How to Sew Hot/Cold Packs and Hand Warmers with Crafty Gemini

[@lindacanaslee9909]

Your sewing and crotchet tutorials introduced me to the world of learning on You Tube a few years ago. I watched all of your tutorials that I could find. Thank you for your very clear instructions.

[@joycekaminski517]

You are a rock star! I love these ideas and the short video format. I have been watching you for several years and your teaching style is always to the point without all of the extra chat. Other presenters should learn from you.

[@jend4128]

Really cool! I've used a larger version as a heat pack but I have never thought of using them as a cold pack for the kiddos. Thanks!

[@carters5273]

OMG your adorable and super crafty I LOVE IT!

[@denisespigner5684]

not only enjoy the tutorial as usual but I also appreciate the bright color frames you are putting around your videos. the colors you have chosen help to lift my spirits.

[@lindseypaskiewicz8729]

I will be sewing these as a gift for my husband. Thankyou for sharing !

[@susanleonard8888]

Going to try it today! A neighbor gave me tin full of sweet treats over the holidays. I think I will return the tin with these handwarmers inside, as a thank you. Thanks for the idea!

[@terryvalentine4328]

I made a larger, rectangular version of this out of muslin and filled the channels with rice and lavender. I made a pillow cover for it out of flannel so if the little guys used it with sticky fingers it would be washable. Not too long ago I saw it around my son-in-law’s neck after he over did with some yard work. Love to see my projects being used!

[@anandtiwari1580]

you are really encouraging and motivating, specially forthe beginners and naive sewers in ur own way thru ur small little easy creative sewing projects . thanks. Nisha

[@itschamamama2466]

How easy! Now I know what I can make for an upcoming gift exchange! 😍

[@jo-anne8111]

These are so easy and a fantastic idea thank you for sharing, stash busting and rice is so cheap too!! Nice and easy to follow as always😊😊

[@donnarogers2429]

I am making my husband several of these for hand warmers. I never thought of them for booboo bags. I will those for the grandchildren! Thank you.

[@IdahoTricia]

Thank you! I’m really rusty with my sewing skills. I think I can do this! New subscriber, thanks to this video.

[@lorreefeliciaballentine8182]

I really like this. I am a beginner and this seems simple.

[@kathybuccini680]

I have so many scraps! Thanks!

[@SallyCreations]

Thank you for this tutorial! I was in search of inspiration for diy stocking stuffers and this is so perfect for the season. An idea to make these more durable and easily washable can be to make a bag with the rice and sew it close by hand so you can stuff it a little more, and then sewing the outside baggy leaving the top open and adding a velcro closure or fold closure (like the snack bags) and put the rice bag inside :)

[@danielekuntz3099]

Well done!

[@moonlitedaze5688]

Thank you...great quick n easy gifts!!

[@colleenmiller1138]

Thanks for all the fun and USEFUL ideas. Love the way you teach. :O)

[@rachellebrooke4614]

Definitely going to make these!

[@ren_b7]

Wow great i never thought i could use them to cold things.

[@fefecromer8353]

Awesome this helps me a lot thanks

[@marisah5724]

Thanks Vanessa! Love your version!!!

[@sandrakanther1572]

So easy and so practical. I'am from Germany and i love to look your Videos. Keep it up :)

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Danke! Glad to help. :)

[@conniejurgs9427]

Will pass this project onto my Great Niece who is beginner sewer with a new sewing machine. Make a difference on what type of thread for sewing if going in a microwave.

[@juliebraga1130]

Hi Vanessa. Love your video's. I need to make a 11''x14'' one. Would you be able to help me in what measurements I would need to make one. Thank you.

[@Yalinikamalbharathy]

What kind of rice you are using? Thank you so much for teaching us 😊

[@kasandramullins9890]

If you don't like the smell of microwaved rice, you can put drops of essential oils in the rice and leave it for 10min or so to soak in before you fill the bag :) I love this video! Thank you!

[@JacobsOompa]

What can I say coach????? WOW....this is ridiculously easy LOL!!!.. But my "man powers" are going bonkers LOL....I think I will make some for the grands in fun prints...also include a simple quilt mat 2' x 2' or so, with lg circle opening in the middle and smaller open circles centered in each corner of the mat..........INSTANT BAG TOSS Game.... Make with a Velcro closure on the bottom side and fold up with bags and crunch shut. Also super for putting a pair of small size rounds or hearts in fridge to cool well, then ly out in your lounge chair, place them over your eyes and relax.....soothing on a warm day.!!! Do the same with a warm pair and relax on the sofa if you have a headache or tension from a busy day. Can be a way of relaxing and taking yourself momentarily to a calm place. THANKS Vanessa.... Merry Christmas everyone!! Ken Orlando, Florida, USA

[@joannevargas9638]

Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@Yalinikamalbharathy]

Very beautiful 😍

[@aliciakemple4713]

Super cute idea!!! We need a sewing room tour lol 😜

[@cassandramangrum8522]

Neat and easy craft TFS!!

[@mariadebroeck8154]

Omg I loved this idea so much I made a bunch for my son's classmates fo r Valentine's day

[@rbattle5321]

Vanessa means I Love ❤️ To Share i am past the age of 60 and i really enjoy your way of teaching. Sometimes you talk a little fast for me but i just back up and listen until i can understand better. Please inform your audience that when items are crafted to go in a microwave All of the sewing pieces must be 100% Cotton and that includes the Thread. I learned this while reading various instructions for making Cup Holders that go into a microwave. Thanks for helping All people enjoy sewing 🧵 Rheata

[@monicalawhorn2485]

These are so great. Did I miss what type of fabric to use? Wouldn't this catch fire in the microwave?

[@rrk2527]

You can also make some for your reptiles or small pets for transport in the winter. That's what I'm doing! The vet recommended it and I guess it just didn't cross my mind. I'm here because she said "you can even use an old sock if you want" blah... I don't wanna transport them with socks when I have extra fabric laying around!

[@Lillian.M.]

All great ideas and great videos, thank you ! How about making a video on how to make a door drafter, single or double.

[@irisglasspoole2350]

Hi Vanessa great easy project. How long do you put them in the microwave for haven’t used one before. Merry christmas

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Depends on size of rice pack and your microwave but in general I suggest starting with 20-30 seconds at a time until you find a good amount of heat that you like. Hope that helps!

[@joharp4en637]

i love hand warmers they are so usfule

[@gloriabrown5591]

Love this!

[@dgunnslate]

Hi, Vanessa. This video is right on time as I was considering making rice filled neck warmers as Christmas gifts for a few people. How would you adjust the dimensions and or design for a rectangular neck warmer? I was thinking that I might want to add two lines down the length of the rectangle to make three sections and fill each of those with rice just to keep it balanced while it's laying around your neck and shoulders. What do you think?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Yes! You'll definitely want to make channels for the rice to stay evenly spread out. I would use scrap fabric and make a prototype to determine the width and length. Too wide and it may not lie flat/comfortably around neck/shoulders. If it's too short it may not reach around the neck to stay put. I would start somewhere with like 8-9" for the height and like 13"-15" for length. Haven't made one in years so can't recall exactly. But it wouldn't be hard to prototype it first and go from there. You can do it!

[@christinamonico3356]

Darlena Slate I've made rectangular rice packs. They are awesome and yes I agree, you should definitely do the channels.

[@verajackson1849]

Would these work on a larger scale for hot pans on tabletop??? Tfs and being so insperational.. New to the sewing world and now idk where to start with all these great ideas.. Love from Missouri

[@kathyberlincourt4542]

Thank you for this tutorial. Do you use long cooking rice in the bags?

[@girijasivamgirijasivam5339]

U r Rocking Vsa.

[@samanthanicholson9015]

Wouldn't the cold rice go bad afterwards because of the moisture from fridge or freezer ? This idea is great, thank you for posting helpful videos!

[@Yknotdostuff]

Hi V. Two questions I hope you will answer: how long should you place the heating bag in the microwave? Seems like it’s important that the cloth be 100 percent cotton, is that true? Thanks so much.

[@janetwest8254]

I know this is kinda late, but yes 100% cotton and 100 % cotton thread. Polyester melts. I have put mine in the micro wave for 2 mins on high no issues. I would not do for longer. Hope this was some help.

[@sierralewis3914]

I’m making some today. Thanks Vanessa! Do I need to use cotton thread?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

That's what I use and I would suggest it especially for a larger rice pack that may be in the microwave for longer amounts of time for sure.

[@sheryywalkerable]

I have a question, instant rice or regular rice? Awsome project, thank you for sharing!

[@annesart141]

regular, uncooked rice

[@audreyderby5926]

I went for "corn" to use for hot/cold neck pads....they suggested "crushed corn" but it seems dusty... Should I return and buy whole feed corn? Thank you Audrey Derby

[@colettevalentine9912]

Love it

[@normajean8105]

Thank You what cute Projects.. I've Heard though cant use thread or fabric with polyester in it, will catch fire in Microwave?

[@lindabrown7374]

You heard right.

[@lilliangraham8308]

Yes they do say cotton thread so you will not get a fire in your microwave but I must admit I have made these for about 8 years, have given them to family and friends and use them myself and when I was making them I never gave a thought as to the thread I was using. I really think I used whatever I had, mostly all purpose thread. I have used them many many times and a niece used them on her son for his ear aches and they gave never gave us a problem. Now if I give them away I use cotton thread.........just because.......well everyone says it will catch fire but have never seen it happen

[@elsafischer3247]

Great thanks

[@charlotteriewestahl2677]

Have to use 100% cotton thread too, right? Since it’s going in the microwave?

[@5eagans]

This is good, but I am looking for instructions on how to put together a heat wrap that you wear that covers your hands and forearms. Any ideas on where to find a pattern for something like that?

[@karenrodriguez3754]

I love your videos! Can you maybe do a cup cozy?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

I have a mug cozy tutorial here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j32zZmV3f6uhiq8

[@pamelaleitman9200]

Another great one! Where to find the previous days ideas? Thank u

[@TheCraftyGemini]

They are always linked to at the end of each video.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Here is the full list of the projects: bit.ly/2Aav5Im

[@Sandy-ot5tc]

Where did you get that small iron

[@thenaturallyglam]

Very cool! this means you do not have to go out and buy the magic bag.

[@addison1982]

oh love doing these i have done two 8” by 12” and one for my grandpas knee that was 10” by 10”

[@photographybyday]

Do you use heat n bonds o the fabric doesn’t fray

[@kc1135]

Can I use normal fabric or like fleece?

[@Indykitty1]

Those packet handwarmers are not toxic.

[@Random_Outlier]

Indykitty1 IKR. Unless someone plans on eating them, then that's a totally different issue.

[@kasandramullins9890]

You throw them away... They could end up in the oceans or an animals stomach.

[@fareedthetailor]

Cool video 🔥🔥

[@TrixieM712]

How long do they stay warm in the jackets

[@Sandy-ot5tc]

Have you ever made a wrist heat or cold pack rice

[@sherrywilliams1131]

Wondering if using insulbrite would work to keep them hot longer

[@TheCraftyGemini]

That may work but keep in mind it will also add bulk to the finished project. 👍🏽

[@anitagreen2263]

And there you are!

[@FoodieMom2x]

What brand are your pinking shears?

[@kerranky]

I have one that's about 4 times the size that once microwaved for about 1-2 mins is great to take to bed with me when cold. can I say that I wish it had a label on it explaining how long to warm up in the microwave for because if someone else has it they may not know.

[@samanthahart1811]

kerranky don't take them into bed, they can start fires and it worries me like fuck.

[@vtracync]

@@samanthahart1811 why the language

[@ahlexah6373]

How long does it stay warm

[@fredawade9115]

How cute would it be to make these in a yellow circle and decorate them like smiley faces or minions, or green Ning’s turtles. Add some lavender to scent them.

[@TheCraftyGemini]

That would be awesome!!

[@samanthanicholson9015]

How long Do they go in microwave?

[@kerranky]

what if anything can we make for men?

[@bevmacmillan8815]

How do u wash them?

[@suemitchell7592]

I have Reynaud's syndrome(poor circulation in my finger tips). These warmers wold be perfect for my gloves or pocket, thanks.

[@debrachalfin6968]

Love the idea, I have seen the ones that are shaped like a pillow you put on your neck when you travel......I have seen them for about 60.00. I don't know what they were filled with but it wasn't rice. It did have a zipper .

[@LupitaCaldera94]

Maybe a weird comment but I made larger ones for my girls but when we would heat them up the rice had a not pleasant smell.....lol.... I used white uncooked rice of course so any advise?

[@smich25451]

Flax seed works well for me and I have never had a problem with rancidity or smell. I have some 'bags' 4-5 years old. Also, usually for bigger 'bags' I use corn. Clean corn works best. By that I mean there is not husk remnants in it and the corn looks clean. Good luck with your projects!

[@kasandramullins9890]

You can buy essential oils and put about 10ish drops in the rice and let it soak in for 10min before you fill the bag up :) smells great, aromatherapy!

[@sambulate]

I made some of these a couple of years ago. One that I filled with rice seemed a little on the damp side when it was heated. Someone advised me to use barley instead of rice (I did), and I added a little bit of dried lavender. I never really followed up on those gifts, so I'm not sure if it was tons better than the rice. But I'm making some cold/hot packs for some folks for Christmas this year, and will be using barley again.

[@FLSiegl]

How do you use them when you don't have a microwave! What about adding another layer of flannel for another extra layer of warmth? Why not add Flax Seed?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

We just use them cold. We live in Florida and don’t need hand warmers anyway. Feel free to change them up as you see fit. Happy sewing!

[@FLSiegl]

@@TheCraftyGemini It gets real cold here in Canada; so Hand Warmers need to be warm!

[@bcasanova7135]

How much rice do you use for the heart shaped one?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

About 1/4 cup. But it will depend on the size you make it. I would gauge it by the project you are making. The rule of thumb is about 2/3 of the way full.

[@maridelcaenrodrigueartin5456]

Hola para que sirve las bolsita y el corazón yo no a lo iglesia te agradecería que me co tes tara gracias saludos

[@scenicdriveways6708]

I make them out of denim , and use feed corn instead of rice .

[@kasandramullins9890]

Scenic Driveways you can microwave denim?

[@makennawall4277]

Oh I just I wanted a hand warmer that all.......

[@CC-tu6es]

Crafty Gemini, how do u prepare them for hot/cold use? How does it stay hot also?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

For cold use- put it in the freezer and use as needed. For hot use, put it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and use until it cools off. It doesn't stay hot forever but it will last a little while.

[@makingiteasywithliz]

If you microwave, the fabric and thread must be 100% cotton.

[@ericamoman9336]

Ok

[@nancyleach9495]

Does it matter what kind of rice? 5 minute or 20 minute?

[@TheCraftyGemini]

I use regular rice- 20 min.

[@rosie01ism]

How long in mic x

[@TheCraftyGemini]

That will depend on how large or small you make yours and how much rice is in it and also on your microwave. But in general I suggest starting with 20-30 seconds at a time until you find a temp you like.

[@rosie01ism]

TheCraftyGemini thank you.

[@missfirenice1421]

Use FLAX SEED!!!!!

[@TheCraftyGemini]

Flax Seeds go rancid after a while and stain the fabric and smell bad. I’m not a fan of using flax seed.