I hate getting into a cold bed. I also hate waking up in the middle of the night to an electric heating pad stuck to my thigh. Hence I have become a lover of the corn bag. This handy little thing is a pillow filled with feed corn. You put it in the microwave for 2 minutes and it will stay a toasty warm temperature for about an hour – just long enough to warm up the bed. I’ve used these little corn bags to ease aching muscles and to soothe an upset tummy. These are perfect for children since you know they can’t accidentally get too hot or stay plugged in. They are also a cinch to make and with a pretty bow or fancy tag you’ve got a great homemade gift.

You’ll need:

1/2 yard of durable fabric. I bought some decorator fabric on remnant. It cost me $8.00 for about 6 yards. You want a fabric that will hold up to repeated heat and wear. Things like polar fleece, or quilting cotton won’t work. Chambray is great.

Deer feed corn. I bought a 40lb bag at my local TSC for $6. Since you only use about 2 cups per bag this is going to last me a looooong time.

You are fundamentally making a small pillow. I used a Martha Stewart Living magazine as a template for mine. You want them a bit bigger than a piece of paper but not too large. Sew your pieces like a pillow and leave a place open to fill your bag. I left half of one side open. Then turn your “pillow” inside in and fill with corn. You want to fill your bag about 2/3 full. If you put too much in you won’t be able to sew it. Too little and it won’t retain heat for very long. Once the corn is in then pin your opening shut and top stitch around the whole “pillow”. This provides a second layer of stitching which will help keep the bag securely closed. Be careful that you don’t run over a piece of corn while sewing, it will snap your sewing machine needle in half. (not that I would know anything about that). Easy homemade gifts is what works for me.