Easy to Sew Hand Warmers

Looking for a homemade Christmas gift for all of the gift exchanges that are coming? Giving a homemade gift means so much more than a knick knack you found at Walmart in the Christmas section. Not only does the gift mean more, but it also costs less. You could whip up a bunch of these easy to sew hand warmers on a snowy afternoon. They are super easy to make, so even a child or beginner could make them as gifts this year.

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What to Get?

It never fails around Christmas time that there is a gift exchange happening or an unexpected gift from somebody. Or maybe even a stocking looking a bit empty. I love to give homemade gifts. The junk you get from the store will just end up in a donation box and there is nobody on earth that needs another Christmas cup. I like to give something simple yet practical so that I know they will enjoy it. My family enjoys getting apple butter and banana bread. Sometimes though food isn’t the best option. If you are looking for an easy gift to have on hand all season, then try making these easy to sew hand warmers. They make the perfect stocking stuffers.

I am not a seamstress, but I can sew thanks to my mom. She is a very talented seamstress (although she would never agree with that statement). She made all of our Halloween costumes and the most beautiful quilts for our beds. For my ninth birthday, she bought me a sewing machine and taught me the basics. I thought that someday I would be as good as her. We are still waiting for someday to arrive…Anywho.

I’ve made several projects over the years and never needed fancy terminology or lots of tools. Don’t let sewing intimidate you. If you are wanting to try, check out Farmhouse on Boone’s sewing series. It’s free!

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How to Make Simple DIY Hand Warmers

Supplies

Fat Quarter of Fabric

Scissors or Rotary Cutter

Sewing Machine (or needle and thread)

Pencil

Dry Corn

Funnel

Instructions

Before starting, iron the fabric to get any wrinkles out. This is one of those things you’re always supposed to do, but that I rarely do. I hate ironing. Nothing bad has happened by skipping this step.
Next, cut out a 4 inch by 8 inch rectangle.
Then, fold the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing out. If there is no wrong side then don’t worry about which sides are together. Pin the edges if needed.
Now you are going to sew around the outside with a straight seam, but leave a 2 inch hole. Start at the fold on one side. Do a couple stitches and a couple back stitches. Go all the way around to the other side of the fold. Remember to stop a couple inches before getting to the fold. A ¼ inch to a ½ inch seam is just fine.
Put in a couple of backstitches (sew backwards a few stitches) and cut the thread. Also clip the extra fabric in the corners to make it less bulky.
Turn the fabric right side out through the little hole. Use the eraser end of a pencil to poke out the corners from the inside. This is another time when you are supposed to iron, but I never do.
Next use a funnel to fill the bag up with dry corn or rice. I like to fill it at least ¾ of the way up, usually more.
Now very carefully sew the hole shut. It is important not to spill or let it get under the needle. If this seems a little difficult with a machine, just hand sew the hole. Tada! You have a reusable hand warmer. Repeat these steps to make one for the other hand.

Tips for Creating Easy to Sew Hand Warmers

I prefer to use flannel, but cotton will also work.

The dry corn normally comes from a local feed store. You will want whole kernel corn that is typically fed to cows. If you can’t find corn, then use dry rice instead. I like corn because it smells better when heated up in the microwave.

Make sure the stitches are small, so that the corn or rice can’t escape.

You should be able to get 4 hand warmers out of each fat quarter. The scraps could be used to make smaller ones for children.

Don’t overthink this. Cut a rectangle. Sew it mostly closed. Add corn. Sew it shut.

Using the Easy to Sew Hand Warmers

Place the hand warmers in the microwave for about a minute. The time will vary based upon the power of your microwave. When they are warm, put them in your pockets to keep your hands warm when you venture out into the cold. These are perfect for the Christmas parade!