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.
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.
To make a set of fleece hand warmers you will need:
4 (4″) squares of fleece
rice
sewing machine
I used pinking shears to cut the fleece and add a decorative edge at the same time. Sew 3 sides of your fleece.
Add 2-3 T. rice
Add a couple of drops of essential oil. 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.
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! Check out my Sewing with Kids Pinterest board for more ideas!
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How long do you heat them for? Without causing harm to a child. thanks ahead!
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!
Thanks so much, I think 30 seconds will be perfect. I appreciate the quick reply 🙂 …. Now to cut some out and make them! …. yay!
How long do they stay warm?
Hi Pam! They stay hot for about 5 minutes and then warm for another 15 minutes or so.
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.
Good to know!!
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.
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!
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?
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.
I have made “hot packs” (10×15″) using rice (2 1/2 lbs) and the fabric I used was cotton flannel. Worked well.
Love this diy! #wonderfulwednesday
These are so cute and sweet! Our link party at Grandma’s House just opened today, we would love to have you there!
Great idea, your handwarmers are simple yet very usefull.
Cheers,
Emese
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
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
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!
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!
Thanxs for sharing!
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.
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!
What a great idea! And so easy. 🙂
#sharingtimelinkparty
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
Have you heard of anyone using feed corn instead of rice for the filling?
I have! I heaven’t tried using it, but have seen “rice bags” made using corn instead.