Corn bags serve as natural heating pads for soothing tired muscles and joints, and can even keep pets warm. Follow these steps to create your own corn bags.
Steps
Take Measurements of the Fabric: Cut a strip measuring 8 inches wide by 44 inches long (20.32 cm by 111.76 cm).
Fold and Prepare the Fabric: Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, aligning the right sides together to form a 8-inch by 22-inch (20.32 cm by 55.88 cm) strip.
Stitch the Two Long Edges Together: Seam the edges using a 1/4-inch (.635 cm) seam allowance.
Turn the Bag Right-Side Out: Ensure the fabric's correct side faces outward. Fold the open edge inward by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) and press it flat.
Sew a Straight Line Down the Center of the Fabric: Start and finish the stitching 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the top and bottom edges of the bag.
Fill Both Sides of the Bag with Clean, Dried Corn: Do not exceed filling the bag more than 2/3 full.
Secure the Top of the Bag with Pins:
Orient the pins horizontally. Test the bag's fit around your neck, elbow, knee, or any intended use area to ensure proper positioning.
- If it feels too tight, adjust the corn filling accordingly.
Stitch the Opening Closed, Leaving a 1/4-inch (.635 cm) Seam Allowance from the Folded Edge.
Sanitize the Corn Bag: Ensure the corn is thoroughly dried by placing the bag on a paper towel in the microwave.
- Heat the corn bag for 2 to 3 minutes, then allow it to cool for at least 2 hours. Shake the bag thoroughly and repeat the process using a fresh paper towel. If the second paper towel is damp after microwaving, let the bag cool for at least 2 hours and repeat the process for a third time.
Helpful Tips
-
Corn bags can also be placed in the freezer for cold therapy applications.
-
Dried corn can be purchased at agricultural supply stores or retailers specializing in hunting equipment. Alternatively, look for 'field corn' at stores selling bird feed.
-
Adjust the microwaving time for your corn bag based on your microwave's power. Start with 1 minute and increase in 30-second increments until you achieve the desired warmth.
Warnings
- Avoid using microwave popcorn.
- Exercise caution to prevent overheating the corn bag, as prolonged heating may cause burns.
- Do not exceed the recommended microwave heating time to prevent the risk of fire from the bag or the corn.
Materials Needed
- Cotton fabric
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Straight pins or safety pins
- Dried corn
- Paper towels
- Microwave