Dorothy of Kansas sent me a link to directions for a rice bag that you use like a heating pad. I finally got to make one today. It was very fast to make. It was also very easy. I have it on my shoulder right now! It wasn't time for meds, so I had to do SOMETHING!
I highly recommend that everyone have one of these! They'd make excellent gifts, too. I put rosemary in mine with the rice. I wanted lavender, but I couldn't find it.
It's a muslin "bag" filled with rice and a flannel cover that you can take off and wash.
Thanks for the directions for this, Woodie!

http://www.sewing.com/downloads/SNT4052_P2.pdf

Rice bag is on page 4. You can use them hot or cold. Directions are included! :D

I used some green fabric instead of muslin for the actual bag. The outside is supposed to be flannel, and that's what I used. I didn't realize the fabric had a "pick" in it until it was finished.

We call them "wheat bags" here... and fill them with wheat rather than rice. Same thing though, I think.

We are always told to never use flannel for the bag, only for a removable cover. Flannel should never be microwaved, it has a lower flash point than cotton I think, and is more likely to burn.

Hey, thanks, Miranda. I have been wanting a rice bag for some time now....it just never occurred to me that I might actually make one myself (Duh!) I had back surgery last year and have been doing fairly well up until a few months ago, so one of these bags would be very welcome. I printed out the instructions and will try to put one together tonight.

For a neck and shoulders one, make it longer then divide it with a straight seam into three segments. So put some rice/wheat in, sew that segment shut, fill the next bit, sew that shut, and once more for the last bit.
Then you have a bag that sits on the back of your neck, with "arms" that sit across your shoulders. It's divine!
A little hard to see... but if you look closely there's two lines of stitching seperating the wheat into sections.

They can be made and filled with field corn also! They are great for humans, but critters like them too! :lol: :lol:

they are awesome and like you said very easy to make.Just pop them in the microwave for a minute or two and instant warm relief for soreness and pain.I use Rice in mine

You can also pop them in the freezer and use as a cooling bag.

I have 6 of them in various sizes. I use the one for my neck and lap on evenings or morning when it is just a wee bit chilly but do not want to turn on the heater :wink: I like sewing the channels in them too, it really helps keep them from lumping up when you use them on your back. I have also sewn apron strings on one so that I have something to hold on to as I am getting it in place on my back. They also work well to stick in your bed 15-20 minutes before you go to bed, as a foot warmer :D