DIY Hand Warmers

Hey! I wanted to share with you a great idea I found on Etsy and Pinterest... DIY Hand Warmers! At first I was concerned about using fleece since you will need to be able to microwave these but after a little research, fleece seems fine as long you don't microwave it for too long! Keep reading to see how I made hand warmers!

Materials:                                                          Use:
- Fleece                                                              Microwave your hand warmers for about 30 seconds
- Needle and thread                                      before using them! They'll stay warm for quite a while!
- Pins
- Rice
- Shears
- Measuring tape/ruler


Steps:

1. I decided to make a set of round hand warmers. First, measure out your fabric. I cut out four, 4.5 x 4.5 inch squares to make my set.




2. Out of these squares, I cut four circles. I used pins to make it a little easier. You could also trace a a circle first as a cutting guide.

3. Next, I hand sewed two fleece circles together. I left a few centimeters of room from the stitches to the edge of the material. Sew all the way around until you have about an inch left.

4. I was making these for my mom and she said she didn't want to see the stitching, so I flipped it inside out before adding the rice. If you like the stitching (I personally like it, it gives it a "homey" feel!) don't flip yours inside out! Now, fill your hand warmer with rice. Once you've got it about 90% filled, sew up that last inch. When you go to tie your knot, try and do it so you can't see the string!

Here's how my inside-out hand warmers turned out! (Kind of looks more like a bean bag...)

What I've learned:

- Stitch as much as you can before putting rice in, its harder to sew when the rice is there.
- Don't fill up your hand warmers with too much rice! You don't want it to be stiff.


I made another set for myself and here's how it turned out:

These would be great as small gifts especially as we get closer to fall/winter. If you make them around Christmas time, these would be awesome stocking stuffers! I know I'll going to have them in my pockets on the way to work even if it's just a little cold!

I was thinking... If you make these during summer, you can use these as small bean bags for BBQ games and for kids to play with! Dual purpose maybe?

I'm so glad I made these!

Do you like them?


Alison