Heart Hand Warmers Tutorial

Learn how to sew hand warmers in the shape of hearts! Use felted wool and rice to sew up this quick project. Great for any season and sewing ability!

I have been using a few hand warmers lately to help with the chilly weather. The heater is on, but it’s still freezy! That’s how I feel!

I had a cute pair, but they were cooked too many times and no longer worked. It was time to make me some new ones.

For these hand warmers I used felted wool sweaters. I keep a little pile in the sewing cottage for different projects.

These are sweaters that have either been accidentally been shrunk or I shank, or felted them myself.

I also thought that because they might not be fully felted and they have larger stitching holes I use an added layer of muslin.

I used white, but maybe should have used a pink fabric to blend better with the wool.

Materials Needed:

• felted wool
• rice
• pinking shears
• muslin fabric

Heart Hand Warmers Tutorial:

1. Make a heart template and cut out – you can get help making a heart template here
2. Cut out 2 hearts out of muslin and 2 hearts out of wool
3. Layer the 2 muslin hearts, wool heart on top and bottom
4. Sew all the way around the heart, leaving a 1″ opening for rice filling
5. Use a funnel and fill with rice
6. Sew the opening closed
7. Using pinking shears, trim the edges

How to use heart hand warmers:

Warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

These don’t take long to make and because they are sewn by machine and the edges are pinking sheared, they make up super quick!

Clickety Click here for a few more Heart Projects.

This is a great easy sewing project for teachers, friends, or yourself for Valentines holiday.

Alternative Fillings

Rice is usually what I use. But, if you want to try something other than rice, here are a few great options:

• Flaxseed – Holds heat well and has a softer feel, making it a great alternative to rice.
• Dried Cherry Pits – Retains heat longer and has a smooth texture. Great for a natural, reusable option.
• Crushed Walnut Shells – Provides a firmer feel and holds warmth, though it’s not suitable for those with nut allergies.
• Corn (whole, dried) – Often used in heating pads, it retains heat well but has a stronger scent when warmed.
• Barley or Wheat – Similar to rice, these grains warm up quickly and provide a cozy heat.

Customization Ideas

Shapes are great, but don’t get stuck on only the heart shape. Make your hand warmers unique with these fun customizations:

• Add Essential Oils – Mix a few drops of lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus oil into the filling for a light scent when warmed.
• Try Different Shapes – Instead of hearts, make circles, stars, or even mitten-shaped warmers for a fun twist.
• Use Flannel or Fleece – These soft fabrics add extra coziness and warmth. Just make sure they are 100% cotton if microwaving.
• Embroider or Appliqué – Add a stitched design, initials, or a tiny fabric patch for a personalized touch.
• Make a Pocket Version – Sew a small opening and close it with Velcro so the filling can be replaced if needed.

Usage Tips

Just in case you are needing a little bit more help with how to take care of your hand warmers… here’s some tips! You will want to make sure that the products that you use are microwave friendly. Also, slowly heat these up as you can burn them and that’s not the best smell.

• Microwave with care – Heat the hand warmers in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. If they need more warmth, add a few seconds at a time. Overheating can cause burns or scorch the fabric.
• Use natural fibers – Always make sure your fabric and thread are 100% cotton or wool to avoid melting or fire hazards. Synthetic materials are not safe for microwaving.
• Add moisture to prevent drying out – Place a small cup of water in the microwave while heating to keep the filler from drying out over time and reduce the risk of scorching.
• Test before use – After heating, gently shake the warmers and test the temperature with your hand before placing them directly on your skin.

Care Instructions

• Spot clean only – Since these hand warmers are filled with grains or seeds, they cannot be washed in a machine. If they get dirty, use a damp cloth with mild soap to wipe the surface and let them air dry completely.
• Keep them dry – Moisture can cause the filler to spoil or mold. Store them in a sealed container or plastic bag when not in use to protect them from humidity.
• Replace as needed – Over time, the filler may lose its ability to hold heat or develop an off smell. If this happens, make a new set using fresh materials.

WANT TO REMEMBER THIS? SAVE THE HEART HAND WARMERS TUTORIAL TO YOUR FAVORITE DIY PINTEREST BOARD!

More Valentine Sewing Projects:

• Fabric Cone Pattern
• Simple & quick valentine sewing projects
• 20+ Heart Pillow patterns
• Valentine Pillow cover
• Heart Quilt Block pattern
• Valentine Pouch Pattern
• Heart Pillows with Doilies
• Fabric Heart Pins
• Heart Pillow for breast cancer

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