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How to Make a Rice Bag Bed Warmer

A rice bag bed warmer is excellent for keeping warm on cold winter nights. Simply pop it into the microwave for two to three minutes in 30 second intervals, and when it comes out, slip it between the sheets down by your feet. Rice bag bed warmers are especially therapeutic for those with arthritis or muscle aches, and even pets may enjoy a bed warmed up by a rice bag. Bed warmers can be sewn by hand or on a sewing machine depending on your skill level.

Things You'll Need

Flannel cloth, 100 percent cotton
Scissors
Stick pins
Sewing machine
Rice, white long grain
Kitchen funnel
Needle and thread

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two identical rectangles out of 100 percent cotton flannel. For an average adult, a good size is 12 inches by 16 inches, but adjust the dimensions depending on your needs. A child or pet may need a smaller rice bag.
- 2
  Pin the two pieces of fabric together with the right sides facing each other. The right side of the fabric is the side on display in the fabric store. The back side of fabric is usually duller. Sew three of the four sides closed using a standard 5/8 inch seam allowance.
- 3
  Sew the remaining side closed, but leave 4 inches un-sewn.
- 4
  Turn the flannel bag inside out, so the right side of the fabric is facing out. Stick the nozzle of a kitchen funnel into the 4-inch opening and start pouring regular, uncooked, long grain white rice into the funnel. Fill the bag as full as desired.
- 5
  Sew the 4-inch opening closed using a whip stitch. Thread a needle and tie a knot at the end. Push the needle through the two layers of fabric from front to back. Pull the thread all the way through. Bring the needle and thread back over the top to the front and stick the needle through again. Repeat until the opening is completely sewn shut.

Sewing