Hand Warmers

Day 6 of our 12 Days of Christmas Freebies is here! These hand warmers will make great stocking stuffers for everyone on your Christmas list. There are two different sizes (for kids and adults) or you can use your own custom measurements and make them however big/small you like.

They are great gifts for outdoorsmen and sports fans, slip them into your pockets for outdoor walks on chilly days, or just to give you some soothing heat and sore muscle relief. These are so simple to make. They are great projects for beginner sewists and the kids can help out with them, too!

Download the Hand Warmers Pattern Pieces in the Freebies section of the website right HERE! I will also list the measurements below if you want to skip the pieces and get started right now. 😉

SAFETY WARNING:
Safety is of critical importance when selecting supplies. Use natural fibers when selecting fabric and thread. Fabrics and threads with synthetic/metallic materials may cause fibers to melt, smoke, burn, or spark fire in the microwave. DO NOT USE any adhesives or fusible hem tape when assembling. Remove all pins, clips and needles from hand warmer before microwaving. Use proper microwave safety and do not leave microwave unattended. Please use caution and always check temperature before handling and giving to children for use. Made for Mermaids is not responsible for any accidents, personal injuries or property damages that may occur.

Supplies:

Fabric: 100% cotton, 100% wool, cotton flannel- USE NATURAL FIBERS!!
100% cotton thread
Uncooked white rice (approximately 1/2 cup for one large warmer and 1/4 cup for one small warmer)
Funnel
Basic Sewing Tools: Pins, ruler, turning tool, needle
Optional- 100% cotton embroidery floss

Let’s Get Started!

1/2″ SEAM ALLOWANCE INCLUDED

Step 1: CUTTING
Cut out your pattern pieces or use the measurements listed below. You will need to cut 2 squares (choose small/child or large/adult) per hand warmer. If you want to make 2 hand warmers, cut 4 squares.

Large/Adult size- cut 2 or cut 4 5″ x 5″
Small/Child size- cut 2 or cut 4 3.5″ x 3.5″

Step 2: CONSTRUCTION
Place 2 squares right sides together. Pin around all four sides leaving a small opening for turning. Stitch together with 1/2″ seam allowance.

Cut across each corner. Trim seam allowance on all sides. DO NOT TRIM the allowance of the opening. (I like to use my pinking shears.)

Use a turning tool and turn your hand warmer right side out. Use a point former or chopstick to push out the corners. Press well.

Step 3: FILLING HAND WARMER
Insert your funnel into the opening. Fill your hand warmer with uncooked rice. I used less than a 1/2 cup of rice for the adult size and just under 1/4 cup for the child size. You don’t want to fill it too full, or the warmer will be hard and won’t form well to your hand.

Step 4: CLOSING UP WARMER
Hand stitch your hand warmer closed. You can whip stitch or use an invisible/ladder stitch if desired.

Step 5: OPTIONAL DECORATIVE STITCH
Add some extra handmade flair to your hand warmer by using a blanket embroidery stitch around the seams.

Step 6: HEAT IT UP
Place hand warmers in the microwave and heat for about 20 seconds. Do not leave microwave unattended. Check temperature. If more heat is desired, heat again in 10 second increments.

Slip into coat pockets, chilly hands, or place on sore muscles and enjoy! Please use caution and always check temperature before handling and giving to children for use.