Looking for a quick and easy sewing project this winter? Reusable DIY hand warmers are the perfect beginner sewing project, are inexpensive to make and are super functional!

Although I now live in the South, I spent the first 29 years of my life living through frigid Midwest winters and let me tell ya, they’re brutal. I tried to spend as little time as I could in the cold, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Having some reusable DIY hand warmers can help keep your hands, feet and body warm while you’re battling the cold temperatures!

Warm these hand warmers easily in the microwave before venturing outside, then place them in your jacket pockets, your boots or anywhere you see fit. Your body heat will continue to keep them warm, thus keeping you just a little warmer than you would’ve been otherwise! These are great for kids who may have to stand at the bus stop or great for the hunters in your life.

If you’re new to sewing, I urge you to give this project a try! It’s very simple to do and can be made using some leftover fabric. You can really use any flannel or cotton material; even old t-shirts or sweaters would work really great. You can even hand sew these hand warms if you so choose. These DIY hand warmers make wonderful gifts and are great to have around for those cold winter days when you just need a little bit extra warmth!

PIN FOR LATER!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure here for further information.

HOW TO SEW DIY HAND WARMERS

MATERIALS

1/4 yard flannel fabric (or fat quarter)
Cotton thread
1/2 cup uncooked rice

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

DIRECTIONS FOR HOW TO SEW DIY HAND WARMERS

If you choose, wash your fabric, then iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases.

Using your scissors or rotary cutter, cut a strip of fabric that is 5″ wide by 10″ long.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, or hamburger style, then pin together.

Sew around the square using a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a 2-3″ inch opening.

Cut off the corners of the square to create a cleaner look.

Turn the fabric right side out and use a blunt object to push out the edges and corners.

Using a funnel, add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice (see notes for alternatives).

Fold together the seam and hand stitch the opening closed. You could also do this with your sewing machine.

Optionally, you can sew the blanket stitch around to add a little extra special touch. For a tutorial on how to do the blanket stitch, check out this tutorial.

NOTES

To make these DIY hand warmers for people with larger hands, cut the fabric 6″ wide by 12″ long or 7″ wide by 14″ long and follow the same tutorial. Just be sure to add more rice.
Some alternatives to using uncooked rice are whole flax seeds, cherry pits or whole corn kernels.
Add 1-3 drops of lavender essential oil (or essential oil of your choosing) to add a special and calming scent.
Be sure to use flannel or cotton fabric as they are microwave safe. If you choose to add the blanket stitch, again, make sure to use cotton thread.

HOW TO USE DIY HAND WARMERS

Place your DIY hand warmers in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add an additional 10-15 seconds until you’ve reached your desired temperature.

Place the hand warmers in your coat pockets, in your boots or simply hold onto them to keep your hands nice and toasty!

VIDEO TUTORIAL

DIY Hand Warmers

Yield: 1 Hand Warmer

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Looking for a quick and easy sewing project this winter? Reusable DIY hand warmers are the perfect beginner sewing project, are inexpensive to make and are super functional!

Materials

1/4 yard flannel fabric (or fat quarter)
Cotton thread
1/2 cup uncooked rice

Tools

Sewing machine
All purpose or cotton thread
Sewing needle
Iron
Scissors or rotary cutter
Sewing pins

Instructions

If you choose, wash your fabric, then iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases.
Using your scissors or rotary cutter, cut a strip of fabric that is 5" wide by 10" long.
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, or hamburger style, then pin together.
Sew around the square using a 1/2" seam allowance, leaving a 2-3" inch opening.
Cut off the corners of the square to create a cleaner look.
Turn the fabric right side out and use a blunt object to push out the edges and corners.
Using a funnel, add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice (see notes for alternatives).
Fold together the seam and hand stitch the opening closed. You could also do this with your sewing machine.
Optionally, you can sew the blanket stitch around to add a little extra special touch. For a tutorial on how to do the blanket stitch, check out this tutorial.

Notes

To make these DIY hand warmers for people with larger hands, cut the fabric 6" wide by 12" long or 7" wide by 14" long and follow the same tutorial. Just be sure to add more rice.
Some alternatives to using uncooked rice are whole flax seeds, cherry pits or whole corn kernels.
Add 1-3 drops of lavender essential oil (or essential oil of your choosing) to add a special and calming scent.
Be sure to use flannel or cotton fabric as they are microwave safe. If you choose to add the blanket stitch, again, make sure to use cotton thread.

LOOKING FOR MORE SEWING TUTORIALS?

Looking for more sewing tutorials like these reusable DIY hand warmers? Check these out:

Did you make these DIY hand warmers? Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation of this project!

How to Sew Reusable DIY Hand Warmers

PIN FOR LATER!