Microwave heatable neck warmers can be used to relax tense or stressed muscles. Many have muscle problems in the trapezius, the muscle that extends from the base of the neck to the shoulders on both sides of the neck. A wheat or rice padded neck warmer adapts to the shape of the body, relieving pain in the trapezius and other muscles. Unlike traditional thermoelectric blankets, a microwaveable neck warmer cools down in less than an hour, and does not present the risk of over-heating the muscles. You can make an aromatherapy neck warmer using recycled fabrics and simple ingredients you can find around the house.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Sew a Neck Warmer
Step 1. Choose a fabric to make your neck warmer
You can go to a store and buy a comfortable fabric such as flannel, fleece, muslin, denim or cotton; however you can also use socks, old shirts, towels or rags. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it doesn't contain wires, beads, underwire, etc., as they could catch fire in the microwave.
- A large, thick sock is the easiest fabric to use, because it already has the necessary shape and you don't have to sew the sides. If you want another simple solution, you can also use an old towel and fold it in half to its length.
- If you decide to use a loosely woven fabric, also take a muslin or flannel cloth to put inside as a lining, so that the batting does not come out.
Step 2. Measure your neck using a tape measure, and add 1.3cm for sewing
If you don't feel like taking measurements, consider that on average a length of about 51 cm and a width of 13 cm could be fine.
If you want to use the neck warmer also for other parts of the body, such as the back, add a few cm in length so that it is more versatile
Step 3. Choose your padding
You can use long grain white rice, flax seeds, buckwheat, barley, oats, corn, cherry seeds, beans, or millet. If you decide to use rice, don't use pre-cooked rice, as it may cook when you heat it.
Step 4. Add some fragrances
While not necessary, a soothing fragrance can help remove tension from your body. Choose an essential oil or spice, and mix it with the stuffing in a bowl. Let it rest for a day and mix often so that the aroma is distributed better.
For example, you can use 5 drops of an essential oil such as lavender, peppermint or rose. You can also use 5 pinches of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or rosemary. You can also add rose or other flower petals
Step 5. Cut the fabric according to the measurements you just took, remembering to leave room for the seams
If you use a towel or sock it will not be necessary. If you are going to use another fabric as an inner lining, cut it out in slightly smaller measurements than you took.
Step 6. Fold the fabric to its length, with the inner lining facing out
Pin everything together so you can sew more easily.
Step 7. Sew a full length seam and close one end using a sewing machine or needle and thread
Make sure the stitches are close to each other so the stuffing doesn't come out.
Step 8. Sew the other end as well, leaving an opening of about 2.5 cm
If you are preparing both an inner and outer bag, leave one end of the outer one completely open. You will need to remove the inner one regularly to be able to reheat it
Step 9. Turn the fabric inside out by passing it through the 2.5 cm opening on the side
Step 10. Pour the flavored grains or beans into the neck warmer or inner bag using a funnel or measuring cup with a spout
Experiment to determine the exact amount. Most neck warmers are half or 3/4 full. Do not put too much padding: it would adapt more difficult to your body.
Step 11. Close the opening completely using needle and thread or a sewing machine
Even if the 2.5 cm opening faces outwards, it is important to be able to open it to replace or refill the padding.
If you are preparing the outer bag, put two pieces of Velcro over the opening so that it can be opened and closed easily
Step 12. Heat the inner bag or neck warmer in the microwave for 90 seconds
If you think it's not hot enough, keep reheating at 30-second intervals. Put it around your neck and shoulders until it cools down, it will take about 20 minutes.
Step 13. Wash the fabric and replace the pad every 3 to 6 months, depending on how you use it
If you want to do something right, prepare a pillowcase to put the neck warmer in, so that you only have to wash this one. Remember to take it off even when you heat it in the microwave, and make it slightly larger than the neck warmer. It could also be a great gift idea. Good luck!
Method 2 of 2: Improvising a Neck Warmer
Step 1. Use a baby wool blanket
Alternatively, cut a wool blanket to make a smaller piece; it's a good way to reuse blankets that you no longer use. It must be one hundred percent wool, because it is more resistant to fires.
- Sprinkle a little water on the wool blanket, so that it gets a little damp.
- Put it in the microwave or dryer to warm it up.
- Wrap it around your neck or wherever you like
