wanted to use it for their neck with a way to attach it at the end of the arms. I designed a pack and a removable cover with ties. They loved it the pack and I made quite a few since then as gifts.
Thank you for sharing!! Great hints & ideas.
You’re just a fantastic guy! So happy I found your channel.
Ooooh! It's so fancy! I love it!!! I've only used tube socks filled with rice and sewn closed. I will be making one of these tomorrow. Thank you for sharing!
This is a great project! Thanks for sharing. You have done a very nice job of explaining each step. You have a calming demeanor which makes this very nice to listen to all your instructions.
So useful and I will use the French seam on more projects.
I would never put the seam at the back of the neck...for those "Princess and the Pea" people. Cool project!
I watch and rewatch your videos. Your masks are the first I have found that actually kept my glasses from fogging. Looking forward to trying this project as well! Thank you Tim!
Awesome love it, I make them to, and I still learnt from you , French seams makes them look better thank you 😊
Great tutorial thank you
I love your Apple Watch band! I need one bad.
Need to buy lots of rice now cool project
Thank you,I was so excited to see this video, I have a LOT of rice and had thought of making neck warmers. I really enjoy your lessons. I want your sewing machine , I get tired of cutting threads when I end a seam. 👍
Your hand looks a whole lot better, glad it's healing nicely.
Never tried one of these. You make everything look so easy for us beginners. Thanks 👍
Just found your channel. You are so amazing and very calming. Love ❤️ ❤️❤️
Nice video Tim!
I made sets of these in 3 sizes for Christmas gifts this past Christmas.
Everyone loved that they had washable protective pillowcases!
And I used an entire 5gallon bucket of rice to fill them all!
Rice definitely works but I also use flaxseeds, they also seem to keep the heat well. Great instructions!!! Love the idea to warm the bed !!!
I've made these in the past for my parents, but I learned so much from your video. I'm inspired to make another one for myself. I especially like the use of the cotton kitchen towel for the interior tube, the way you segment it and distribute the rice, and the way you installed the velcro into the hem of the outer tube. Bravo!
I love these! I never thought of making them with a towel! Thank you for your time!
I was given one many years ago. Now I'll have one again. Thanks, Tim!
Don't forget to use cotton thread as it doesn't melt in the microwave.
I’ve made some similar, but you have so many good tips for making these. I’m excited to try and make some new ones. I’ve sprinkled in some lavender flowers which I’m lucky enough to have. My daughter harvests her home grown. Lovely addition.
Thank you, I can’t wait to make one!
Hello Timothy.
Thanks.
My kids had a stuffed dog when they were small and it was stuffed with walnut shells. I could through the washer and dryer. It went through 3 kids, so it needed to be washed.
I also experimented with fillers, using flax in some and field corn in some, as well as the regular white rice in some. I’m waiting for reviews from everyone on their preferred filler. But in the end, I think they all work very well!
Adding dried lavender and essential oils to the filler is also an option if you are into aromatherapy!
I’ve read that rice will mold,, but don’t know if this is true. Anyone have any experiences with the different fillers?
@@dale3404 I have a wheat one that I have been using for years and certainly no mould in mine.
@@paulagray6646
That’s good to hear. I’ll give this a go, then.
Those purple things, those are actually orange peeler‘s. You can find them in the kitchen supply aisle
I bought one at a craft fair many years ago but it ripped and leaks the rice. Been wanting to make my own! You tube must have known this as this video appeared tonight!
That’s great! I love finding the video I need accidentally. Lol
well Timothy, I read most of the comments looking for the question about polyester Velcro or hook n loop tape. why doesn't it burn? I do love the sectioned parts keeps the inners where you need them. yea!!
It will melt under high heat, which is why I don’t often iron over Velcro. But in the microwave, it appears not to melt. At least not for me.
I do appreciate this; I'm learning so much from you; you're a Godsend! I've one question, is it safe to use Parboiled rice instead of white rice? Thank you and stay safe 🙏
Looks great never thought of that but I did make hand warmers a few years ago! Thanks!👍👍
Cool! I’ve never heard of a hand warmer. What is it?
It’s for the winter you put it in with your gloves! Make it the same way but smaller! Look it up’👍👍
Thank you for your tutorial. Very informative. Will the Velcro have any problems in the microwave? Will it melt?
I haven’t noticed that yet! But you could take the bag out of the lining when you microwave it. That way the Velcro doesn’t go into the microwave.
Have you made this heat pad with a cotton batting to keep it from eventually burning from the microwave use? I made one a couple of years ago and it eventually burned a hole in it from microwave use. I use it a lot. The material I used was 100% cotton and I filled the inner bag with flax seed. The pad came out looking great and it was the perfect size to use either on your tummy, lower back or across my knee and I don't normally heat it up more than one minute at a time. I now have to make another cover to keep the seeds from spilling out, but I want to use a material that is more microwave heat friendly. So, I thought about the cotton batting. What do you think or suggest?
I haven’t used cotton batting. Wouldn’t the cotton batting react the same way as the cotton fabric? It would be interesting to see if another layer of cotton fabric or a layer of cotton batting would help with your issue.
@timothytotten9409 I'll try it and give you an update. I use the hot packs on my knees a lot, especially with the cold weather.
I found your channel a couple of years ago, and I purchased your templates to make face masks. I took home economics as a kid, but I hadn't made anything in eons. Thank you so much for your tutorials. I would enjoy sharing some pictures of the various masks that I made from your templates. My family and friends loved them. 😊😃
I just bought that exact same fat quarter!
Walmart?
@@timothytotten9409 yes! I got the black and they had a red too! I'm thinking masks, but who knows?
If you use polyester thread, do not put it in microwave, it will melt. Use 100 percent cotton tread to sew this up.
show us how to fill a pincushion
Nice video. Why use a tea towel rather than just fabric? I would think all those towel hems make a bunch of unnecessary bulk.
I think it’s because the weave is tight, and less likely that the rice will poke through.
@@dale3404 I’m pretty sure he said the weave was lose and that’s why he doubled it.
@@suequinn3468
I assumed she had missed that part.
You said the Velcro gets melty--will it melt in the microwave? I've made these before but not with a cover. That's a great idea because they do get dirty.
There’s a difference between direct heat from an iron and microwave heat. No, the Velcro is not affected by the microwave during normal heating. I haven’t tried zapping it for more than six minutes though. But if you did, you’d probably overheat the rice inside so it’s not recommended anyway.
On the subject of using a fat quarter for the outer sleeve;
A fat quarter measures 18”x21” approximately, but in your video you are cutting at approximately 29-3/4” length, so how are you getting that out of a 21” maximum length of a fat quarter? Not possible!
You could, however, make use of a fat quarter for this by cutting two approximately 15”X6” strips of fabric and making your French seams along the resulting TWO lengthwise seams as well as the bottom seam. Just to clarify for a beginner that might be confused why they can’t get their outer case cut from a fat quarter as demonstrated in the video. Perhaps Tim, you were using remnants from one of Walmart’s one yard cuts?
I absolutely used a fat quarter that measured 18x22. That’s a quarter of a yard that originally measured 36x44. I bought it at Walmart as a fat quarter.
If you cut a fat quarter in half, you get two pieces 18x11. I think perhaps you’ve missed the part where I sewed those together to make a piece 11x35.5.
That’s how I got the final fabric big enough.
Can these be frozen and used as cold packs as well as hot packs? Does the rice hold the cold?
I tried it overnight. I “froze” the rice pack and it stayed cold for more than 30 minutes.
@@timothytotten9409 Thanks! would there be a problem with moisture if left in the freezer? Maybe bag it first?
Gday Tim from australia…thank you for an awesome video….just one question do you take it out of the cover to warm in microwave or is the Velcro okay to microwave….sorry if silly question, doesn’t help im blonde…..LOL
I microwave it with the cover on. The velcro doesn't seem to be affected, although it can get quite warm depending upon how long you warm it.
@@timothytotten9409 😊 thank you xxx
No microwave Tim .....😒
What can I use instead of a tea towel to put the rice to go in
You can cut fabric 10x30 to get the same effect.
Try to find a tight weave.
Make sure you use 100% cotton fabruc
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