Materials:
- 3.5x12.5" cotton fabric cut on the fold (it should measure 3.5x25" unfolded) - bag
- 3.75x13.75" cotton fabric cut on the fold - case
- 3 C of white rice or other filling
Costs:
- bag fabric ~ $2/yd, Joann
- case fabric ~ $7/yd, Joann
Instructions:
- Place the bag piece right side up. Fold in half so that right sides are together and sew the long sides as seen above. Leave a 1/4" seam allowance.
- Turn the bag right side out, iron flat, and top stitch 1/8" from the edge all around. Stop 1/2" before you reach the opening.
- Fill the bag with rice. You don't want it so full to the point where it becomes too bulky and not pliable. Hold the opening closed and feel the bag out to determine if it needs more rice.
- Once you are done filling the bag, hold the bag up by the the open end so that all the rice drops to the closed end. Fold the open edges inward about 1/4" and top stitch that end twice (you should be able to continue from where you had stopped top stitching earlier. Stitches should also be 1/8" from the edge).
- Lay the case piece right side down and fold in 1/2" at the short ends.
- Turn the piece over and bring the left end 5" from the edge of the right end. Right sides should be facing each other.
- Fold the right end over the left end so that the 1/2" folds lay on top of each other.
- Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance along the long sides only. Be sure to keep the folds down.
- Turn the case right side out, iron flat, and top stitch 1/8" from the edge all round.
- Insert the bag of rice. The easiest way to do this is to hold one end of the bag up so all the rice falls down to the other end. Then, insert the "full" end in first. It should not be difficult to insert the bag, yet it should be snug.
- Heat for about 45 secs and apply where needed. The pad will remain heated for about 20 mins.