Ingredients for this project:

Any thick material (this project calls for 18",but you can make the
heating pad any size you want sewing machine or needle and thread
Flax seed or wheat Essential oil *optional.


We have all seen those microwave heating pads selling in the stores
for big bucks, and I always thought "Boy I wish I knew how to make
one" They look so easy to make. So my new friend Wendy gave me
the "directions" and it is easy enough to do and so helpful to those
of us who get cold easily or have sore muscles.

It's pretty easy to make a wheat bag heating pad - all you need is
some strong material like cotton, canvas or tartan, as long as
there's no give in it, so it doesn't stretch! Keep in mind, it needs
to be pretty thick so when the wheat is heated (and it gets pretty
hot) that you don't burn yourself.

Once you pick your material, cut a square about 18" each side and
fold it in half so it's inside out. It will be oblong shape. Stitch
down one short side and the long side. A sewing machine works best
as you need short stitches close together, so the wheat doesn't come
out. If you stitch by hand go over it again to make sure the stitches
are tight. Next, turn it the right way in so the seam is on the
inside. You will need to buy some Flax seed or Wheat. They need to
be the whole kernel. Fill the bag about 1/2 way, then stitch the one
side that is left, sealing it tight.

If you are handy with sewing, and don't mind a little extra work, you
might want to divide the bag into sections. Maybe in 4- put in 1/4
of your seeds then stitch the bag 1/4 of the way up, drop in
another 1/4 of the seeds and stitch those in, repeating for the
rest, so you will have 4 compartments full of seeds, instead of one
big one. Then you will have seeds fairly distributed throughout your
hand made heating pad! This isn't necessary- but a great tip.

At this point, if you desire, you can use essential oils to sprinkle
on the material for aromatherapy.

You will need to microwave it for about 2 minutes.

* Please note all microwaves are different, so please "test" it a few
times for more or less time to see what works for you. Please use
caution when first using it - as it might come out of the microwave
very hot. It stays warm for a couple of hours. You can also put
these in the fridge/freezer if the cold is better for you.

If you want, you can make these any shape you like. For example, a
horseshoe for your neck or a heart for a child to hold when going to
sleep etc. You can make these as big or as small as you desire. Just
remember that you are going to need as many seeds as it takes to fill
1/2 the bag. Usually about 1lb is enough for the 18" bags.

These heating pads make great gifts for yourself or for others. They
can be reused time and time again.

Good Luck making yours!

Christine Miserandino is a writer, motivational speaker, and patient
advocate from NY. Her writing has been featured
in numerous newspapers, magazines, medical newsletters and television
media. Check out http://www.ButYouDontLookSick.com
to read more of her articles, and to receive her monthly newsletter.