DIY Pocket Hand Warmers

UPDATE: Two things… First, I decided to try using whole kernel corn inside of these guys instead of rice or lentils and it works WAY better! The corn holds the heat much longer than the rice or lentils, so I suggest you try that. (Whole kernel corn, not cracked corn, not popcorn…you can find whole kernel corn at feed stores.)

Second, I’ve had a couple requests to purchase a pair of these hand warmers. While that wasn’t my original intent, I decided that’s something I can definitely offer. So the full tutorial is still listed below, but if you’d rather just have me make a pair or two for you, I’d be happy to! There’s a little widget at the bottom of this post where you can see the shape and fabric options I offer, and make a purchase if you’d like to.

The weather here is starting to get COLD! So I decided to make some pocket hand warmers for my husband. These little guys were easy to make, and they work great!

Actually, I made two pairs because it was so quick and easy, so I have a pair too! You just pop these guys in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds and they stay nice and warm for about 20 minutes (with the whole kernel corn they stay warm for twice as long)!

I got the idea to make these from a photo I saw on Pinterest of someone holding two heart-shaped hand warmers made out of ivory fleece. The picture led to an Etsy shop, but there was no tutorial. So I created my own!

Microwaveable Hand Warmers

Here’s what you need:

• flannel or fleece
• rice or lentils

NOTE: Don’t use felt! A lot of craft store felt is polyester, and it will melt in your microwave! Don’t do it!

Cut out two heart shapes from your fabric. With the right sides of the fabric facing out, stitch around the edges, leaving about a 1/2 inch open. It doesn’t really matter where you leave the opening; mine is on the right side near the point of the heart.

Then pour in rice or lentils through the opening. You want the little heart to be full, but not completely stuffed.

I used a funnel cuz my aim is no good.

Once the heart is full of rice or lentils, stitch the opening closed and you’re finished!

Alternatively, you can stitch a pair inside out so that the raw edges are hidden. The idea is the same, but if you want to hide the raw edges, make sure to put your hearts right side facing in before you start stitching. Still leave a 1/2 inch opening and turn it inside out through the opening. Then fill it and stitch it closed and you’re done!

I like the hidden edges, and JM likes the raw edges, so now we each have a pair of hand warmers! And they’re perfect for our walk to the El in the mornings. Microwave them on high for 30-45 seconds and then stick them in your pockets. They’ll keep your hands and your pockets warm for 20 minutes or so (or around 40 with the whole kernel corn)!

ANOTHER NOTE: Don’t microwave them for longer than 45 seconds. JM totally burnt a hole through one of his hand warmers because he put it in for a full minute. They are tiny and 45 seconds will get them almost too hot to touch, so you definitely don’t need to go any longer!

These guys make the perfect gift for anyone facing a cold winter. You have tons of choices about the shape, size, and which fabric you use, and you can totally customize them. You could also make a bigger version and use it as a hot pad for sore muscles, or to heat up the foot of your bed before you go to sleep (that’s not just me, right?). So versatile!

What’s your weather like? Would you use a pair of hand warmers? I kinda want to figure out how to attach them to a scarf or pair of earmuffs to keep my face warm!

If you want to purchase a pair of these little guys, you can do so here! If you would like more than one pair in different fabrics or shapes, enter the number of pairs you would like and leave me a note through PayPal about which fabrics and shapes you would like before completing the transaction.