How to Make No-Sew Hand Warmers
Imaginative Crafts, Do-It-Yourself Projects and Video Tutorials by Robert Mahar, robert-mahar.com
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Materials:
Cotton flannel fabric
Iron-on letters*
Peel & stick fabric fusing**
Uncooked rice
*Online source for iron-on letters: http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-White-Flo…
**Online source for peel & stick fabric fusing:https://www.fabric.com/buy/0293649/pe…
Tools:
Fabric scissors
Pinking shears
Craft scissors
Ruler
Rotary cutter and cutting mat (optional)
Iron
Directions:
1. Measure and cut your fabric into 5″ squares using your fabric scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat. You will need two squares for each hand warmer.
2. Apply an iron-on letter to one of your fabric squares. Follow the package instructions.
3. Using your craft scissors cut and apply a strip of peel & stick fabric fusing along all four sides of your second fabric square. Place the fabric fusing about ¼” from the outer edge of your fabric and position them so the pieces butt up against one another — this ensures a complete seal and will prevent the hand warmer contents from spilling out. Adhere the two fabric squares one side at a time — peel away the paper back from the fabric fusing, align the fabric edges and then firmly press them together. Repeat this on three side of the square, leaving the fourth side open!
4. Trim the three sealed sides of the hand warmer with pinking shears.
5. Fill the hand warmer with ½ to ¾ cup of uncooked rice.
6. Careful not to spill the rice, seal the fourth side — again peel away the paper backing from the fabric fusing, align the fabric edges and then press them firmly together. Trim this fourth sealed edge with pinking shears. Gently shake the hand warmer over a bowl to make certain all four sides are securely sealed.
7. Your hand warmer is now ready to use! Place it in a microwave for 30 seconds on high. Remove and place in your coat pocket. The hand warmer should keep your fingers toasty for about 20-30 minutes.
Helpful Tips:
• NO NOT OVERHEAT YOUR HAND WARMERS. Use common sense when heating your hand warmers — you want to warm your hands, not burn them!
• I used cotton flannel for these hand warmers, contrasting a plaid fabric with a solid one. Because this project requires so little fabric it’s a great way to use up scraps from previous projects! Or perhaps you’ll want to consider recycling an old flannel shirt..
• Using iron-on letters is a fun way to personalize this project, but it is an optional step. If you do choose to use iron-on letters, just be certain to use a natural fiber fabric (like cotton) versus a synthetic fabric (like polyester fleece) because synthetic fabrics can melt when ironed.
• Create hand warmers in pairs for a thoughtful cold-weather gift!