How to Make Homemade Hand Warmers

Winter is here! Here’s how to use rice and an old T-shirt to make your own hand warmers to help keep your hands toasty.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE HAND WARMERS

• Cotton fabric (an old T-shirt or troop shirt could work)
• Pen or marker
• Ruler or measuring tape
• Scissors
• Sewing needle
• Spoon
• Thread
• Uncooked rice

WHAT YOU’LL DO

STEP 1. Measure and cut a piece of cotton fabric about 6 inches by 6 inches. Fold it in half horizontally (top to bottom) to form a 6-by-3-inch rectangle. Note: Sizes will vary depending on what fits your hand comfortably. Increase the width if you want it to be wider.

STEP 2. Double-thread your needle with an arm’s length of thread. Here’s how:

Tie a knot at the end. Starting at one of the short open sides, sew the edge using small, even running stitches. Continue this process along the longer side, leaving one short end open — that’s where you’ll add the rice later.

STEP 3. Turn your pouch right side out. Use a spoon to fill it about 3/4 full with uncooked rice.

STEP 4. Fold the raw edges of the open side inward. Then sew them shut using a whip stitch. Pull the thread tight and tie a secure knot. Trim any extra thread.

STEP 5. With your parent or guardian’s permission, place your hand warmer in the microwave along with a microwave-safe cup of water — this helps prevent the rice from drying out or scorching. Heat for 20 to 30 seconds. (Never leave the microwave unattended.)

Carefully remove the hand warmer and test the temperature before using it. Slip it inside your mitten or glove to help keep your hand toasty!

TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HAND WARMERS

1. Use 100% cotton fabric and thread. Synthetic fabric can melt or catch fire.

2. Don’t overheat! Start with 20 seconds, and increase in 10-second intervals if needed.

3. Store in a cool and dry place.

This project ties in perfectly with the Textile merit badge, as well as the new Sewing and Needlework badge concept available in the Scouts BSA Test Lab.