Homemade Microwavable Foot Warmers

Crafting homemade foot warmers is an inexpensive, yet practical idea for those interested in sewing. A foot warmer is a simple, rice-filled fabric bag that is microwaved to provide warmth. Microwavable foot warmers are easily customizable in size and can be made with recycled denim or flannel fabric scraps. They can be given as gifts or kept to warm up your own feet on cold nights.

Turn the fabric inside-out and fold it in half so that it is a smaller rectangle, keeping the edges even. Lay it on a flat surface with the fold at the bottom.

Secure the open edges with sewing pins, leaving the top edge open. Sew a double seam along the two pinned edges about one-half inch from the edges.

Turn the fabric bag right-side out, finger-pressing the seams and corners open. Lay the bag flat with the open edge at the top.

Section off the foot warmer into four even vertical sections, using the measuring tape. Pin the fabric along the edge of the measuring tape to mark seam placement. This makes four separate channels to hold the rice in place so it doesn't slide all to the bottom of the foot warmer. Double stitch the channel seams and remove the sewing pins.

Fill each channel with rice to about one-half inch from the opening, then securely pin the top of each channel closed. Leaving space between the end of the rice and where you pinned it shut will allow the rice to shift without straining the seams.

Double stitch the top of the fabric warmer shut about one-half inch from the edge. Fold the stitched edge under about one-quarter inch and double stitch another seam very close to the folded edge.

To heat your foot warmer, microwave it for 30 to 45 seconds and use a towel or oven mitts to remove it from the microwave.