Rice Bag Pattern

How to Sew the Rice Bag

Fold the 15 X 12 inch square in half with the wrong sides together and Sew the long sides together using a half inch
seam allowance.    
(A seam allowance is the measurement from the edge
of the fabric to where you want the sewing machine to
stitch the fabric.)

Sock Version of Rice Bag
Often Used to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a debilitating condition that adversely affects millions of individuals. The disease causes pain
and swelling of the affected joints, and although many find relief via drug therapy, physicians
often recommend the use of moist heat followed by cold compresses to alleviate pain and swelling.
Rice bags are a perfect solution to provide this therapy and are simple to make with a few materials and
a rudimentary knowledge of sewing techniques.
 
Things You'll Need:
    * 2 men's large tube socks
    * 5 to 6 lbs dry, uncooked rice
    * Needle and thread
    * Sewing machine
    * Scissors

Assembling and Using Your Rice Bags

Step 1
Make two rice bags at a time so you may prepare one for moist heat and one for a cold compress.
    The tube sock rice bag is the easiest to assemble and requires the least amount of sewing technique.
    Simply fill each tube sock with rice to the fill line (see diagram above), and sew the top shut using
    a running stitch by hand or using a sewing machine.
    If you are sewing by hand, you may want to sew across the opening two or three times to insure
    rice will not leak out.

Step 2
USING YOUR RICE BAGS:
    To make a cool compress, place your rice bag in a plastic bag and store in the freezer. The tube sock
    rice bag takes a minimum of 1 ½ hours in the freezer and the large rice bag takes a minimum of 2 hours
    in the freezer.
    To use, remove from the plastic bag and place on or wrap the affected area.

    For moist heat, place a tube sock bag in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, or a large rice bag in the
    microwave on high for 3 minutes.

DO NOT PUT WATER OR ANY LIQUID ON THE BAG.

    The grains of rice contain natural moisture when heated.
    Remove from the microwave and shake the bag a few times to distribute the heat.
    Place on or wrap the affected area.

Tips & Warnings

    *Bags can be put in the microwave for 2 minutes and then used as a heating pad.
     Generally, the heat will last for a half hour or more.   
    *Because the bag is made with rice, it cannot be washed, but if it gets old the bags are easy
     enough to make and replace. 
    *Bags can also be placed in the freezer to use as an ice pack.
    *Be careful not to burn yourself with the bag, as it can be quite warm after it is heated.

Simple Booties to Match Mittens!
Note: Use to be called 20 minute booties!

Simple Booties