We've found the cutest way to keep cold hands at bay. How adorable are these heart hand warmers? Tuck them into coat pockets to keep you cozy all winter long. They were the perfect anniversary gift for the hubby last week. And hey, Valentine's will be here before you know it!
Want to whip up a couple of your own? Here's how:
Felt Heart Hand Warmers
My hands are always cold. It doesn't really matter if it's the middle of winter or the dead of summer, my hands will be so cold the hubby practically screams if my clammy hands so much as graze him (hey, that reminds me, I should probably get my thyroid checked sometime soon). So, I'm always on the hunt for something to keep 'em warm.
These heart hand warmers are adorable and so simple to make. Plus, I love that they're all-natural and they smell cozy and relaxing, thanks to the dried lavender.
To make them, all you need are wool felt, white rice and dried lavender blossoms. If you don't have dried lavender, you can always use essential oil in any scent you like. Chamomile, cinnamon, pine and sweet orange are especially festive this time of year.
And if you're on the hunt for last minute holiday gifts, these babies are perfect!
Supplies
Makes: 1 hand warmer
- 1 piece of 100% wool craft felt (synthetic felt isn't microwave-safe)
- 100% cotton embroidery floss (synthetic embroidery floss isn't microwave-safe)
- A needle
- Approx. ¼ cup dry white rice
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender or essential oil (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fold the felt in half and cut out a heart shape. I sketched out a few different shapes on paper before cutting my felt because I wanted to make sure it was a good size - but you can freehand it, if you want.
The only real requirement is that it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. If giving as a gift, you may want to keep your recipient's hand size in mind when cutting out the hearts.
Step 2: Once you have a shape you like, use it as a template when cutting out your remaining hearts. In my experience, one sheet of 8" x 10" felt makes about 2 hearts (1 handwarmer).
Step 3: Place the two hearts together and line up the edges. If they don't match up exactly, trim off any excess felt and clean up the edges.
Knot the embroidery thread at the end and thread it through the needle (since embroidery floss is thick, it helps to have a sharp upholstery needle). Start sewing the hearts together using a simple whipstitch.
Step 4: When you're about ¾ of the way around the heart, spoon the rice and lavender inside. I used regular white rice, but you can use brown rice if you've got it. The amount of rice you need will vary based on the size of your heart. Just make sure not to pack it in because you'll want to be able to sew it shut (plus, I find it more comfortable if there's a bit of give!) Use your finger to evenly distribute the rice before adding more.
If you chose to use essential oils instead of dried lavender, add 4-5 drops of essential oil to a small bowl of rice and stir it together. Then spoon it into your heart.
Step 5: Sew the hole closed and knot to secure.
To use, stick your hand warmers in the microwave along with a small cup of water (this keeps the rice and fabric from drying out and catching on fire!) Heat for 20-30 seconds, turning occasionally, then tuck them into your pockets for toasty fingers.
If you don't have a microwave, preheat the oven to 175 degrees F and heat them for 5-10 minute. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them!
Reheat as needed to keep warm.
A note on dampness:
Rice creates "damp" heat, meaning it releases moisture when it gets hot. This will make your hands and clothes feel slightly clammy when using your homemade hand warmers. It's just a quirk of rice - you didn't do anything wrong.
Set your heart hand warmers somewhere they can dry out between uses. You don't want the rice to stay wet or you run the risk of your hand warmers mildewing. If kept dry, they should last for years.
Kris says
When you heat it up, it is like a heating pad.
Eugenia Lutes says
I did not have felt so used a fuzzy slip on sock and sewed up the end. It holds more and lasts longer. Made a longer one sewing both socks together for my shoulder and neck. Love it.
Dave AC says
Really neat idea for the cold seasons :)
Jenna says
These are absolutely adorable and I LOVE felt…like seriously sneak and buy it and stash it away because my hubby thinks i’m nuts over constantly buying it but I love it:) You can do so much with felt!!! Question though…I’ve never tried handwarmers with the felt only because I heard felt doesn’t hold up good in the microwave…you have had good results with this though?
Jeremy says
My wife is absolutely going to love these!!!
Blake says
Really cool idea! In many places these could be more than just seasonal items as well, perhaps Canada, etc.
Great post.
Andy says
These are awesome. My girlfriend will love them!
Carl says
Just in time for Valentine's Day! Gotta make some for the wife now :)
Nancy Raines says
I fill mine with wheat.
Jomana says
I think to keep hand and heart warmer you not need any physical , you just need some of feelings , love can change alot of things inside your heart and make you feel like you just come from hot oven .
this is love
Phyllis says
Did you use wool felt or regular craft felt? I am told that craft felt melts in the micro.
Designladyt says
Put them on the dashboard of the car.
heather j says
These are absolutely adorable and I LOVE felt...like seriously sneak and buy it and stash it away because my hubby thinks i'm nuts over constantly buying it but I love it:) You can do so much with felt!!! Question though...I've never tried handwarmers with the felt only because I heard felt doesn't hold up good in the microwave...you have had good results with this though?
Debby says
I really would love to make these for the hubby, but we no longer have a microwave.... I wonder if there is something I could make that he could still use to keep those fingers toasty or if there is some other way to warm these things up.
Mimi says
Put them in the oven/toaster oven to warm them up....when no microwave!
Amy Morris says
Hi Stephanie!
I love these little hand warmers! I made several for friends and family as Christmas gifts. I recently started any Etsy shop, and I would love to sell these little guys (the product, not the instructions). BUT I didn't know if they are copyrighted. I don't want to sell someone else's property. Is this your design?
Stephanie Gerber says
Hi Amy! I don't think I can take credit for inventing this idea :) I probably saw them in the store somewhere & decided to make my own. Nothing to stop you from doing the same, good luck!
Amy Morris says
Thanks so much! :)
Donna says
How long can it stay warm after popping them in the microwave for 30 sec?
Julia says
already been below zero here with wind chill! So hand warmers are a must and these will be so nice rather than using the throw away ones!
Marina says
Is it also possible to heat it in the oven? I don't have a microwave...
Jessica C. says
Wow! Thanks so much! This will be the perfect gift for my mom's birthday! I'm pinning this now so I can make it tomorrow.^^
Jessica says
What kind of felt did you use? Would regular sheets from hobby lobby's craft section work? I don't want them to melt!
gerbermom says
Yep, we used regular old felt - I think it was from Hobby Lobby in fact.
Sidney says
Gonna make these for my man for valentines day! (:
Anna says
Hi! I was just wondering if it was safe to put puffy paint on the front of the handwarmers? I was thinking about making conversation heart hand warmers! Also, if the puffy paint can't work, is it okay if I just "write" the letters with thread?
gerbermom says
What a fun idea! I'm not sure how the paint would do in the microwave - I suppose you could make one and give it a try. But you can definitely write with the thread!
Ra Wright says
It isn't actually unusual for rice packs to be a little damp out of the microwave. I love that about them usually because I make larger ones for my shoulders and for friends (I have arthritis and they are also great for monthly cramps or muscle aches). You can make a cold version out of rice or dried lentils (they have the same mold-ability as peas). Dried lentils can be left in the plastic bag they come in and frozen and then tucked in a fabric pouch so they feel nicer on your skin. Also, if you need more intense cold, you can freeze dish-washing liquid (concentrated works best) in a zip-lock type bag as well. It tends to stay cold much longer and stay a bit squishy when frozen. That's actually how I store my bulk dish-washing liquid until I use it because then I get double duty out of it. I didn't think up the freezing idea but I did decide to store it that way.
I love these little hearts though. I am thinking they will be great for my mother in law and I'm thinking of making other shapes as well.
Nicole says
Love this! Saw them today, and had to make them. I now have two purple hearts (ha) of warmth. I think I may have been a little too hasty with trying them, though. They feel a little damp after pulling them out of the microwave. Not sure where the moisture is coming from, so I'll just have to let them sit out for a day or so before using them.
Jan Mcgill says
I did the same. Where did the moisture come from? Surely it can't be from the rice as it would have been sticky in storage. I am going to leave mine on a hot radiator for a few hours and try again.
gerbermom says
That is so weird! Did you add anything else besides rice? I wonder if it's the felt?
Tamara says
I believe the moisture is from the rice even if something feels dry there has to be a degree of moisture in everything. I but after a while the moisture will stop but at the same time the rice will become more shriveled up and I bet the pouch will feel less filled up. I've made shoulder packs with whole oats bought at a coop for animals and buck wheat. Japanese even make pillows with buck wheat
Pink Ronnie says
Oh, these are so very cute, Steph!
Wow, it's been too long since I was last here! Love the new look and the new direction your blog has taken... very cool indeed.
Ronnie xo
Erica says
These are just so sweet and I've already got all these "ingredients" at home :)
gerbermom says
I know, I had everything on hand too - that never happens! I feel like I have a million supplies but never the exact thing I need.
Katie says
those are adorable! I'm pinning those so I can make them later!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
These would make such a great Christmas gift--love, love, love these! It's funny, I used to live in Wisconsin where we routinely had days that were below 0 (and even colder when the wind chill was factored in) and now it's in the 50s here and I'm complaining. I guess I adapted to the South really quickly. :)
gerbermom says
One of my favorite parts about moving to Nashville is the warmer weather - it's a good 10 degrees warmer than Louisville. That makes me so happy. I cannot even imagine surviving in Wisconsin!!
Maria says
This is such a great idea and so cute!
Anette @lebenslustiger says
Oh so lovely - what a great idea!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
What a cute idea! They wouldn't be much use to me here in Aus at the moment but maybe I could make ice versions?!
gerbermom says
Oh that's right - you're going into summer! A little jealous right now!
Elisa @ fancyfreeme says
Adorable pictures! These will be great for Xmas xtras :)