Microwavable Hot/Cold Packs…made from corn {Tutorial}
February 2, 2013 by heather
Awhile back, my dad came home from a dentist appointment with something unexpected. His dental hygienist had given him a soft corn-filled bag she made and told him to heat it in the microwave for a few minutes to keep warm. It can also be placed in a plastic bag and put in the freezer to use as a cold pack! After a visit to my parent’s house complaining of strained neck muscles, the bag was loaned to me. At first, I used it on my neck, but then I started using it all the time to keep warm in my not-so-well-insulated house. It’s a great handwarmer, lapwarmer and perfect to warm the sheets before getting into bed (also looking forward to keeping it in the freezer this summer for a quick cool-down)! Eventually, I figured I should give the bag back to my dad — thus began my mission to make my own bag.
Please note: This tutorial is designed for personal use only.
(If you’d rather not make your own, I often list a few in my Etsy shop, or you may contact me via Etsy for a special request – I have lots of flannel options!)
You will need:
–whole feed/field corn. NOT popcorn or cracked corn. You are looking for whole dried corn kernels – the type you purchase at a feed or farm supply store… ideally, it will say it has been cleaned. 3.5 cups is needed for one small bag.
–100% cotton fabrics. I purchased two fabrics: muslin to seal the corn in (thin is better here to allow it to breathe) and cotton flannel for a soft outer washable casing. How much fabric you purchase will depend on the size/shape of the bag/s you choose to make…for this tutorial, 1/2 yard of the thin fabric and 1/4 yard flannel will suffice.) I recommend washing your fabrics before sewing.
–100% cotton thread. The purpose of 100% cotton fabric/thread is to prevent melting/burning/sparking in your microwave.
When choosing what size bag to make, looking at the interior size of your microwave may be helpful (it is possible to fold the bag to fit, but seems to heat more evenly if it lays flat).
This tutorial will make a bag that measures about 12×5 inches.
The ‘How-to’:
You will only need to cut one square (not two as the photo shows); however, you may choose to forego a washable casing and simply cut a square of flannel and seal the corn this way.
Oops! Ignore my typo above, I promise I know how to spell leave.
Make sure you are using 100% cotton thread!
Filling the bag only about 1/2 or so full allows the hot kernels to mix better.
Set this aside, and now we’ll start working on the outer casing.
The print looks a bit small in the photo – 6×27 inches is what you’ll need.
Again, using 100% cotton thread.
I feel like that wording is confusing, let’s try this again…
Voila! Finished product.
Now it’s time to heat it up – you may notice it smells like popcorn, especially the first few times. It will also put out a moist heat these first couple of uses. You will want to microwave your bag right away to make sure any possible bugs from the corn get ‘cooked’. I put mine in for two minutes, but all microwaves vary and you should start with one minute and then 30 second intervals to see what works best for you. Be careful, as it is very possible to burn yourself if you overheat the bag and use it on bare skin! I find that a small bag stays warm for about 40 minutes in open air, longer if you tuck it under a blanket. If you choose to reheat it after it’s started to get cool, only reheat for about half the typical time since the kernels still have some heat deep inside. (If made/used properly these bags are safe, but please note that if you choose to make/use a heating bag, you are doing so at your own risk.)
You may also want to take a look at THIS archived page – it was very helpful to me and provides far more information about corn bags than I have.
Did you try making one? Let me know how it worked or share any tips you might have!
Posted in DIY Projects | Tagged bag, cool, corn, DIY, Etsy, flannel, Giveaway, handwarmer, heater, heating, microwavable, owls, pack, pad, tutorial, warmer | 44 Comments
What a great tutorial! I would love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday through Tuesday) at ‘Or so she says …’ Also, don’t miss the Sweethearts Giveaway starting on Monday with over $2,000 in prizes. Hope to see you there! http://www.oneshetwoshe.com
What a great idea, I’m going to have to make me one!! Thanks so much for sharing it at SHOW-licious Craft Showcase!!
Marti
http://sew-licious.blogspot.com
Hi Marti,
You should definitely make one – they are wonderful! My giveaway for one is posted now as well :)
I love cornbags! I was given one by a friend about a year ago, and she enlisted my help in making one for her sister-in-law for Christmas this year. Like you, I used muslin on the interior bag, and a cotton flannel on the exterior. I made one for my mom, too. She loves it!
I can’t believe I didn’t know about them until recently! My mom loves hers too – such a great gift, aren’t they!
Thanks. Your tutorial is very well done. I have had a rotator cuff injury for months, and a cornbag is the best treatment I have found. I was also looking for the original article on making bags, and finally found it through your link. .
As your comment popped up, I was sitting with my corn bag after a chilly day spent outside. It’s great to hear the post was helpful! Hope your injury heals soon.
I’ve enjoyed making these as Christmas gifts this year. I also sewed down the middle of my bag so there were two compartments (before I added corn). This made it so the corn didn’t shift to one side or the other when on a rounded part of the body. Just a suggestion that worked for me!
Glad you had fun making them! I chose not to baffle these smaller-sized bags because corn doesn’t retain heat evenly and it’s easier to ‘redistribute’ the heat by shaking them up when one spot starts to cool off – but like you said, for knees, neck, etc. (and if you make a larger sized bag) it definitely makes them more manageable. Thanks for passing on the idea. :)
How do you clean one of these?? Ive had mine for a few years now and it smells like freezer…
Hi Coral, if your bag has a removable pillowcase/cover, that can help keep it cleaner for longer. I’ve never washed the bag containing the corn itself as I doubt it would dry out properly. My last one was used regularly for about two years and eventually developed a burnt smell, so I replaced the corn. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help! :) –Heather
Hello! I have been using cornbags for over 15 years and I find there is really no way to wash them with the corn inside. I have cut a few stitches along the seam and removed corn; washed and dried fabric, replace corn and restitch.
Hi and sorry for the delayed reply! This is exactly why design utilizes a removable outer cover – that way you’ll likely never need to remove corn or wash that inner fabric. :)
I appreciate your clear and detailed instructions. Thanks.
Glad they were helpful! :)
Super tutorial! Thank you SO much!
Thanks for visiting, Krista – so glad it was helpful! :)
I’ve made a smaller version of these for hand warmers with rice instead of corn….they stay warm a long time. I’ll be trying corn in a bigger one like yours soon :)
Wonderful – corn is a bit heavier but works so well! I have made hand warmers also – so nice to stick in a pocket on the way out the door, aren’t they?! Thanks for visiting. 😊
I love your tutorial! Can I wash and dry my corn before filing it? Mine isn’t very clean.
Hi Melissa, I probably wouldn’t wash the corn, as it might absorb moisture. But then again, I’ve never tried it. I sift my corn to get rid of any loose bits, etc. You could always use a thicker muslin for the inner case if you’re worried about the corn being dirty. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. 😊
Your idea was so slick to make these! I had been sewing velcro on the ends to be able to remove the covers so now I don’t need that extra step. Thank you
Thanks for the note, Linda! So glad it was helpful. :)
How many times can the bags be reused … heated or cooled?
Many many times, if used properly! To some extent, it depends on the corn quality – I’ve had some that lasted only a year of regular use and others that have lasted much longer. I would say the most important thing is to not overheat them, as it seems to shorten the lifespan (still usable, though you’ll be able to tell when it’s time for a new one by the less appealing scent and they’ll lose heat a bit faster). Microwave until hot, but not so hot that they’ll burn your bare skin. Hope this helps!
Can I use rice instead of corn?
Hi Janice. Apologies for the very belated reply. I hope your bags turned out if you’ve already made them. :) I know that many people do use rice, but I use corn because it tends to stay heated for quite a bit longer. Hopefully you found another tutorial for rice bags, as I know I’ve seen a few out there!
I have read other instructions using rice and they have added several drops of essential oil to the rice. Can essential oils be added to the corn?
Hi Rindy and apologies for the belated reply. I you’ve already made your bags, I hope they turned out well and if you tried essential oils, feel free to leave a comment here so others can hear how it worked out for you. I have never tried adding essential oils to corn, as I suspect the absorbency of rice helps with that. I would think putting a few drops on the inner cotton liner would work, though!
Thank you so much!! My mom and I are making these for Christmas and since we had remnants, we had to do the slit lengthwise instead and it still works like a charm. Chronic pain runs rampant in our family and these are going to be great! One question, how long do these last?
Hi Laura! Apologies for the very belated reply. I’m so glad you were able to make use of the tutorial – they are so helpful for aches, pains, and cold weather!
How long they last can vary. I choose to thrown them out once they a) smell not the best or b) don’t hold heat nearly as well. I have had one last as little as a year and one last as long as 3+ years. I suspect it depends on the particular batch of corn as well as how long you heat the bags. Being careful to not overheat them will definitely prolong their life (and help to prevent a funky burnt/off smell). They should be heated to comfortably warm rather than piping hot and I always suggest placing them under a blanket or towel of some sort, as it prolongs how long they stay warm!
Can I put in the freezer and use it as a cold pack.
Hi Jackie, I’m sorry it took so longer to answer your question. Yes, you can absolutely place it in the freezer and use as a cold pack. I always recommend putting it in ziploc style bag before sticking in the freezer and then removing when you’re ready to use. Hope this helps!
How long do these stay cool when in use?
Hi! Honestly, I haven’t used mine from the freezer in quite a long time so don’t recall but it will depend some on the surrounding air temp. Sorry I couldnt be more specific, but let us know if you test it out! :)
Long enough to help with severe migraines.
Great for beginning treatment for fresh strains before you start an alternating cold hot routine.
I inherited my Mom’s corn bag 20 years ago. I’ve always wanted to make some but didn’t know what kind of corn to use. Finally got around to searching.
THANK YOU!!!!!
I must be confused. If you fold a 12 x 12 for inside you will end up with 6 x 6. Why would cover need to be 27″ long?
Hi Carleen, a 12×12 folded in half ends up being 6×12 rather than 6×6. I think you just confused yourself by dividing. :) I hope your bags turn out wonderfully – I love using mine every day!
WOW, loved your directions… really easy to follow and I also loved the fold-over closing and only 2 seams. I just finished 20. Some were for church staff gifts, and some for our gift giving this Christmas. Since we have a generous farmer at our church, they donated the field corn. I noted where the corn was from on the tag with the poem, so I know it will make the gifts even more special.
I was able to “shop at home” for all the inside and outside fabric too! I also try to use up-cycled fabric when I can, and used plaid men’s pajama fabric for the guy gifts. Also your readers might like to consider using 100% cotton flannel sheets. There are lots of fun designs to choose from new and at thrift stores.
Here is the new poem my husband wrote:
“Heat in microwave till hot,
Place upon the troubled spot.
When you heat recall this rhyme,
Do 30 seconds at a time.
Or the freezer be it’s dwelling,
To ease the pain and keep down swelling.”
Again, many thanks!! L. G.
Oh, I’m so glad it was helpful! And wow -20!! So cool that you were able to repurpose fabric and utilize local corn. You had me giggling at your husband’s poem – tell him great job. Thanks for sharing with me!💛
Can you scent the corn with essential oil?
I haven’t tried, but I’m sure you could. I do think it would work better with a rice bag than a corn bag, as the rice would likely absorb the scents better. I’d love to hear how it goes if you try! :)
Love this pattern and instructions! Beginner sewer friendly! I used rice instead because I had that on hand and it worked great.