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    Home » DIY Projects

    Make Your Own Corn Heating Bags

    by Patti Estep · Jan 24, 2023

    Jump to How-to Card
    Floral patterned corn bag over supplies including bag of corn, fabric scraps and measuring tape.

    This DIY microwavable heating pad tutorial is great for sore muscles, aching backs, or just something to warm your feet in the winter. It's a great way to use up scrap fabric and simple enough for beginner sewers. Make some for yourself and a few to give to your family and friends.

    Floral and other microwavable corn heating pads

    When my kids were little I bought my first "corn bag" from a local craft fair. If you haven't heard of a sore muscle corn heating pad, it's a simple bag filled with corn that you microwave. Then you place it on your back or neck etc.. to provide heat therapy to your pain or sore muscles. 

    Corn heat pad materials

    Here's the one I bought years ago and we still use it today. That's right, they last a long time. However, it is a bit ragged and my daughter was saying that she wouldn't mind having one for herself. Then we thought why not make one that is long and skinny to put in the bed at night to keep your feet warm for a little while.

    So I set out to make a few different sizes, a couple of rectangles and a square shape to give to my girls. In one I even added a little lavender to make it smell nice. Not that they smell bad. They smell like corn.

    Supplies

    • Feed Corn or Whole or Cracked - not popcorn
    • Cotton material - Below is a diagram of the ones I made, but you can make them any size you want.
    • Lavender flowers or essential oils for scent (optional)

    The Pattern

    Corn bag pattern

    Making Microwavable Heating Pads/Bags

    Step 1. Cut out your fabric allowing 1/2 inch on all sides for a seam allowance.

    Pressed side edge of fabric

    Step 2. Press under 1/2 inch one of the short sides. (this will be the opening)

    Sewn long edges of rectangular pad.

    Step 3. With right sides together sew the two long sides and the other short side.

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    Turning corn bag right side out

    Step 4. Cut corners and turn right side out.

    Stuffing fabric bag with cracked corn

    Step 5. Fill 2/3 - 3/4 full with corn and lavender. If you want to use essential oils mix them in the corn ahead of time.

    Completed corn bag heating pad

    Step 6. Close the opening by topstitching with a similar color thread or a contrasting one.

    That's all there is to it.

    Different sized DIY microwavable heating pads with corn filling.

    I also used the same sample quilting squares in two complementary fabrics to make smaller corn bags. Too pretty for the game corn hole?

    How to Use a Corn Bag Heating Pad

    To use, set it in the microwave, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes. Shake slightly to distribute any hot spots. Reheat as necessary. You could also use the corn heating pad as an ice pack. Just set one in the freezer. However, I would cover it with a plastic bag first to keep it dry.

    Long and square corn bag heating pads

    How to Wash a Corn Heating Pad

    You can spot clean it with a towel and some soap. However, if you really want to thoroughly clean it after a while. I would suggest opening the hand sewn seam and removing the corn. Clean the corn in a bowl of soapy water and then spread it out to dry thoroughly. In the meantime, throw the cover into the wash. Once both the cover and the corn are clean you can refill the bag and hand sew it closed again.

    Different sized homemade corn bag heating pads.

    Can I use Polyester Fabric or Thread?

    I use cotton material when I sew but a reader mentioned below that some websites say not to use polyester thread in the microwave.

    Where to Find Feed Corn

    You can easily find the cracked corn at any hardware or big box store, in the bird food aisle. Since this is cracked corn, it may have some powder in the mix from the ground corn, so you might want to rinse and dry it first, before filling your bags.

    If you live in the country, feed stores would also be a great place to find feed corn for your filler. Just don't use popcorn. Additionally, some people have used uncooked rice or flaxseed which I've read works well, only I don't believe it lasts as long.

    Wouldn't they make great gifts?

    Patti signature

    More Fun and Easy Fabric Crafts:

    • Fabric Bowl Covers
    • Make Your Own Potholders
    • Spice Filled Mug Mats
    • Scented Padded Hangers
    • DIY Bag from Jeans
    Stack of different colored are patterned fabric corn filled heating pads.
    Floral corn bag
    Print
    4.80 from 5 votes

    DIY Sore Muscle Corn Bag

    Here's an easy tutorial for a DIY heating pad that you can use for sore muscles, aching backs, or just something to warm your feet in the winter.
    Active Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Sewing
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep

    Equipment

    • Sewing Machine
    • Scissors

    Materials

    • Feed Corn or Whole or Cracked - not popcorn
    • Cotton fabric - Above is a template of the ones I made but you can make them any size you want.
    • Cotton Thread
    • Lavender flowers or lavender essential oils for scent optional

    Instructions

    • Cut out fabric the size you want and allow 1/2 inch on all sides for a seam allowance.
    • Press under 1/2 inch on one of the short sides. This will be the opening.
    • With the right sides together sew the two long sides and the other short side.
    • Cut corners and turn right side out.
    • Fill 2/3 - 3/4 full with corn.
    • Add some dried lavender buds if desired.
    • Close the opening by topstitching or hand stitch with a similar color thread or a contrasting one.

    Video

    Notes

    If you want to mix a few drops of essential oils in with the corn ahead of time.
    To use, set it in the microwave, and heat it on high for 1-2 minutes. Shake slightly to distribute any hot spots. Reheat as necessary.
    A reader mentioned that some say it's important to use cotton thread since these will be used in a microwave. I typically use cotton materials so this is not a problem. However, if you use polyester thread to sew you should investigate the safety of using it in a microwave first.
    « How to Make Your Own Birdseed Cakes
    Rainbow Slaw - A Healthy Feast for the Eyes »

    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laina

      June 21, 2023 at 6:55 pm

      5 stars
      How long does it take for the corn to dry after washing? I have whole kernal corn(not cracked) so I'm sure that makes a difference as well.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        June 22, 2023 at 7:12 am

        Laina, it's been a while but I don't recall it taking long at all. I also don't think it matters if you use whole or cracked corn.

        Reply
    2. Colleen

      January 31, 2023 at 9:16 am

      I made a corn bag using deer corn. While in microwave it sounded like some kernels popped like popcorn. Is this normal?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 31, 2023 at 9:39 am

        Colleen, I'm not sure if there is a difference between deer corn and filed corn but I have never had it pop in the microwave. It doesn't seem ideal but if it's just a random kernel it probably won't hurt.

        Reply
        • M

          November 18, 2023 at 4:04 pm

          Just saw the comments about Deer Corn popping....it popped because it was recently harvested. If you don't want any more to pop, take your corn and spread it in batches on a cookie sheet and warm it in the oven at 100 degrees to get rid of the excess moisture. You don't want the temperature to be any higher than that, "cuz ya don't want to roast the corn!" Then let it cool down and leave it out over night. You can always check the moisture level by putting some corn in a sample material packet and check it in the microwave. You can also just leave it out to dry more on a tray for a few days.
          In time the corn loses it's moisture and it no longer is an issue, the oven just gives it a little jump start. Hope this helps yall!
          Have a good one!

        • Patti Estep

          November 18, 2023 at 6:42 pm

          Good to know. Thanks for sharing that information.

    3. Linda

      December 05, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      I bought 2 at a Fairgrounds at a Christmas bazzare this weekend...I put one in my microwave for 2 minutes when I took it out it was damp...I put it around my neck and it was getting more damp my neck was wet...is this normal?? I didn't like it damp...will this dry or will mold inside?? THANK-YOU

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 06, 2022 at 7:54 am

        Linda, I have not experienced this issue. I'm not sure what was put in them to make them damp.

        Reply
        • Shirley Ulery

          December 18, 2022 at 7:24 pm

          Hi! I’m getting ready to make some corn bags for Christmas. What I’m wondering if how’s much lavender oil you add to the corn? Thank you!

        • Patti Estep

          December 19, 2022 at 7:07 am

          It's up to you. The lavender is not essential. It's an added option for scent so you could use as little or as much as you like.

    4. Shirley Ulery

      November 15, 2022 at 9:52 pm

      Can you tell me more about adding essential oils? Would that take away the smell of corn?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 16, 2022 at 7:09 am

        Adding essential oil should help. Try adding some oil to a fixative such as cellulose fiber, orris root, or oak moss to add to the bag.

        Reply
        • Shirley Ulery

          December 18, 2022 at 7:27 pm

          Where can I buy the fixatives you have named? Would a Health fit store have them? I don’t have time to order.

        • Patti Estep

          December 19, 2022 at 7:12 am

          I find them online but you could try a craft store or a store that sells potpourri-making supplies. You don't have to add oils to the bag. You could just add some dried lavender for scent. Or leave it out entirely.

      • Cindy B

        January 27, 2023 at 9:15 am

        Not sure how critical this is, but I made one of these using another link a few months ago. In it, they mentioned the importance of using cotton thread as well as the cotton fabric. Said it could be an issue when in the microwave if polyester.

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          January 27, 2023 at 9:18 am

          Cindy, I never thought about it but you bring up a good point. I'll put it in the notes. Thanks for sharing.

    5. Emily

      December 05, 2020 at 10:56 pm

      Can I use flannel material?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 06, 2020 at 6:06 am

        Emily, I haven't done it yet but I think a cotton flannel would be great.

        Reply
      • susie Aronowit

        February 10, 2021 at 1:03 pm

        I have done many with cotton flannel an they are great!

        Reply
        • Patti Estep

          February 10, 2021 at 1:45 pm

          That's a great idea Susie. Thanks for sharing.

    6. Angie

      March 12, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      Hello
      How long does the corn last? Should we switch out the corn every couple of months/years?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        March 12, 2019 at 3:30 pm

        Angie, I have one that's more than 10 years old and it still works and seems fine. I think you may have more problems with the fabric wearing out.

        Reply
    7. Phil Herron

      February 05, 2019 at 8:50 am

      Not sure how much the cracked corn costs but I have been making these for years with deer corn and a huge bag only costs about $8.00 and I get around 30 average size heat pads from the one bag. Everyone loves them. I even made one small one with rice once and attached it to a headband for my friend with migraines who got tired of holding her heat pad to her head. Great website you have here.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        February 05, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        Upon searching, it looks like they may be similar in price. Good to know that deer corn works well. Thanks for sharing your experience here.

        Reply
    8. Sweet Sandals

      November 02, 2017 at 9:02 am

      I like to use a "pillow case" method. Put the corn in a muslin bag which is closed with stitching, then have a slip-on case to put it in. It is a necessity with the ice bags. I use the water/alcohol mixture to seal in Food Saver sealed bags, and make "pillow cases" to fit them. They're perfect for the grandkids booboos, and I had several to use inside my bra after breast cancer surgery. I have larger ones to put those blue ice blocks in that we use in coolers. We keep them frozen year around as we live in Florida.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 02, 2017 at 9:08 am

        That's a great idea and thanks for sharing it!

        Reply
    9. Rocky

      November 07, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      How do you wash them and keep them clean and fresh?

      Reply
      • Patti

        November 08, 2015 at 6:03 am

        I don't recommend washing it. You can spot clean it or if it is badly soiled I would cut it open, wash the corn and thoroughly dry it and make a new cover.

        Reply
    10. Valerie

      October 25, 2015 at 3:49 pm

      Great idea! How do you store them? Can they sit out or do they need to be in a ziplock or the freezer?

      Reply
      • Patti

        October 25, 2015 at 5:10 pm

        Hi Valerie,

        I just keep mine in a drawer. No need to keep ziplocked or frozen.

        Reply
    11. Earlene Ginter

      October 25, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Yes there are great! You can also make icebags,put alcohol and water in a baggie put in freezer,it will not freeze solid,then put in a bag you have made,I have used fleece,hand towels and dish towels,what ever.

      Reply
      • Patti

        October 25, 2015 at 5:12 pm

        That is a great idea. I'll have to make a few casing for ice bags too. Thanks for the great idea!

        Reply

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    Hi!

    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

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