
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:
- cotton, linen, or wool fabric scraps
- whole flax seed
- 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
- small funnel
- cotton thread preferable, but poly thread works
Directions:
- 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.)
- Finish one edge of each square separately by serging or zig zag stitch. This will be the top edge seam.
- Place two squares together with right sides together, top seams matching, for each hand warmer.
- 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.
- Turn the hand warmers inside out. Turn the top edges under 1/4 inch. Press.
- 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.
- Using a small funnel, fill the hand warmers with whole flax seeds as full as you can without allowing them to spill out.
- Stitch the opening closed either by hand or using your sewing machine.
That’s it. Pretty simple!

Directions for use:
- Place the hand warmers in the microwave for 30 seconds on high
- Take them out carefully (they’re hot!)
- 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!