Rice Hot Pack

Last updated on August 20th, 2014 at 08:07 pm

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Rice Hot Pack – a long rectangular tube divided into rice-filled segments.

Rice Hot Pack (or Cold Pack)

by Jane Lake

We now have directions for two versions of the popular rice pack sewing patterns. The original Rice Buddy Hot Pack is shown here in a versatile tube shape which works really well draped around your neck (or around other body parts that need a little tender loving care). On frigid winter nights, I like warming this up and sliding it in my bed in the sweet spot that I’ll be occupying in a few minutes – just long enough to take off the chill and make snuggling into a bed a pleasure.

My mother, on the other hand, prefers the traditional shape and design of this Faux Hot Water Bottle Rice Pack .

If the power of aromatherapy attacts you, try adding small amounts of herbs or a few drops of your favourite herbal essential oil to the rice before filling the packs. Lavender (my personal favourite) smells heavenly and has been used for centuries for its calming effect.

Handy Tip: Both rice hot pack variations can be used as hot packs by heating in the microwave, but they also make useful cold packs to ease sprains and strains when stored in the freezer.

Instructions

This makes a three foot by four and a half inch tube, which is divided into rice filled segments:

Supplies:

» » scrap of cotton fabric, 37″x 10″
» » sundry items: thread; chalk; sewing machine; one cup measure; measuring tape; scissors
» » approximately 6 cups of white rice (not instant)
» » optional: lavender buds and/or a few drops of essential oil, or your choice of herbs or fragrance

Skills:
This is an easy to make beginner’s sewing project. Ability to measure, cut, and sew rectangles with half inch seams.

What You Do:
Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the bottom and length using half inch seams. Turn tube right side out. Measure and mark with chalk, from bottom seam, every 6″ along the length, ending a half inch from end. Pour one cup of rice into tube and sew across width at the first 6″ mark, enclosing rice in a 6″ x 4.5″ rectangle. Repeat for remaining 5 cups of rice. Turn in a half inch from end, and sew very near the edge to close tube.

Include these instructions with your gift: “Rice Buddy Hot Pack/Cold Pack. Microwave for 3-5 minutes, until hot, and use as you would a hot water bottle. Great for easing aches and pains. For cold pack, store in the freezer.”