How To Make The Best Flaxseed Warming Pillows (Heat Pads) - AnOregonCottage.com

[@LauraWilliamsSharingLife]

I have to say I just love your presentation/teaching style/ personality and thank you for leaving in your laugh at the end ❤🎉

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thank you so much!

[@jimmie200]

Very nice video. Thank you for explaining why flax is better than other fillers.

[@sherrimcnallyshelton8046]

Great video

[@joyevans8454]

best video I've seen for making these pillows. like the idea of flaxseed and filling 1/2 way. thank you

[@AnOregonCottage]

Thanks so much!

[@NIgaudeable]

I want to thank you so much for your easy-to-follow instructions here. I just made three and they turned out great! I added a tie at the ends, but otherwise, just used your flaxseed idea. I appreciated that you shared the amount to use, too. That was most helpful. Wish I could add a photo to share. Again - thank you!

[@AnOregonCottage]

You are so welcome! I bet they turned out lovely!

[@NIgaudeable]

@@AnOregonCottage So easy, I'm making them for Christmas gifts this year!

[@shellyanne02]

Oh my gosh what a wonderful video. Step by step instructions and reasons why it works the way it works.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Wow, thanks so much for your kind words - I'm so glad it is helpful to you!

[@katiekaos629]

I've wanted a flax pillow for so long...now I can try it :) thank you

[@WillN2Go1]

Thank you for making this video. It's very helpful, and very impressive that you cover all the important points. I want to make a flax seed wrist rest for my computer and mouse. These are usually about 16" long for the keyboard by 3-4" x 1" high and a much shorter one for the mouse, or just make a longer one 17-20" for both.

[@AnOregonCottage]

What a great idea! I bet that would make good gifts for people you know who do a lot of computer work, too.

[@deborahb9152]

LOVE your tutorials ! Thank you for sharing all your tips!!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Oh, thank you! I'm so glad they are helpful for you!

[@shellyanne02]

It worked beautiful. Perfect for arthritis in your hands and many other things. Perfect thank you

[@SkapeTravel]

Thanks for the tutorial, best tutorial on this subject so far.. you explain it so well blessings ur way

[@AnOregonCottage]

Wow, thank you!

[@texasmimi1954]

Thanks for sharing the details on how to make this easy and useful gift.

[@AnOregonCottage]

Sure thing - everybody loves them!

[@aiducha]

Great job!!! Thanks for the instruction. Cheers from Winnipeg, Canada.

[@caitlindoran208]

Thanks for the tutorial! I think I may adapt this to make wearable slippers :) We get bulk 40lb bags of flax seed at a feed store for our horses, if you are making a lot of these or want to share with friends this might be a cheaper option!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great tip - thank you!

[@center-fitllc7047]

Awww! Thanks! This was helpful. I’m making them for my massage business!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great idea -You're so welcome!

[@rocketcat9897]

Thanks I plan on making some for Christmas presents this year for my family and friends. thank you very much for sharing this video with us.

[@SGRmoss]

Oh my gosh. Ok so I am so glad you use flaxseed. I do too.

[@JaneThomas58]

What does bar tack mean? I love these neck pillows. Thank you.

[@AnOregonCottage]

You go back and forth a couple times with the machine at the beginning of a seam to "lock" the stitching in. You do this by pressing the back and forth button on your machine. Hope that helps you make these!

[@lisbl9191]

Great video. Thank you.

[@chicamepa]

Love it and exactly what I needed!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Great!

[@ilovemathandswimming]

Wonderful, thank you!

[@mariaastillero8331]

Would you suggest adding batting ?

[@AnOregonCottage]

On the outside? It really doesn't need it - the flax moves to accommodate shapes, sort of like memory foam.

[@LilDinoGuy]

This is so helpful! I want to make sure- do you not need to treat the flax to make sure it doesn’t rot/attract critters or can you use it as it comes from the grocery store?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I've never done anything to it - just used it as it came from the store and it's lasted for years.

[@noscanknows]

Hello, I have dried lavender leaves from plant I grew this season, can I use those? They smell wonderful!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes! I've done that when I've had them.

[@Elizren]

Cool what sewing machine do you use thank you for the video

[@AnOregonCottage]

Agree!

[@ironhorse19]

great video many thanks for sharing

[@ashasjoy3917]

Do you make one where you can wash it or do you have to throw away after awhile?

[@AnOregonCottage]

It's many years later, but yes, we just throw it away. You can make a cover, though - just use the pattern with an extra 1/2 inch and use ribbons to tie it closed on one end.

[@jamielawrence4749]

Does the heavy duty fabric retain heat longer? I like a softer (like flannel). Will the heat retention be much different?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I found it does, plus it lasts longer. If you get a heavy duty flannel and make sure it's all cotton, it should work.

[@annie-boo2872]

Lovely. Thank you.

[@rachelwhanger2680]

Can you use a long sock?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Probably!

[@susanpearson2467]

Great video. Thanks for posting. Does it matter if it's brown or golden flaxseed? Flaxseed has gone up in price since this video was posted. About $2.50 to $3 per pound now.

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, it doesn't matter - use the cheapest whole seeds you can find. I know they have gone up!

[@cbryce9243]

Hi Jamie, a fellow Pacific Northwesterner here. Recently I inherited a sewing machine and have no idea where to begin. The last time I tried to sew, was over 30 years ago, but this easy project is perfect. Thank you for sharing. One question I have. Have you ever made pillows for the freezer instead of the microwave? If so, what innards would you think, hold cold, the best? I really like WinCo too!

[@AnOregonCottage]

I have kept these in the freezer and they seem to work just as well for that, too.

[@mystique1224]

Hi. Can u use ground flaxseed and chamomile dried teabag but use the tea inside the pack

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, not ground flaxseed. It needs to be the whole seeds. You can use the inside of tea bags as long as it just the dried flower.

[@mystique1224]

Will the tea bag work ma'am.. I have new tea bags. Chamomile n hibiscus raspberry tea bag.. Thank u for responding

[@garywaich1748]

What size should the piece of fabric that you use to make the 12x21 neck warmer be? Yardage?

[@AnOregonCottage]

You can use 1/2 yard and place the pattern sideways to get one warmer in the 18 inches.

[@teresecovey9069]

I read through every comment to see if someone asked this. Do you have a tutorial for making one of these flaxseed pillows that also have sewn sections so that the flaxseeds don’t shift around so much? Thank you. 😊

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, sorry, I don't. I actually like to move them around for comfort and to make sure they are evenly heated.

[@teresecovey9069]

@@AnOregonCottage, okay. Thank you for your reply.

[@pamclawson3696]

Can the flaxseed be used for filling cold packs?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes.

[@piabk1186]

Thank you for this! I saw 2 kinds of flaxseed... Does it matter whether I use the regular or the lighter colored one?

[@AnOregonCottage]

The golden flax used to be more expensive, so I always get brown. But if they are the same price, use what you want - it doesn't matter for the warmers.

[@piabk1186]

@@AnOregonCottage Great! Thanks so much!

[@kathymcrae3289]

I hope this isn't a silly question 😉 how do you wash them?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No silly questions! I don't. :) If you wanted to, you'd need to make a separate cover for them.

[@normarohadfox5832]

Can you add essential oils to the flaxseed?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, if I don't have dried lavender, I often add drops of oil to the seeds and mix it in before filling the bag.

[@sarab6956]

so well explained, great tutorial. :) I just uploaded a video making my own pillow

[@edythegravley4004]

Are you able to wash the neck warmers? Or do you make a cover and wash it?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, you'd need to make a cover to wash.

[@songbird857]

Thank you for this video! Do you use poly thread? I am making these for the first time and I'm not sure if I must use cotton thread, or if poly will not be an issue.

[@AnOregonCottage]

+songbird857 Yes, I've used just regular thread on these, which is a poly-cotton blend actually, and they've been fine. They aren't heated enough for the thread to be affected I think.

[@karenkennedy918]

Use cotton thread. Less of an issue in a microwave

[@amitatomar6448]

Plz tell me how to use these pillows of flex seeds..as I don't know exactly 🙏🙏

[@AnOregonCottage]

I've got detailed instructions on the website - the link is in the description - but basically, you heat them in a microwave for a minute, move the seeds around and heat more if needed. Use for warmth for neck, back, toes, etc.

[@777SEER]

Hello, Will ROAsted FLAX SEED DO?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Hi! No, you'll need to find raw seeds.

[@toniamcdonald1838]

Thank you for the question. I came looking to see if anyone asked about roasted flax seeds before asking. 😊

[@ashleesmith9258]

Can these be hand sewn too

[@AnOregonCottage]

Probably, if you have a very small stitch - you wouldn't want any of the seeds to fall out.

[@maryannhsieh2744]

Where do you purchase the dried lavendar? And how many pounds is that scoop of lavendar? Thanks !

[@AnOregonCottage]

You can buy it online (I like mountainroseherbs.com but there are other places too - probably Amazon). I also think craft stores may carry it. I don't measure the lavender in pounds - it's just 1-2 tablespoons, depending on the size of the pillow and how much scent I want in there (sometimes people are a bit sensitive to any scent…). Hope that helps!

[@hanaiftinan7182]

is it already hot or does it need to be put in the microwave to make it hot ?

[@AnOregonCottage]

You put it in the microwave. If you follow the link to the how-to on my website, you'll see there are printable tags with directions for heating (and cooling, if needed)!

[@juliebraga1130]

Thank you the video. How much could I sell at a craft fair? Also what about a video in how to make a removal cover for easy cleaning?

[@AnOregonCottage]

That's a great idea, Julie. I sold them for $12, but that was many years ago - I bet you could get $15 for them now.

[@gailnolan7341]

Can you use flaxseed meal.

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, only the whole seeds.

[@aratihegde]

Hey...thank you for such a detailed tutorial! Loved it! ❤️ A few questions - don't we need the inner, seperate pouch for this ? Is this washable? If yes, how? And lastly, does the fabric have to be 100% cotton? Thanks...love from India 🙏😊

[@AnOregonCottage]

If you want to wash it, you will have to make another sleeve to act as a cover for this, as this can't be washed with the seeds inside. Since we heat it in the microwave, any non-cotton materials like polyester would melt.

[@aratihegde]

@@AnOregonCottage Noted...thanks

[@t.h.8197]

How long do I heat up the pad in the microwave?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I do about a minute, move the seeds around in the bag and then do 20-30 seconds more. If you're microwave is stronger, you might need less time.

[@isamasoetdavids1676]

Do u need to treat flaxseeds or could I add some eucalyptus drops

[@AnOregonCottage]

I don't treat them. I only use the essential oil or dried lavender for scent.

[@eliacole7461]

I assume you put it in the microwave? How long?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes. I do 30 seconds, move it around to disperse the seeds and 30 seconds more. If still not warm enough, I'll do 15 to 30 more.

[@tee7060]

Is there any chance of these catching fire? I want to make one of these to help with my Raynaud's so I could take it hot to school and keep it in my blazer pocket for the rest of the day but wheat bags have been known to catch fire under blankets, any help?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Gee, not that I've ever heard or experienced! Of course, you want to use 100% cotton and not heat it too much.

[@michellegarneau1790]

I have made heat packs similar to these (filled with feed corn) and flannel is a nice material to use also.

[@alltheseflavors]

I wanted to make one of these for my gf, but I've had the corn ones in the past & wansn't a huge fan of the smell. It's not awful, but not my favorite. If I can get flax cheap enough I'm going to try this, maybe with some lavender flowers I have left over.. Thanks!

[@AnOregonCottage]

You will love this - there's none of that odd grain smell.

[@glitterbunny6956]

How long do you warm it for in the microwave

[@AnOregonCottage]

About a minute, then mix it around and do it 30 seconds to a minute more or until it's as warm as you like (depending on the wattage of your microwave).

[@carriefindingout1094]

How long do u heat them for

[@AnOregonCottage]

It depends on the wattage of your microwave, but I usually do a minute or two, move all the seeds around and do a minute or two more.

[@SmartWentCrazy]

How long does it stay hot?

[@AnOregonCottage]

It depends on how warm you get it, but it lasts for 30-45 minutes for me.

[@rocketcat9897]

how long dose it last you when you reuse them? Months or years?

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Rocket Cat Years! Not the scent, though, if you add that, but the flax keeps heating and heating. :)

[@angelavitale9663]

what kind of flaxseed do u use the ground crushed or whole I'm just wondering

[@AnOregonCottage]

Whole flaxseed only.

[@angelavitale9663]

ty

[@sharoncarson3392]

I put the flax in a muslin bag first & seal & then make an outer bag that can be washed. You can't wash Flax seed or you get mush & they do get dirty!!

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, good idea!

[@simonpanter3627]

Thanks! How many pounds of flax per pillow?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I'm sorry, I never weighed it, just filled until it was half- 3/4 full!

[@mystique1224]

Can u use 100% cotton fabric

[@AnOregonCottage]

Yes, just find fabric as thick as possible for the longest wear.

[@barbaradumler6503]

With flax seed having a percentage of oil have you ever had it go rancid?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, and I have used some of my pillows for years.

[@carolweiss3435]

can you use mix oils in the flaxseeds?

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Carol Weiss I have added a few drops of lavender oil when I didn't have the dried flowers, but I'd be careful about the amount. The oils didn't seem to last as long as the scent from the flowers, either. But you can create your own signature scent if you want!

[@briauntagarcia2509]

What would happen if I decided to use fleece fabric ?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Unfortunately, fleece is usually polyester or other things that aren't cotton and so will melt from the heat of a microwave, Briaunta. I can't recommend it.

[@briauntagarcia2509]

Oh o didn't know that ... Thanks a lot :)

[@samanthaperkins5505]

Could I use grounded flaxseed. I bought some for baking only to discover i can't use it.

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, it has to be whole seeds.

[@Ziji-LetYourSoulShine]

Does flax seed ever get rancid?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I've never had it do so - and we've had some of these pillows for years.

[@mochi1uv]

Did you Washit first?how Long can you USe IT?

[@AnOregonCottage]

+mochi1uv You can wash your fabric first or not - I usually do to remove any industrial sizing/residue. We use ours a long time - years. Some people make covers for them to remove and wash.

[@shakeelrafique1561]

I due date of delivery is 23 march.so can i use this flex seed pillow in summer season.isn't it warm for my baby ???i m waiting for ur reply thanks

[@AnOregonCottage]

It's only warm if you heat it up. You can also freeze it for a cooling pillow.

[@stanwoodgrammy]

How long do you heat this for in the microwave? Great idea...want to make my Granddaughter one

[@AnOregonCottage]

The directions are included on the free printable tags available on the blog, (link is in the video), but I do it at 20-30 second increments, shaking the seed in between until it's warm enough, which is usually between 40-60 seconds.

[@rocketcat9897]

also you think is better to use scented oils?

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Rocket Cat I have used oils, but I don't know if it lasts longer - I tend to prefer the dried flowers since it easier for me to add the right amount. I know your family will love these - they are always a hit!

[@papasitoOC]

Wow! I wish I would have seen your video before buying something similar on Etsy for almost $50.00

[@AnOregonCottage]

Me, too!

[@jrmccraney]

Does it matter if I use brown or golden flax seed?

[@AnOregonCottage]

nope, either work!

[@christinaschaible3770]

I went to go get flax seed from natural grocers and they told me it would rot and the oil content would become rancid and recommended rice. So does the flax seed have to be boiled or treated before using it?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Obviously someone who didn't know what they were talking about. The oil content is what allows it to be heated and used a lot longer than grains. It doesn't rot. I've had pads that are more than 10 years old and still going strong (though the lavender scent is gone by then…).

[@heatherthomson9889]

Where is the link for printable tags?

[@AnOregonCottage]

You can find the file at the bottom of this article on the blog: anoregoncottage.com/diy-flaxseed-heat-pads-video-and-free-printable-tags/

[@veronicamann4443]

How long do i warm in the microwave

[@AnOregonCottage]

It depends on the size, but I usually heat for 1 to 1.5 minutes, turning the pillow to mix the seeds every 30 to 45 minutes. See more info on this on the blog page: www.anoregoncottage.com/how-to-make-best-flax-pillows-ever/

[@Ihave2quilt]

Are you refering to grounded flaxseed.

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, regular whole flax seeds.

[@trebelclef]

does the oil in the flaxseed leak onto the pillow fabric? I could never stand and sew a straight line, lol!

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, there's no oil residue on the fabric. :)

[@trebelclef]

thanks!

[@sandragrove8448]

Is this whole or ground flax seed. I love this Idea, I heard some people use essential oils in them, and some open herbal tea bags and add to to them, what do you think?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Whole flax seed only! I've used essential oils - mixing a few drops into the seeds before adding them to the pillow. It works, too, though I think the lavender buds fragrance lasts longer. I've not heard of the tea bags, but I don't see why not!

[@sandragrove8448]

@@AnOregonCottage Thanks

[@rocketcat9897]

if you ad scent then how long?

[@AnOregonCottage]

+Rocket Cat I haven't timed it exactly - it depends on how often the pillow is used and maybe how potent the dried flowers are that you add. Maybe 6 months?

[@kathybrewer3182]

How much flax does it take

[@AnOregonCottage]

It depends on the size of your warmer, but the size I show uses about 1 to 1.5 lbs.

[@shelleynobleart]

Is there a way to heat them without a microwave?

[@AnOregonCottage]

Not that I can think of!

[@shelleynobleart]

Incredibly kind of you to share a solution, Estella! Thank you so much!

[@AnOregonCottage]

That's great to know, Estella - thanks!

[@aquafina6544]

AnOregonCottage, have you ever heard of using yuca or cassava to make a heating bag? If so, where can I get the dried root to make it?

[@deborahwiideman4111]

I hear you can use lava sand in these stays warm longer and don't stink because it's not food!

[@AnOregonCottage]

I wouldn't know about that, but that's why I love the flax vs. rice as it doesn't have a smell.

[@lisaedelgaard3854]

Can u throw this in the washing machine ?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No, flax releases a gel-like substance when wet (it's used as an egg-substitute in cooking!). You need to make a washable cover (use the same pattern for the outside, just make it about 1/4" bigger).

[@donna57]

It said error, website can not be found

[@AnOregonCottage]

Sorry! I just recently switched my site to https which is what I'm thinking broke the link. I've updated the link in the description and in the video itself. Here it is for you: anoregoncottage.com/how-to-make-the-best-flaxseed-pillows/ (there's also a link for printable gift tags that give warming directions!)

[@fisherwomanforJesus]

How long do you heat it ? Can it be frozen for a cooling mask too ?

[@AnOregonCottage]

It depends on the strength of your microwave. It usually takes 2-3 minutes, moving the flax around once during heating. And yes, you can use it as a cooling mask, too.

[@mphobella4143]

Can these be washed?

[@AnOregonCottage]

No. You can make a cover just a little bigger than the pillow and close it with velcro, though.

[@michellegarneau1790]

How well does the flax seed retain cold?

[@AnOregonCottage]

I haven't really used it much for cooling, Michelle - it doesn't act like an ice pack, though. It's more of a gentle cooling that lasts for 30 min to an hour.