Microwavable neck wraps are used to relieve tension.Many people hold stress in their trapezius muscles, the muscles that extend from the base of the skull to the shoulders.Relief to the trapezius and other muscles can be provided by a neck wrap filled with grain or rice.Unlike traditional electric heating pads, a microwaveable wrap will cool down in less than an hour and pose less risk of overheating muscles.Household ingredients and recycled fabric can be used to make aromatic neck wraps.
Step 1: Pick a fabric to make your wrap.
You can go to the fabric store to get a flannel, fleece, muslin, denim or cotton print, but you can also use socks, old shirts, washcloth or towels.If you choose to use it, be aware that it will catch fire when microwaves are used, so be sure to keep it clean.If you want to use a large, thick cloth, you don't need to sew all the sides.You can use an old hand towel and fold it in half.If you choose a loose weave on your fabric, you should buy a flannel or muslin cloth to use as your inner lining, so your filling doesn't leak out.
Step 2: Measure your neck with a fabric tape measure and add 1/2 inch to account for seams.
If you don't want to measure, a length of about 20 inches (51 cm) width will work for most necks.If you want to use the wrap for other parts of your body, be sure to extend it by a few inches or cm to make it more versatile.
Step 3: You can choose your filling.
Long grained white rice is used by people to feed corn, cherry pits, beans and millet seed.If you are making a rice neck wrap, make sure you don't use instant rice.
Step 4: Add a scent.
A relaxing scent can help you relax and remove tension from your body.Pick an essential oil or spice and mix it with your filling in a large bowl.If you want to make sure the scent is distributed throughout the grain, you should let the filling sit for a day or two.You can use up to 5 drops of an essential oil.5 pinches of spices can be used.You can mix rose petals with other flowers.
Step 5: Make sure to leave room for seams by cutting the fabric to the measurements you just took.
This won't be needed if you are using a towel or a sock.If you're going to have an inner and outer fabric, it's a good idea to cut the rectangles out of the lining and cover material to make it smaller.
Step 6: With the inside fabric facing out, fold the fabric in half.
If you want the seams to stay together while you sew, pin it in place across the open length and both ends.
Step 7: The length and end can be sewed with either a sewing machine or needle and thread.
Small grains of rice cannot poke out of the seams if your stitches are very close together.
Step 8: There is a 1 inch opening at the end of the remaining side.
Leave one end open on the outer bag if you are sewing an inner bag.While you heat the inner bag, you will need to open the outer bag.
Step 9: Through the opening on the side, turn the fabric right.
Step 10: The aromatic grain or beans can be put into a sack or inner sack with a funnel or measuring cup.
Try the amount.The majority of neck wraps are 1/3 full.The less full it is, the more it will fit into your body.
Step 11: Use a needle and thread to sew up the remaining seam on your sewing machine.
If the bag loses its scent or gets wet, it's important to rip out the seam and replace it with something else.If you are making an outer bag, you should hem the 2 sides of it so that you can open and close it easily.
Step 12: Put your bag in the microwave for 90 seconds.
You should heat in 30 second intervals if you don't feel warm.The neck wrap needs to be placed around your neck and over your shoulders for 20 minutes.
Step 13: Depending on the heaviness of use, you should wash the fabric and replace the filler on your neck warmer every 3 to 6 months.
If you want to get fancy, you should make a pillow and cover that can be washed and removed during the microwaving process.The cover should be slightly larger in order to fit the inner pillow.This is a great gift.Good luck!
Step 14: There is a woolen baby's blanket.
If you want to reuse blankets that are nearing the end of their days, cut them down to a smaller size.This won't catch fire easily and must be one hundred percent wool.The blanket is a little misty because it was sprayed with water.You can heat it up by putting it in the microwave or dryer.Wrap it around your neck.