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.
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!
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 jasmine 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.
More Simple Sewing Projects for Kids to Make
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To make a set of fleece hand warmers you will need:
- 4 (4″) squares of fleece
- white rice (jasmine)
- essential oil (optional)
- sewing machine
- thread
- scissors
How to Make Fleece Hand Warmers in 5 Minutes
Step 1: Cut fleece into squares.
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.
Step 2: Sew 3 sides of the fleece.
Step 3: Add 2-3 T. of white rice
Step 4: Add a couple of drops of essential oil.
Note: This is totally optional, but rice does have a light musty odor when heated. We found this out with our Warm Bed Buddies. It isn’t bad, but noticeable, and goes away as the rice cools down and dries out again.
Step 4: Stitch the 4th side closed to complete the square.
Repeat for the other hand warmer and you’ll have a complete set!
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!
tere :) says
How long do you heat them for? Without causing harm to a child. thanks ahead!
Brandy says
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!
tere :) says
Thanks so much, I think 30 seconds will be perfect. I appreciate the quick reply 🙂 …. Now to cut some out and make them! …. yay!
Pam says
How long do they stay warm?
Brandy says
Hi Pam! They stay hot for about 5 minutes and then warm for another 15 minutes or so.
Audra says
I want to know how to make paracord brceletes but it wont let me click on it, it just shows how to make cakes $!!😠
Brandy says
The link has been fixed: https://gluesticksblog.com/diy-paracord-bracelet-for-kids/
Carrie says
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.
Brandy says
Good to know!!
Dianne Arthurs says
These are cute. Will definitely make some for Christmas. Thanks
Brandy says
You’re welcome! 🙂
Dani says
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.
Jen says
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!
Sheri Hays says
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?
Brandy says
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.
Gail says
Anything with polyester in it has the potential to catch fire in the microwave.
Susan says
I have made “hot packs” (10×15″) using rice (2 1/2 lbs) and the fabric I used was cotton flannel. Worked well.
The Savvy Age says
Love this diy! #wonderfulwednesday
tarahlynn says
These are so cute and sweet! Our link party at Grandma’s House just opened today, we would love to have you there!
Pale Blue Corner says
Great idea, your handwarmers are simple yet very usefull.
Cheers,
Emese
Sarah says
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
Taylor-Made Homestead says
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
angie the freckled rose says
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!
angie the freckled rose says
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!
Ansie says
Thanxs for sharing!
Sharon says
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.
The Freshman Cook says
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!
Jennifer Wise says
What a great idea! And so easy. 🙂
#sharingtimelinkparty
Kim~madeinaday says
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
Barbara says
Have you heard of anyone using feed corn instead of rice for the filling?
Brandy says
I have! I heaven’t tried using it, but have seen “rice bags” made using corn instead.
Pat says
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
Brandy says
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! 🙂
Jody says
You can get crushed walnut shells at a pet store- they’re used for lizard bedding.
Brandy says
Awesome tip, thank you!!
Alisha S says
Could we heat them up for 1 minute? In the winter we go snowboarding and we will need them for long periods of time.
Brandy says
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!
Alisha says
Ok. Thanks
Susan Regentin says
How do you prep walnut shells if you want to use them instead of rice?
Brandy says
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.