How to Make An Aromatherapy Heating Pad ~ DIY quick and easy

DIY Heating pad main

How to Make An  Aromatherapy Heating Pad ~ DIY quick and easy

I woke up this morning with such a stiff neck I could hardly move.  Do you ever have days like that?  Sometimes I can’t believe how much I take something so simple as a neck that turns for granted!

I didn’t have a heating pad, but I desperately needed some relief!  I decided I would just sew one really quick.  I have quite a bit of fabric, so into my stash I went.  I found the perfect thing, no cutting needed! I happened to have two pieces of flannel that were cut to make burp cloths.  Same size and shape , which meant even quicker to getting some relief.   That was a big plus for me since I couldn’t move.  Any other day I wouldn’t have minded a few extra steps, but this was all about ease.  The burp cloth size is great for what I need.  It is long enough to get the muscles on both sides of my neck without having to hold it there.  It will also be a great size for stomach cramps, lower back pain, or pretty much anywhere else you may need some heat relief.

You will need: fabric (two pieces for the front and back) cut to the size and shape you want to use

needle and thread or sewing machine

beans (2 pounds)

a funnel *optional but helpful

Begin by turning your fabric with the “pretty sides” facing each other.  Sew around the material leaving a space wide enough to put your funnel in, or wider if you are planning on just pouring the beans in.

DIY heating pad 3

Once you have it sewn, trim your threads and turn it right side out.  This step is a bugger if you left your hole as small as I did mine.  Using the eraser end of a pencil will help get it started.  DO NOT USE THE LEAD END, you could damage your fabric and you don’t want a hole for your beans to fall out of.   Once you have your fabric with the right side of the fabric out, fill it with beans.  You could also use flax seed or rice.  I happened to have a ton of beans that were getting close to their expiration date, so it seemed like a good way to use them up.  Keep in mind that any more then a couple of pounds of whatever you are using will make your heating pad heavy and you don’t want it to be too heavy.  You want it to feel comfortable when you are using it and not feel weighed down by it.

DIY heating pad 5

There was quite a bit of space left in mine by the time I had my 2 pounds of beans in, but I liked that I could adjust where the beans rest depending on how I am using it.  For example, this way I can bunch the beans on both ends, getting all around my neck.  If you want it to be super full, you may not want to use something as big as a burp cloth size.

Once your heating pad is filled you will want to sew the hole shut.  I was able to use my machine since it wasn’t too full of beans.  I really appreciated this, since looking down to use a needle and thread would’ve hurt too bad.  I was all about shortcuts and ease for this project!

Now you are good to go!  Place it on a microwave safe dish and place in microwave for about one minute.  It is important not to keep on your body for too long at a time.  I kept mine on for about 20 minutes at a time.  I am super sensitive to smells, but you could add some lavender essential oils to this.  I prefer my orange and my Past tense oils from DoTerra.  I just added them to my skin, that way the next person that uses it isn’t stuck with a scent they don’t like.

This would be great to make smaller ones, fill with rice, and use as hand warmers in your child’s  (or your own) coat pockets as the weather cools down too! And it is a thrifty gift idea!  Include some oils and there you go!  Inexpensive to make and will be used for a long time!

DIY Heating pad 2

4 thoughts on “How to Make An Aromatherapy Heating Pad ~ DIY quick and easy”

  1. Someone needs to make these and sell them to people like me that doesn’t sew and can’t see to thread a needle. I like the idea. I have several places to use this idea.

  2. Just made it. Boy, does this feel good. Sewed mine with needle and filled it with rice. It only took 10min. Thx for the tip

  3. CherylHansenSchumann

    Just wanted to say try using ice pack (12 – 24 hrs) before going to heat, you will reduce swelling in the area.

Comments are closed.