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If your hands are constantly freezing, you may be paying for expensive one-time-use hand warmers to keep warm them up. Stop paying for them and make these DIY hand warmers instead! They’re super simple to sew and can be used over and over again!
I may live in Texas but come about late September or October, it starts to get chilly in North Texas. By the time that marching band season is over for us, it’s fairly cool out making us bundle up a bit more than we normally do.
It’s especially cool for my daughter Laura who stands outside with the band during football games and competitions.
That’s where these DIY hand warmers come into play.
What Can I Use DIY Hand Warmers for?
Aside from the obvious, these DIY hand warmers are great for stashing in your pockets to help keep your body warm. They’re also great if you’re camping for laying under the blankets with you to help generate more heat to keep you warm.
In other words, if you can think of a way to use them, you very likely can.
Laura really loves to put them in the pocket of her band pants for cold football games.
How hard are hand warmers to make?
They’re super easy! In fact, they’re so easy that there is no real pattern to them! You can sew a group of four or eight in just a few minutes without too much work at all.
They’re just as simple as my Easy DIY Kitchen Towel sewing project!
I like simple and I’d bet you do too.
What Supplies Do I Need to Make Homemade Hand Warmers?
Since these DIY hand warmers are sewn, you will obviousl need a basic sewing machine.
Yes, you could sew them by hand, but it would be a big pain in the rear. A simple machine will make it so much easier for you!
If you need to learn how to sew, Udemy has great video sewing lessons available right here.
You will also need the items listed below.
- Fleece or other material in the pattern of your choice
- Sewing machine with thread
- Sewing Clips
- Dry, Uncooked Rice
- Small Funnel
- Individual condiment cup
What is the best material for DIY hand warmers?
We used fleece for the ones in the photos, however, you can use any fabric that you want. I am just super fond of fleece for projects such as this. It holds heat so well making it perfect for winter projects.
If you, like me, are fond of fleece, here are 37+ more fleece sewing projects you could try.
Cotton, however, does work really well too.
What is the best size for these DIY Hand Warmers?
It really depends on what you’re planning on using them for. If you want them sized as true hand warmers or want them able to be slid into a pocket, the best sizes are either 3×3 or 4×4.
Either size works very well for keeping on your person as a way to enhance warmth.
How to Clean Homemade Handwarmers
If you’re using your hand warmers often, they’re going to get dirty, but can you wash them?
No.
Since these DIY hand warmers have rice in them, washing them could cause the rice to mold making them unusable.
Instead, wipe the outer fabric with a lightly damp cloth and allow them to fully dry before putting them to use again. Just be sure not to allow the damp cloth to soak through the fabric to the rice.
How do I Use These DIY Hand Warmers?
They’re super easy to use! To do so, simply microwave or place near another heat source for a few seconds until hot.
If you’re using them while camping and are using a campfire to warm them, be sure you keep them away from the fire itself. No one wants their hard work going up in flames.
I think that’s all you need to know before making them! As I said earlier, they’re super easy to make and use. They even make amaazing gifts!
To gift them, simply stack together and tie with twine. Add a pretty gift bag and you’re good to go!
DIY Hand Warmers
Equipment
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Sewing Clips
- Small Funnel
- Individual Condiment Cup
Ingredients
- Uncooked Rice
- Material of Your Choosing
Instructions
- Cut two squares of material into the size of your choosing.
- Clip three sides of the squares to help hold material together.
- Sew three sides leaving fourth side open.
- Use a small funnel to add 2-3 condiment cups full of rice to the pocket.
- Sew fourth side with a top stich to close and trim excess fabric.
