My youngest asked me about some handwarmers to use on her walks through the woods. I did a little research, and they are easy to make. Many sites come up if you google “DIY hand warmers.” I read a few to get the gist, and then proceeded to make my own. The following recipe makes two 3 inch square hand warmers.

What you need:

1. cotton, linen, or wool fabric scraps
2. whole flax seed
3. a little dried lavender or other herbs if you are feeling fancy and want them to have a fragrance, although the flaxseed smells wonderful on its own
4. small funnel
5. cotton thread preferable, but poly thread works

Directions:

1. Cut four 3 and 1/2 inch squares of 100% cotton fabric. (You could also use linen or wool, but don’t use anything synthetic.)
2. Finish one edge of each square separately by serging or zig zag stitch. This will be the top edge seam.
3. Place two squares together with right sides together, top seams matching, for each hand warmer.
4. For each hand warmer, sew or serge the other three sides together with a seam allowance of about 1/4 inch. Finish the seams with a zig zag stitch if not serging. This is important, as flax seeds are small and you don’t want them working themselves out.
5. Turn the hand warmers inside out. Turn the top edges under 1/4 inch. Press.
6. Sew around all the edges of each square, about 1/8 inch from the edge. Sew along the top edge as well, leaving about 1/2 inch open so you can fill the pouch with flax seeds.
7. Using a small funnel, fill the hand warmers with whole flax seeds as full as you can without allowing them to spill out.
8. Stitch the opening closed either by hand or using your sewing machine.

That’s it. Pretty simple!

Directions for use:

1. Place the hand warmers in the microwave for 30 seconds on high
2. Take them out carefully (they’re hot!)
3. Pop one into each pocket. These will keep your hands warm for 15-20 minutes, maybe longer!

This made a nice little Winter Solstice gift for my youngest along with a chocolate. These would also make great stocking stuffers!