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As women, we all share the common bond of going through "that time of the month". I'd love to share what helps comfort me.  To me nothing feels better than watching a movie while snuggling on the couch with a nice warm homemade heating pad. I would love to share a tutorial for an easy DIY heat pack.  You can warm these in the microwave or chill them in the freezer.

This project hits off the three characteristics that make it the perfect DIY- It's easy, inexpensive, and quick to make.

To make your own homemade heating pad you will need:

• ¼ yard of fabric (use cotton, not synthetics)
• rice (I used about 1 pound per bag for a bag the size I made)
• iron, scissors, sewing machine, thread, and pins

Here's how you make a homemade heating pad:

Step 1- Wash, dry, and iron your fabric.  Then cut out a rectangle that's 6 X 19 inches.

Step 2- Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric together.  Iron it flat.  Then pin it along the outside edges.

Step 3- Sew along the outside edge, sewing about ½ inch from the edge but leave about 2-3 inches unsewn on one of the short sides.  You will use this opening to put the rice in later.

Step 4- Trim the corners.

Step 5- Turn the bag right side out and then iron it nice and flat.

Step 6- Put the bag into a glass or bowl, something to help keep it upright.  Pour the rice into the bag until it's about ¾ full.  You don't want to overfill it. 

A funnel makes this much easier.  If you don't have a funnel you could also use a paper plate folded like a taco to pour rice in.

Step 7- Sew the hole closed.  If you want to make this look nice you can blindstitch it closed by hand.  I chose to sew it shut using my machine because I made the optional cover.

Step 8- (Optional) If you want to you can make a cover for your homemade heating pad so that you can take the cover off and wash it.  To make the cover cut out a rectangle that's 6 X 23 inches.

Step 9- Fold the edge of the short side over about ½ inch and iron it flat.  Then fold it over again and iron it flat again.  This hides the unsewn edge and helps prevent fraying and unraveling.  Topstitch across the folds on the short sides.

Step 10- Place the fabric with the right side down on the table.  Fold one side of the rectangle toward the middle (with the right sides of fabric together).  Fold the other side over so that it overlaps the first one and the cover measures 9 inches tall.  Pin along the edges.

Step 11- Sew along the long sides of the cover, sewing about ½ inch from the edge.

Step 12- Use the opening in the middle to turn the cover right side out.  Use the end of a pen or paintbrush to poke the corners out.  Slip the rice pack in and you're done!

While recently shopping at Walmart I picked up the new U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads.  I find that Walmart has everything I need for my personal care at a good value.

U by Kotex® Cleanwear® Ultra Thin Pads feature Unique 3D Capture Core* with Xpress DRI* cover for fast absorption and comfortable, soft sides.  They come in this awesome box with a drawer that makes for easy storage and there are four fun designs.

What matters most to you when you’re on your period? Get up to $25 in rewards just for you by purchasing U by Kotex® at Walmart! This offer is live through 9/30/16.  Purchase 2 packs of U by Kotex® products at Walmart (Any Variation) Text UbyKotex to 811811 and upload a photo of your receipt Go to UbyKotexrewards.com and register to choose your customized reward!

Be sure to join in and share #WhatMatterstoU on your favorite social media channel!

Yield: 1

Homemade Heating Pad

Print

Follow this tutorial for an easy DIY heat pack. You can warm these in the microwave or chill them in the freezer.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Difficulty easy

Estimated Cost depends on materials

Materials

• ¼ yard of fabric (use cotton, not synthetics)
• rice (I used about 1 pound per bag for a bag the size I made)
• thread

Tools

• iron
• scissors
• sewing machine
• pins

Instructions

1. Wash, dry, and iron your fabric. Then cut out a rectangle that’s 6 X 19 inches.
2. Fold the rectangle in half lengthwise, with the right sides of the fabric together. Iron it flat. Then pin it along the outside edges.
3. Sew along the outside edge, sewing about ½ inch from the edge but leave about 2-3 inches unsewn on one of the short sides. You will use this opening to put the rice in later.
4. Trim the corners.
5. Turn the bag right side out and then iron it nice and flat.
6. Put the bag into a glass or bowl, something to help keep it upright. Pour the rice into the bag until it’s about ¾ full. You don’t want to overfill it. A funnel makes this much easier. If you don’t have a funnel you could also use a paper plate folded like a taco to pour rice in.
7. Sew the hole closed. If you want to make this look nice you can blindstitch it closed by hand. I chose to sew it shut using my machine because I made the optional cover.
8. (Optional) If you want to you can make a cover for your homemade heating pad so that you can take the cover off and wash it. To make the cover cut out a rectangle that’s 6 X 23 inches.
9. Fold the edge of the short side over about ½ inch and iron it flat. Then fold it over again and iron it flat again. This hides the unsewn edge and helps prevent fraying and unraveling. Topstitch across the folds on the short sides.
10. Place the fabric with the right side down on the table. Fold one side of the rectangle toward the middle (with the right sides of fabric together). Fold the other side over so that it overlaps the first one and the cover measures 9 inches tall. Pin along the edges.
11. Sew along the long sides of the cover, sewing about ½ inch from the edge.
12. Use the opening in the middle to turn the cover right side out. Use the end of a pen or paintbrush to poke the corners out. Slip the rice pack in and you’re done!