This is the time of the year many of us work on our New Year’s resolution list. I finally narrowed mine down to just one item, ‘Sew Moore’. The first item on that list, is a  microwaveable neck wrap.

Fabric:
¼ yard 100 percent cotton fabric for inner bag
¼ yard fleece, flannel, or any soft fabric for outer bag

Filler:
3 cups uncooked rice
Note: You can use other fillers i.e. feed corn, beans, cherry pits, barley, etc.

Optional:
You can add one of the following for a soothing fragrant heating pad:
Lavender, rosemary, peppermint oil or your favorite scent of essential oil

Mix scented oil with rice, and let sit in a sealed container for a few days stirring occasionally. This helps distribute and set the fragrance.

These measurements will produce a 6” x 18” finished neck warmer. You can adjust the measurements to make it whatever size you want. The outer bag (pillow case) is cut 1” wider and 2” longer than the inner bag.

Inner Bag – this will hold the filler
Cut two 7” x 19” rectangles from cotton fabric, I use muslin

Outer Bag – pillow case
Cut two 8” x 21” rectangles from fleece, cotton or flannel. The softer and fluffier the better. This outer bag does not go into the microwave, ONLY cotton fabrics are microwave safe.

Directions:
Use 1/2” seam allowance unless otherwise noted.

Inner Bag:

With right sides together, sew all the way around leaving a 3” opening on one end for turning and adding filler.
Turn right side out and press.

Find the center of the rectangle and mark with a pin. From the center measure 4 1/2” on either side and mark both of these points with a pin. These are the marks for the four filler compartments.
Add 3/4 cup filler to the first compartment

Sew a vertical line at the first compartment mark.
Repeat for the next three compartments.
When the last compartment is filled, top stitch close to the folded edge.

Outer Bag:

With right sides together sew or serge along both long sides and across the bottom.
On the top end, fold under 1/2” and press. Fold under again 1” to make a hem.

Edge stitch. If you are using Minky or fleece type fabric, do not press just pin.

Place the inner bag in microwave and heat for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on your microwave.

Slip into the outer case.

Use CAUTION these bags can get very hot. Shake the bag and feel around to make sure it’s not too hot.

Note: Before heating your neck wrap for the first time, check your microwave oven instructions for any restrictions or suggestions about heating low moisture content items. Also try to find the power rating (watts) of the unit – low power ovens (500 watt) will require longer heating time then high power (1100 watt) ovens. Some microwave ovens have power level controls. Some instruction manuals suggest putting a cup of water in the oven when heating low moisture content items. Err on the safe side the first time and start with a short time period and low power to determine how hot your neck warmer gets under these conditions.

Note: I always include a set of instructions when I give these as gifts.

Hot & Cold Neck Wrap Bag Instructions

For heat therapy, microwave one to three minutes. For cold therapy store in freezer, and use as needed. Wrap in towel to protect skin from extreme cold.

Do not use on infants or patients who cannot move the neck wrap off themselves, or who can’t move away from neck wrap. Do not use on areas of the body where heat can’t be felt or where sensation is reduced. Do not use heat with medicated creams, lotions, or ointments. Do not use heat on areas of bruising or swelling that have occurred within the previous 48 hours. Do not use heat on open wounds or damaged skin.

Outer cover is machine washable. Filling is 100% uncooked rice (or whatever filling you use). The inner bag may be spot cleaned. Be careful to keep inner contents dry to prevent spoiling. Wet contents may cook in microwave. If it gets wet, line dry and then dry in a clothes dryer before using.