Reusable Hand Warmers: How to Make Your Own!

Winter is well and truly on its way, and we think it’s about time to get serious about it! We’re talking woolly hats, scarves and gloves… and these gorgeous reusable hand warmers created by the lovely Becky Cole! Whether you’re walking the dog, doing the school run, or on the daily commute, having these fantastic little reusable hand warmers in your pockets is going to be a lifesaver! Say goodbye to frozen fingertips, and hello to toasty warm hands, no matter what the weather throws at you!

Time to Make: Less than 1 hr

Skill Level: Beginner

You Will Need:

• Tartan flannel fabric (enough to cut 4 x 10cm squares)
• Dried rice
• Funnel
• Sewing scissors
• Complementary sewing thread
• Straight pins
• Tape measure
• Sewing machine
• Iron (optional)

How to Make Your Own Reusable Hand Warmers:

Step 1:

Cut four squares from your fabric, 10cm x 10cm. Use the pattern in the fabric to guide your straight lines.

Step 2:

Place 2 of the squares together with the right sides of the fabric together. Stitch 7.5mm seam allowance all the way around, leaving a gap of about 4 cm along one edge. Trim off the corners to remove bulk. Repeat with the second pair of squares.

Step 3:

Turn your fabric squares inside out so that the right sides of the fabric are now on the outside and the seams are on the inside. Stitch another line of sewing following the same path you did in the previous step, all the way around, leaving the same gap as before. Stitch a few mm in from the edge so that you are sewing through 4 layers of fabric all the way around. Press your square pouches first if this makes it easier for you.

Step 4:

Insert the funnel into the gap and pour in some rice – a small handful should do it! Fill each pouch about ¾ full with the rice.

Step 5:

Fold in the raw edges at the gap, and pin the two sides together. Push the rice to the bottom of the pouch, and place the edge with the pinned gap under your sewing machine foot. Following the line of top stitching you have already done, join up the two corners to close the gap and seal the rice inside.

Your hand warmers are now complete! To use, place the pouches in the microwave and heat for 20-30 seconds on full power. Be careful, as they will be hot when you take them out!

Say goodbye to frozen fingertips and enjoy a winter of toasty warm pockets, thanks to these fantastic reusable hand warmers… you might want to make a few more to give as gifts!

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