Just in time for Valentine's Day! My newest design, "Beloved". Combining simple embroidery and sewing, making a gift for a loved one couldn't be simpler! I've included a tag with directions for use, ready to print and attach. Pattern is now available in my Craftsy shop, here:
But if you don't want to embroider on your rice bag cover, I'm going to show you how I make a plain one! Microwave rice bags are something we use around here all year long. I have terrible arthritis in my neck - and after a day of stitching, it hurts! The rice bag gives off a lovely moist heat, and boy does it help. For myself, I make it without a cover, but when I want to get fancy and make one for a gift, I definitely make a cover! (All directions for the embroidered cover are in the pattern.)
You'll need two 6" x 15" pieces of fabric for the rice bag itself. Stitch around 3 sides, leaving one short side open.
Turn right side out, and press. Fold under about a half inch hem on the open side, and press.
Cut a corner in your bag of rice, and pour into the open end of the bag. You'll need three hands. It can get a little tricky to keep it off the floor! Fill it up to about 4 inches from the top. If you'd like, you can hold the bag closed while laying it on your neck, to see how heavy it is - too heavy, let some rice out. This amount works fine for me.
Keeping the rice away from the opening, topstitch the opening closed.
And there you go, your rice bag is done! Microwave for about two minutes on high. Do a test - my microwave is small, and not terribly powerful. I suggest 30 second increments to find the proper time.
To make a washable cover, cut two pieces 6.5" x 17". You'll make it the same way, but make sure to fold your hem under twice, and don't stitch it closed - use your free arm to stitch around it. If you don't have a free arm on your sewing machine, you can stitch the hem first, before sewing up the sides.
Now how easy-peasy is that! I made this one for my mum, and boy does she love it. I had purchased this fabric years ago, knowing she'd love it, but never found just the right thing to make for her. Well, this was it! Pretty, right?
Now for you ladies down under, you may not want to make a rice bag, as I believe it's pretty warm down there right now - but how about stuffing with polyfill and making a pretty little neck pillow? You could even add some lace around the outside. I'd love to see that!
That's it for me today - I'll be posting again soon, I have some things to show you! Right now I need to borrow mum's rice bag and put it on my neck, lol...writing patterns all day also makes my neck ache! See you soon,
Love,
Allie
25 comments:
very cute... in winter a rice bag is my favourite warmth. Could they go in the freezer overnight for a cooling bag???? or would the rice absorb moisture I wonder
Hugz
Thank you Allie love the idea of making my own rice bag
Thankyou Allie. The stitchery is beautiful. Hugs,xx
Hi Allie what a lovely gift for your mum and thankyou for the tutorial.xx
Thanks as usual for another free
gift. Now that its been about 4
wks since my back surgery I can start a new project and a try to catch up with you all, thanks for the prayers, cards, call, love a well wishes, love you all x c.
I LOVE this!!! Glad you are back blogging again. Are you still working? I have missed being in blogland but I am glad to be back! I'm gonna be catching up!
That is a beautiful design and wonderful sentiment.
Debbie
Very pretty - the embroidery AND the rice bag :)
Really nice Allie!
Lovely design Allie. We use wheat but the principle is the same - I think they are great. xx
Sweet, Allie! Makes a great gift! XO
What a great gift idea! I have a long narrow rice bag, and I love to wrap it around my neck when I ache. Using this tutorial, I may make a small one for my poor arthritic hand!
Very pretty with it's stitched cover!
It's very pretty with the embroidery!!! I have two of these and swear by them!!! Hugs, Mickie
Lovely rice bag and such delicate stitching! Hope your neck feels better soon!
Oh Allie-girl this is gorgeous...def be making some of these! xox
thanks hon...feeling blessed!
xox
Or use just the design stitchery to make a pincushion! I'm going for the rice bag, though. Thanks so much, Allie - a very easy to follow tutorial. You are so sweet and your stitching is SO straight and even!
Oh, I use my rice bag all the time, too, but it isn't pretty like yours...was made very quickly from one of my husband's athletic socks while we were on the road a few years ago. Maybe I'll make a pretty cover for it now that you've inspired me.
Allie, it is just gorgeous and simply stated to say oh so much !!!
Congratulations.
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I was just thinking the other day that I need to make one of these!
This is really cute. I've thought about making rice bags but never got around to making one. Sounds like I need to add it to my list of things to make!
I have much to learn from you. You have made a beautiful decoration for a humble object: the rice heat bag. I usually leave humble things without care, any cloth and finish. I am learning that I am wrong. You show me that small and humble things need to be taken care of and beautified too because they are part of our home.
I wish you and your family are very well. Hugs.
This is lovely Allie. I was thinking how beloved one would feel with a beautiful warm rice bag - this would make a great gift. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you for the tutorial. This is very beautiful.
- Gustavo Woltmann
Excellent idea!
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