Tuesday, December 23, 2008

HOW TO MAKE A RICE BAG

This is the rICE bag. I made it out of a cotton print. Penguins because it should be kept in a cold place (freezer) Sew 2 pieces of fabric 6 1/2 inches by 8 inches. I used a little more than a 1/4 inch seam, using the edge of my open toe foot as my guide. Place right sides together and sew down the 2 long sides and the bottom (short side) (I used a double stitch, one that went back and forth for each stitch), turn inside out, and sew a seam down the center of each bag. Using a funnel, fill each side with rice up to about 3/4 full. Fold the top over twice, and sew shut. I sewed 2 rows just to be safe. I put the bag into a zipper top Hefty quart bag for storage in the freezer.
This is the bag intended for heating in the microwave. I used plain muslin. I cut 2 pieces at 8 1/2 inches by 12 1/2 inches. Turn inside out, sewing 2 channels at around 2 1/2" wide each. This isn't an exact measurement on any of these, that's the best part. Fill and finish this bag in the same manner as the smaller bag. The only addition is, I put the tag in the seam of the intended microwave bag. I worked up the labels using my Word program, and printed them out on pre-treated June Tailor sheets. You don't have to do this, but my friend gave me the idea. Either of these bags can be put in the microwave or the freezer. I just have found that I need a cover over the hot microwave bag or it is too hot and can burn if there is only a thin piece of cotton between you and the rice.
Cut the covers the same size, maybe 1/2" longer than the muslin bag. The rice takes up enough space that even though they start out the same size, they will easily and neatly fit inside of the cover. This is the first time I have made bags using polar fleece. I couldn't pass up the 50% off remnants at JoAnn Fabrics last weekend. I didn't hem the edges.. it is just a experiment. I don't think there will be a problem as they won't fray. The large bags in the photo below were covered with flannel, and the edges were turned over twice and hemmed.
This is a very easy, economical, and usually appreciated gift for anyone. A 25 pound bag of rice was less than $7.00, I waited until close enough to Christmas, that I got all of the fabic for 60% off. It took me an afternoon and an evening to make 20 bags.

I know this probably would be more helpful earlier in the month, but maybe you could take the opportunity to hit those holiday fabric sales and make some bags for an early start for next Christmas!
Yeah... just like I plan to address Christmas cards now for next year so I can actually get them out...

4 comments:

Kristin said...

Hi - Thanks for your blog post. I am making rice bags this season, too, and they sure help me keep the thermostat down at night! I use 100% cotton -- including all-cotton thread -- for mine. Are any of the fleece ones going in the microwave, or just the frezer? Most fleece has recycled plastic in it and could melt in the microwave.

Teri said...

I don't know why I can't reply to anyone by email. Maybe I have something set wrong.
The answer to your question is, All of the actual large rice bags are made out of all cotton. The covers are seperate, and not meant to be put in the microwave. After the muslin bag is microwaved, you slip it back into the cover.

Unknown said...

Geez, Teri, you're making me look bad. I just buy a cheap pair of socks and fill them with rice and sew the tops shut. If I want to get fancy, I use those cheap socks with toes. Stop raising the bar with this 100% cotton and separate covers! I need to start my own blog -- Fast and It Will Do.

Love, Cousin Brenda

black bear cabin said...

Merry Christmas!!!