There’s nothing better than having warm hands on a chilly day, and these DIY hand warmers are the perfect solution! Not only are they super simple to make, but they’re also reusable and can be customized with your favorite fabrics.
Whether you’re heading out to watch a winter game, taking a frosty walk, or just want to stay cozy while working at your desk, these hand warmers are a quick and easy project you’ll love. Use our free heart hand warmer pattern and have fun making these reusable heat packs. They make great gifts for friends, family, neighbours, teachers, or anyone who can use a little extra warmth this season. Let’s get started!
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How to Make DIY Hand Warmers
Equipment:
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Draw the pattern on the fabric
- Cut 2 pieces of fabric that are at least 1/2 inch bigger than your template.
- Place one piece of fabric on top of the other, with the “wrong” sides of the fabric touching (both patterns should face the outside).
- Print our free heart hand warmers pattern (find the link in the materials list above) and cut out the shape.
- Place the template on top of the double layer of fabric and use a fabric marker to trace around it.
Step 3: Sew the fabric together
- Attach a pin in the center of the heart, connecting both layers of fabric.
- Sew around the heart template, leaving a 1 to 1-1/2 inch gap on one of the straight edges.(You can also use a backstitch and sew by hand.)
- Remove the pin and use a damp cotton round or q-tip to remove the marker.
Step 4: Fill the hand warmer
- Insert a funnel into the gap of the heart.
- Pour 2-1/2 Tablespoons of rice into the fabric heart.If the rice gets stuck in the funnel, tap it so it makes it way through.
- Then add 2-1/2 Tablespoons of flaxseed into the heart.
Step 5: Close and finish off the hand warmer
- Remove the funnel and add a pin inside the heart to keep the filling in place.
- Sew the gap closed and use pinking shears to cut around the heart. Leave 1/4 inch seam allowance, being really careful not to cut near the stitches.
- Your DIY hand warmer is complete!Repeat, making a second one so both hands can stay toasty. To use your hand warmers, heat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Helpful Tips:
- Use our free heart template (linked below!) to make cute hand warmers or have fun choosing your own shape (check out our shape templates for ideas!). You can also make larger square or rectangle lap warmers or neck warmers.
- The rice inside your hand warmers may eventually dry out and stop retaining heat as well. This happens gradually after months or even years, depending on how often you use the hand warmers. You can open the hand warmer and re-fill it, or simply make a new one!
Get our free printable DIY hand warmers template:
The link and picture below will take you to our free, printable heart hand warmer template! The PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the template on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper.
>>> Heart Hand Warmers Pattern <<<
What fabric is best for making DIY hand warmers?
We recommend using 100% cotton fabric to make your hand warmers. You can also use another natural, breathable, and microwave-safe fabric like flannel, linen, or muslin.
Avoid using synthetic fibers, like polyester or nylon, as they can melt or scorch in the microwave.
How long do I need to heat my hand warmers and how long does the heat last?
We recommend heating your hand warmers in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Since microwave temperatures can vary, keep an eye on your hand warmers and perhaps start with 15 seconds before putting them in for longer.
In our test the heat from the hand warmers lasted about 20 minutes, but the time will, of course, vary. Hand warmers kept in a pocket will last longer than if they’re out in the open or used on an outdoor walk.
If you re-heat your slightly warm hand warmers, put them in the microwave for less time than you did originally, or they may overheat.
What’s the best filling for DIY hand warmers?
We used a combination of rice and flaxseed, but you can also use only one or the other. Flaxseeds retain warmth better than rice, but they’re also more expensive. If you don’t want to buy flaxseed, rice works quite well on its own.
There are quite a few other fillings that work well for filling a DIY hand warmer. Try some of the following:
- Cherry pits
- Dried corn (feed corn or cracked corn, not popcorn!!)
- Lentils or split peas
- Buckwheat hulls
- Steel cut oats
- Barley
- Dried beans
You can even include dried herbs, like lavender, to add a nice smell to your hand warmers. Or add a couple drops of essential oils to your rice before adding it in.
DIY hand warmers are such a simple yet practical project, and you’ll love having them on hand during chilly weather. These reusable heat packs are easy to make, fully customizable, and they’re a wonderful way to stay cozy. Once you’ve made your first pair, you’ll wonder how you ever got through winter without them!
Here’s even more sewing craft ideas:
Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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