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January 23, 2020 By Brandy 44 Comments

Home » Craft Tutorials

Fleece Hand Warmers: Make a Pair in 5 Minutes (Video)

Filed Under: Craft Tutorials, Kids Crafts, Sewing Tagged With: bath and body

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Here is a quick, easy, and cozy gift idea! 5-minute fleece hand warmers to put inside a jacket pocket. Fill with rice and warm in a microwave to heat up! You can even add a few drops of essential oil to make them smell nice. Package up in a set of two for a sweet gift. This post contains an affiliate link.

Disclaimer: I haven’t had any issues or heard of any readers having any issues, but would like to post this anyway. This is a use at your own risk project. I am not responsible if you overheat the hand warmers in the microwave.  

Watch our step by step video!

 

Winter is here. Even in California. It’s been in the 30s in the mornings here and it feels chilly! I helped Ruby make a bunch of little sets of 5 minute fleece hand warmers to give to everyone for Christmas. An easy 5 minute project to make one, less than 10 minutes to make a set. Fill them with rice and heat in the microwave to warm little hands and pockets. She even added a couple of drops of peppermint oils, and they smell wonderful!

pile of homemade hand warmers

This is a great way to use up scrap fleece. I had a bunch after making 3 Step Fleece Pillowcases for my kids.

What Can You Fill Hand Warmers With?

We used white rice, but you can use a variety of items like whole corn (dry) or walnut shells.

Can You Wash Hand Warmers?

Not if you have filled them with rice. You can wash them if they have been filled with walnut shells because the shells won’t mold when wet. These fleece hand warmers are so easy to make and only take 5 minutes that I don’t worry about washing them. If one gets dirty, it’s not a big deal to make another.

Can You Make Hand Warmers With Other Fabrics Besides Fleece?

Absolutely. Cotton works well, so does flannel. Fleece is just easy for kids because it doesn’t fray and they don’t need to turn the fabric right side out.

I’ve had readers ask about heating fleece in the microwave. I haven’t ever had any issues. These hand warmers are only in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Not enough to have a reaction from getting too hot. My son has had a fleece rice bag in the shape of a gingerbread man that my mom sent him for his birthday for years, and has heated it up dozens of times. Never had any issues. That being said, as always, use at your own risk and do not over heat. My brother caught a potato on fire by accidentally setting the microwave for 20 minutes when we were kids. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t microwave potatoes, you just need to pay attention.

How To Heat Hand Warmers

Microwave for 20-30 seconds per pair (15 seconds then flip over and microwave another 10-15 seconds). Make sure they are not too hot before handling them. These hand warmers will stay warm up to 30 minutes.

More Simple Sewing Projects for Kids to Make

How To Make Your Own Teddy Bear

Heart Plushie Tutorial

Make a Wired Fabric Headband in 10 Minutes

How to Make Sesame Street Bean Bags and Softies

For 60 more simple sewing projects for kids, check out “Sew With Me” my sewing book for kids!
pile of homemade hand warmers

5 Minute Fleece Hand Warmers

Here is a quick, easy, and cozy gift idea! 5 minute fleece hand warmers to put inside a jacket pocket. Fill with rice and warm in a microwave to heat up! You can even add a few drops of essential oil to make them smell nice. Package up in a set of two for a sweet gift.
4 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Active Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cost: $1

Equipment

  • sewing machine
  • scissors

Materials

  • 4 4" squares of fleece
  • white rice
  • essential oil optional
  • thread

Instructions

  • Cut fleece into squares.
    squares of fleece
  • Sew 3 sides of the fleece.
    fleece square sewn on 3 sides
  • Add 2-3 T. of white rice
    adding rice to hand wamer
  • Add a couple of drops of essential oil.
    essential oil scented hand warmer
  • Stitch the 4th side closed to complete the square.
    stitch opening of hand warmer closed
  • Repeat for the other hand warmer and you'll have a complete set!
    finished hand warmer

Notes

Note: I used pinking shears to cut the fleece and add a decorative edge at the same time. This is optional. The nice thing about working with fleece is that it doesn't fray, so you don't need to worry about hemming or finishing the edges of the fabric.
Note: Adding essential oil is totally optional, but rice does have a light musty odor when heated. 
 

Make up a bunch of these to have as gifts this winter! My kids are always more excited to give a gift when they’ve made or picked it out on their own. One year, they wanted to wait to open up their gifts from Santa until after they had exchanged their homemade gifts with each other. It was pretty much the best Christmas morning ever! Here are more easy fleece sewing projects to make!

This is a refresh of a post originally shared in 2013.

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About Brandy

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. tere :) says

    December 26, 2013 at 7:37 am

    How long do you heat them for? Without causing harm to a child. thanks ahead!

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 26, 2013 at 9:52 am

      I heat them for 30 seconds and they are just right! You could probably heat them a bit more and see how that goes, but 30 seconds is perfect for my kids. Hope that helps!

      Reply
      • tere :) says

        December 26, 2013 at 2:54 pm

        Thanks so much, I think 30 seconds will be perfect. I appreciate the quick reply 🙂 …. Now to cut some out and make them! …. yay!

        Reply
  2. Pam says

    December 28, 2013 at 5:33 am

    How long do they stay warm?

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 28, 2013 at 9:21 am

      Hi Pam! They stay hot for about 5 minutes and then warm for another 15 minutes or so.

      Reply
      • Audra says

        April 18, 2019 at 9:53 pm

        I want to know how to make paracord brceletes but it wont let me click on it, it just shows how to make cakes $!!😠

        Reply
        • Brandy says

          April 19, 2019 at 9:38 pm

          The link has been fixed: https://gluesticksblog.com/diy-paracord-bracelet-for-kids/

          Reply
  3. Carrie says

    December 29, 2013 at 7:04 am

    Made these before and people love them but I found out, don’t heat them on a rack in the microwave if you have one. Don’t know if it was a fluke but it melted an edge and I am not trying it again just to check. Never had a problem if I put them on the glass turntable.

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 29, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Good to know!!

      Reply
      • Dianne Arthurs says

        December 3, 2019 at 2:39 pm

        These are cute. Will definitely make some for Christmas. Thanks

        Reply
        • Brandy says

          December 3, 2019 at 6:33 pm

          You’re welcome! 🙂

          Reply
  4. Dani says

    November 17, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I made similar hand warmers out of flannel. In WI we need an extra boost of warmth, so I adjusted the size and created a “pocket” that could hold a chemical hand warmer too. It can be added to extend the time and warmth of these great rice filled kind.

    20 seconds in the microwave lasts for about 30 minutes of warmth. One chemical hand warmer could be switched between the two rice warmers, for up to 8 hours of warmth.

    New size: 5 X 4 (the kind I buy are 4 X 3 and about 1/2 an inch thick).
    Add a 3rd strip of fabric, 5 X 3.5. It will be missed and not attached to one of the 4 inch sides to make a pocket.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      January 1, 2016 at 7:41 pm

      Dani – I love your idea for adding a pocket. My husband is ill, so his hands get cold as ice! He asked how my making him a basic rice-type hand warmer would help while out. Problem solved! Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Sheri Hays says

    December 4, 2014 at 7:50 am

    I made a few out of fleece with rice and heated one up for the first time (not too long at all but just enough), took it out and my hands were really wet… I didn’t like that b/c if I am trying to warm my hands I don’t want them wet when it’s cold out or my hands are cold. Why would they get so wet?? I wanted to make for gifts and now I don’t know. Also, I’ve read that fleece isn’t safe for micro..is that true?

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 4, 2014 at 8:20 am

      Hi Sheri! I haven’t had any issues with fleece in the microwave. My mom sent my kids fleece softies that were meant for the microwave too, maybe it’s a certain kind of fleece? I’m not sure. I usually warm them for a few seconds, then flip them and warm again. There is a little moisture when heated, maybe cotton would cause less.

      Reply
    • Gail says

      October 30, 2019 at 10:08 pm

      Anything with polyester in it has the potential to catch fire in the microwave.

      Reply
  6. Susan says

    February 11, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    I have made “hot packs” (10×15″) using rice (2 1/2 lbs) and the fabric I used was cotton flannel. Worked well.

    Reply
  7. The Savvy Age says

    November 2, 2016 at 5:10 am

    Love this diy! #wonderfulwednesday

    Reply
  8. tarahlynn says

    November 2, 2016 at 8:08 am

    These are so cute and sweet! Our link party at Grandma’s House just opened today, we would love to have you there!

    Reply
  9. Pale Blue Corner says

    November 3, 2016 at 8:15 am

    Great idea, your handwarmers are simple yet very usefull.
    Cheers,
    Emese

    Reply
  10. Sarah says

    November 5, 2016 at 12:28 pm

    Wow, I need some of these! Adding some fragrance is a great idea.
    I found your blog via Think Tank Thursday!
    Sarah https://www.enrichmentality.com

    Reply
  11. Taylor-Made Homestead says

    November 6, 2016 at 5:16 am

    Visiting from the Happiness is Homemade party. What a cute gift idea – love this! I’m thinking it might be cute to make smaller sets of these for my grandbabies. Warm ’em up and tuck them into their coat pockets before heading outside. Thanks for sharing.

    ~Taylor-Made Homestead~
    Texas

    Reply
  12. angie the freckled rose says

    November 13, 2016 at 5:54 pm

    This is so cute! I always need hand warmers in the wintertime. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Dishing It & Digging It & congratulations on being featured this week!

    Reply
  13. angie the freckled rose says

    November 13, 2016 at 5:55 pm

    This is so cute! I’m always looking for hand warmers in the wintertime. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Dishing It & Digging It & congratulations on being featured this week!

    Reply
  14. Ansie says

    August 12, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Thanxs for sharing!

    Reply
  15. Sharon says

    November 7, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    I’ve made these a bit smaller ( finished size approximately 2×3 )to fit in gloves or mittens. Friends and I use them while on our morning walk.

    Reply
  16. The Freshman Cook says

    November 10, 2018 at 10:13 pm

    These are such a great idea, and a perfect gift too! I love anything that keeps me warm!! Thank you for sharing at Celebrate It!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer Wise says

    November 12, 2018 at 10:51 am

    What a great idea! And so easy. 🙂
    #sharingtimelinkparty

    Reply
  18. Kim~madeinaday says

    November 12, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    What an easy way to warm you up! It’s so chilly here in NC I could have used these today!
 Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! We hope you will join us again next week!
    Kim

    Reply
  19. Barbara says

    December 28, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    Have you heard of anyone using feed corn instead of rice for the filling?

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 29, 2018 at 8:41 pm

      I have! I heaven’t tried using it, but have seen “rice bags” made using corn instead.

      Reply
  20. Pat says

    September 29, 2019 at 12:38 pm

    OMG! I can make tow warmers! Make like a Taco. The nephropathy is in my toes only and this would help greatly. Have tons of fleece. Wonder where I get walnut shells

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      September 30, 2019 at 10:44 am

      I didn’t even think about toe warmers. Genius! I start every online shopping search on Amazon. Maybe they’d have the walnut shells? Good luck! 🙂

      Reply
    • Jody says

      October 23, 2019 at 10:44 pm

      You can get crushed walnut shells at a pet store- they’re used for lizard bedding.

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        October 24, 2019 at 2:20 pm

        Awesome tip, thank you!!

        Reply
  21. Alisha S says

    November 18, 2019 at 7:40 am

    Could we heat them up for 1 minute? In the winter we go snowboarding and we will need them for long periods of time.

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      November 18, 2019 at 2:59 pm

      Hi Alisha! These only stay warm 15-20 minutes or so. Great for kids waiting for the bus or going on a walk. For skiing I’d recommend the hot hands ones that you can buy on Amazon or at Walmart. They last a few hours. We’ve used those for snow days with great results!

      Reply
      • Alisha says

        November 29, 2019 at 10:59 am

        Ok. Thanks

        Reply
  22. Susan Regentin says

    December 4, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    How do you prep walnut shells if you want to use them instead of rice?

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 4, 2019 at 2:31 pm

      Hi Susan! I’ve never used walnut shells before, I’ve just heard of others using them instead. I’m sorry I’m not more help.

      Reply
  23. Dorothy says

    May 17, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Hello! Can you please tell me what type of sewing machine you used in the video tutorial for the fleece hand warmers?

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      May 17, 2020 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Dorothy! I have a Janome Sewist 500.

      Reply
  24. Carol says

    December 30, 2020 at 7:41 pm

    I was wondering do you have to use jasmine rice, or will any kind do. Also can I mix the rice with the essential oil, then put it in the pocket. Do you use the oil because the rice leaves a smell?Can you put a few drops of oil on the packs when the smell goes away months later.

    Reply
    • Brandy says

      December 30, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Hi Carol! You don’t need to use jasmine, any white rice will work! You can add essential oil to the rice (if you don’t want the rice odor). I haven’t tried adding oils later on, but I’m sure you could.

      Reply

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About the Author

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you! Learn More About The Author

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