How to Make a DIY Heating Pad with Pom Poms

Here is a modern and fresh take on one of my favorite DIY’s. When the weather is chilly you can pop this in the microwave for 1- 1.5 minutes and it stays warm and toasty for an hour. Who doesn’t love the warmth and comfort of a homemade heat pad? The cost is minimal about $5 to make and about 20 mins to complete the project. I’ve added some ombré Pom Pom’s to the corners for a more Boho look. For the filling I use wheat berries, because they hold heat the longest and have a nice weight to them.  These make wonderful Christmas gifts and you can make several at once. It’s bright and cheerful fabric will brighten up any winter day!

For Mammas’ this pad works wonders on sore shoulders from carrying a baby!

Materials

1. 2.5 pound bag of Red Wheat Berries 
2. Cotton Fabric 15 in x 19 in (a great way to use up pretty scraps!)
3. Ombre yarn for Pom Poms
4. Sewing machine
5. 10 drops of French lavender oil for a relaxing scent
6. Funnel

Instructions

Measure and cut your fabric into a 15 in x 19 in piece. Fold right sides together and pin the edges together.Sew a seam around the bag (expect on the fold) when you get to the final open side, sew about 1/4 of the way down and back stitch several times. Do the same on the other edge. Leave open the middle part for turning (see photo below)Turn the heating bag right side out. Use a chopstick to push out the corners. Now fold in half and Pin.

Iron the middle seam (this fold will be your stitch guide for the next step)

Measure in 4 inches on both sides, and sew a seam down the middle, and then turn and sew back over it a second time for strength (this helps the wheat berries disperse evenly in the bag and makes heating easier) Tip: It helps to backstitch each time so that seam stays strong.Pour your wheat berries into a bowl . Now is the time to add the Lavender oil to the wheat berries and stir around with a spoon… next we fill up the bag!A funnel helps to get every wheat berry in with little spillage. It’s best to use a funnel with a larger opening to prevent the wheat from getting stuck. if this happens you can tap the sides of the funnel or poke a chopstick in the middle to get them flowing again.Handstich the opening closed.

Making the Pom Pom’s 

Wrap 40-60 times your wool around a fork, depending on the thickness of your yarn.Tying your pompom very tight is one of the keys to making a perfect fluffy and dense pompom. A loose center means a loose pompom!

Cut a 4 inch piece of wool, and wrap around the pom pom , pull tight and then tie a knot. Using a piece of Waxed linen thread , which is very strong, works the best.Carefully pull the Pompom off your spoon and cut the sides with sharp scissors.Fluff out the PomPom to get a rounded shape. Sew onto the corners of your heating bag.Sew the pom poms to the corners and you have an adorable heating bag that is warm, cozy and beautiful to look at! To heat simply place in microwave on high for 40 seconds, Turn and heat another 40. To cool  (for migraines or tired eyes) place in the freezer for 20 mins.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as your friends enjoy receiving them! I’d love to see your finished heating pads and hear your comments!