Tutorial 001: Scented Rice Packs

As promised in Project 005, here is the tutorial for the method I use to make rice packs. 

Scented Rice Packs

Materials:

• A 1lb bag of rice (I've also heard that people make these with buckwheat, so if you choose that route, buy an equivalent amount)
• A piece of remnant fabric at least as big as the bag of rice
• Thread
• Pins
• Herb/Dried flowers for scent (I used mint, surprised?)
• Sewing machine
• Scissors 
• Funnel
• Chopstick (or other thin object for poking out corners)
• Hand sewing needle

The materials

1. Lay out your fabric, with right sides together.

Mine's got folds, because I'm too lazy to iron for this project.

2. Measure your fabric, using the bag of rice. Place the bag against the fold on the bottom. 

This part is super technical and precise.

3. Cut.

My remnant was obviously way bigger than I needed...

4. Pin.

Don't stick your fingers. That sucks.

5. Check the settings on your sewing machine and thread.

I leave mine at 2 for most projects, which is a zig-zag stitch.

6. Begin sewing from the fold. I use about 1/4 inch seams. At the corner, put the needle down and lift the foot. Turn the work 90 degrees and continue. Repeat at the second corner.

Start at the fold and save yourself the trouble of having to start and stop too much.

7. Leave a 1/2 - 1 inch gap at the end. You'll need this gap to turn the work and fill it.

Don't sew all the way to the last corner. You'll only have to rip it out...

8. Turn the work. Use the chopstick to poke the corners all the way out, if needed.

Turned.

9. Open your bag of rice and mix with your herbs/flowers for scent.

Ignore my khakis, please.

10. Place your funnel into the opening and begin filling your pack.

This took some time. I need a funnel with a wider bottom.

11. Fill it until it's as full as you would like. I used all the rice and mint in mine. It's very firm. If you'd like a softer pack, don't fill it all the way.

Almost done...

12. Thread your hand needle and begin stitching the opening closed. Use whatever stitch you're most comfortable with. 

Mine's a little messy, but it works; the rice doesn't leak out.

13. Knot the thread and enjoy.

All done!

Directions for use:

• Microwave for approximately 1 minute. If you microwave it too long, the rice will burn and then no amount of mint will cover the smell.
• Wrap the pack in a light towel and apply to wherever you have aches or pains. The pack will be VERY hot when it's first heated.