how do i make a microwave wheat heat pack?

Question

i love those heat wheat packs and have a few that i use everyday, i wanna make my own big one cos the ones i have are a little small, what do i fill them up with? please, thanks

Answer 1

There are a number of things you can fill them with (and a few things that aren't advised).

The most common filling is probably rice, but other things can be used too like:
...flax seed (retains heat well but is small—from health food or feed store), millet, barley (good for moist heat too),
...buckwheat
http://www.jackcrisp.com/bulkbuckwheat.html
http://www.jackcrisp.com/hotcoldmitt.html
...cherry pits (larger and retain heat or cold well… also lightweight and good for moist heat too)
http://www.cherrypitstore.com
..feed corn (but may have bugs, so not nec. advised)
..small gravel intended for aquariums

Here's a comparison of different kinds of filler
http://www.diamondthreadworks.com/microwave_heating_bags.htm
(see bottom of page for whole text)

Some people also like to add herbs or essential oils to their grains or seeds, etc.... not me though.

You can make the bags out of anything natural (some non-natural fabrics may partly melt with the heat, though I’ve heard fleece and velour work well, so may depend on other factors). Some possibilities:

cotton/muslin fabric, flannel
cotton tube socks
wash cloths, etc.
pillow cases
…some feel that adding a little cotton batting inside helps hold in the heat too


Here are some patterns for regular bags, plus mitten bags, foot warmer bags, eye bags, neck & shoulder bags, etc.
http://www.diamondthreadworks.com/microwave_heating_bags.htm (bottom of page)

And more:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GGLC,GGLC:1969-53,GGLC:en&q=make+microwave+heating+bags


Enjoy!

Diane B.

Answer 2

Wheat Heat Pack

Answer 3

I'll agree with white or Jasmine rice. Was suggested by the class me and my wife went to for childbirth. Get a calf- or knee-length tube sock, fill 2/3 to 3/4 full, tie off. Also makes a GREAT warm massager too.

Answer 4

No, absolutely not. It will melt. Make a pot of boiling water instead, pour it into a large bowl and then soak the heat pack in the boiling water for a few minutes.

Answer 5

I have made my own and have stuffed them with Jasmine rice. Plain white rice will do but it smells like plain white rice. jasmine rice has a more pleasant smell. You can also add small amounts of dried herbs(sage,etc) or flowers (lavender, etc) to make them smell even better when you heat them. I believe that my mom has one with chamomile and lavender and rice .

Answer 6

Rice. Plain white.

Answer 7

i used oats, the kind horses and cattle eat. They hold heat well and cold also. But thats a country thing.

Answer 8

Empty the contents of the bought ones into it or open one to see what grains they have inside and identify the grains?