How to Make a Homemade Reusable Rice Heating Pad

This homemade reusable rice heating pad is an excellent beginner sewing project and makes for a wonderful gift! It’s easy and inexpensive to make and is great at easing aches and pains.

**UPDATED JANUARY 16, 2026 **

When I was younger, I played a lot of sports and had a lot of injuries. Nothing major, but enough for me to notice the toll they took on my body now that I’m a little older. Add the effects of two pregnancies and I’ve got my fair share of occasional aches and pains! Typically when I’ve got a sore back or neck, I’ll reach for the electric heating pad and while that works great, it just isn’t as flexible and comfortable as my homemade reusable rice heating pad.

That’s why I love giving them as gifts. In fact, last year I made a few and gave them to family members for Christmas, and all the recipients LOVE them. You can heat them or freeze them to relieve pain, but you can also use them as-is. They’re great to put around your neck when you’re sitting and relaxing or to prop your feet up.

If you’re new to sewing and are intimidated, don’t be. These homemade reusable rice heating pads are a great beginner sewing project because all you have to know how to do is sew in a straight line! That’s it! And I’ll let you in on a secret. I taught myself how to sew about a year and a half ago, and am still learning. So if I can do it, so can you!

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FAQs

How do you use a homemade reusable heating pad?

When you’re ready to use your homemade heating pad, place it in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, then place it on the affected area of the body. Be sure it’s not too hot before you use it though. To use as a cold pack, place the pad into the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes, then place it on the affected area of the body. Use it to relax comfortably when sitting on the couch or to prop your feet or an arm up.

Should I wash my fabric before making the rice heating pad?

I highly recommend washing and ironing your fabric prior to making this homemade reusable rice heating pad. I recommend this step because you cannot wash a reusable heating pad once it’s been completed AND fabric, especially cotton or linen, tends to shrink up with heat. Washing and drying the fabric will pre-sink it.

How do I clean my reusable heating pad?

Because you can’t wash these rice heating pads in the wash, I recommend a spot clean. Use a damp rag and a small amount of soap or stain remover to clean any dirty spots. You can also unpick your stitches, remove the rice and wash the outside, then reassemble it later. That would be a little cumbersome, but would be the best way to get it nice and clean if needed.

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How to Make a Homemade Reusable Rice Heating Pad

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Sewing machine
• Fabric tape measure
• Iron and ironing board
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter & cutting mat
• Funnel and measuring cup

MATERIALS

• 1/2 yard of 100% cotton or linen fabric
• Coordinating thread
• 7 cups of uncooked rice

DIRECTIONS

Cut a piece of fabric that is 19 inches long by 14 inches wide. To do this, I like to fold the fabric over lengthwise 7 inches and then cut out the rectangle.

Once your fabric is cut to size, turn the fabric so it’s wrong side out, fold in half lengthwise again and press the folded seam.

Take your folded fabric to your sewing machine and sew one short side, the entire long side (the side that is opposite the folded edge) and three quarters of the other short side leaving a 2-3 inch opening. For this project, I used a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Using sharp scissors or pinking shears, cut the extra fabric all the way around leaving about 1/4″ past the seam. This gives the rice heating pad a nice seam once you turn it right side out.

Through the small opening, turn the bag right side out, then use a blunt object, like a crochet hook, to carefully push out the corners so you have a nice rectangle. Once you’ve pushed out all the corners, press the fabric again.

Using a funnel, fill the bag with 7 cups of uncooked rice of any variety. You can fill the bag more if you like, but I found that 7 cups was perfect because it allows the heating pad to mold to the area of your body that you’re using it on.

Push all the rice to the end without the opening. Fold the opening under and top stitch the entire side. You can also top stitch the opposite side for a more uniform look.

NOTES

• I suggest using fabric that is 100% cotton or linen because synthetic materials can melt when they are heated in the microwave.
• Use cotton thread if you can, but if you don’t have any, all purpose thread works too.
• Try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil or even dried lavender for a calming scent to the rice before adding it to the bag.
• DO NOT put your heating pad in the washer or submerge it in water. To clean, spot treat the fabric, but be careful not to get any rice wet because that could create mold, and you don’t want that! Allow the spot to air dry. Do not put the heating pad in the dryer.

CHECK OUT MORE OF MY DIY TUTORIALS!

Are you interested in other DIY tutorials like this one? Check out a couple of my other posts!

• Sturdy Textured Crocheted Washcloth
• Reusable Bread Bags
• Orange Spiced Sugar Scrub
• Homemade Whipped Body Butter

Did you make this homemade reusable rice heating pad? Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation of this heating pad!