by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

I'm going to make a microwaveable heating pad with rice in it. The one I own is made of a knit fabric. It's probably cotton. What fabrics have worked best for you?

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by queenofhearts 14 Dec 2014

You can use any cotton fabric but I prefer flannel. Then I make a removable cover out of flannel or fleece. If you are concerned about putting fleece in the microwave you can put the cover on after it is out of the microwave but I have never had a problem with it. And I use corn insteag of rice becausr it holds the heat longer. You can purchase large bags of corn in sporting goods depts.

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noah by noah 01 Jan 2015

Wow what a grand idea thanks Queen of hearts:):)hugs

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by gjemptynester 30 Oct 2014

I have always used cotton fabric and barley. Never a problem and they have lasted a very long time.

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by lynn12766 30 Oct 2014

my microwave did not like cotton or felt, but fleece was ok. I don't know what you have decided to use

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by cfidl 29 Oct 2014

I have heard that you should use only cotton, and even cotton has a small level of fire danger. I would not use anything synthetic.

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by lolly3 21 Oct 2014

Hi sewmom, I make my heat packs out of cotton corduroy material and fill them with wheat and lavender, I have also made washable pillowcases for them, so when it gets grubby you can put the pillowcase in the wash. Hope you find this helpful. Thankyou for sharing. Kind Regards Lorraine McNeill of South Australia

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sewmom by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

Thank you!

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by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

Found a couple of cute tutorials.
Will 20 minute long grain rice work? I don't think that's considered instant is it?

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getEdited - SELECT
by graceandham edited 21 Oct 2014

P.S. If your microwave is high wattage, your cotton may still burn - ask me how I know.

So you may need to heat at 70 or 80 percent power.

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sewmom by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

No, I won't ask : )
I just microwaved a test sample and it was fine.

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by ktk9 21 Oct 2014

I have used a terry wash cloth, folded it in half and sewed up the edges. To make it easy to launder, use a separate bag inside and velcro closure on the wash cloth. This worked very well when the veterinarian said to apply heat to my dog's ailing front leg and I did not want drips from wet compresses. Judy

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sewmom by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

Great!

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by AuntAnnie 21 Oct 2014

Always use 100% cotton as tilde stated. I like making a bag for the rice using muslin then a washable cover of flannel--sort of like a pillow.

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sewmom by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

Thank you. I was thinking that embroidery would work better on an outside cover.

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by tilde01 21 Oct 2014

I understand that if you're heating it in the microwave, everything should be cotton, including the thread. Otherwise it could cause a fire in your microwave.

If you want make the pad in cotton, then a covering could be anything that you want and you would be able to wash the covering without damaging the rice or any herbs you might put in with the rice.

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sewmom by sewmom edited 21 Oct 2014

Do you mean a separate removable pad? Great idea.

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by americangirl 21 Oct 2014

I have used cotton and fleece and love them both ways.

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sewmom by sewmom 21 Oct 2014

Thank you!

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