My first attempt to make a microwavable hot or cold eye pillow was back on May 25, 2021. It was just a small pouch filled with flax seeds (about 9″ x 5″) that could be microwaved for 20-30 seconds and felt good on my forehead…or in my case, on my jaw before a root canal. I made a second one so I could keep one in the freezer to be a cold compress. It wouldn’t melt like ice cubes and could be re-chilled and used again. (See: https://marykisner.com/making-a-hot-or-cold-eye-pillow-for-headaches-or-toothaches/)
I’ve been asked by a friend to make a longer version that would wrap better around the neck. From what I could read about making and using a neck wrap, if I just made one long “pillow” the stuffing could shift all to one end. If it was too full, it wouldn’t wrap around the neck and stay put. Time to experiment!
First, I had to go to Nature’s Pantry to buy more flax seed. Luckily, they carry it in bulk so I could get a bag full! Flax seeds are not terribly expensive. This bag cost less than $10.
Then I had to make a pattern. I use this thin grid “paper” to make patterns. It looks like it’s marked in 1″ squares, but be careful. The grid lines help to keep it lined up with the grain of the fabric, but it is not an accurate way to measure. Look at the discrepancy:
I wanted a pattern about 24″ x 5″. I decided to compromise and cut the pattern on the line so at least the edge would be straight. Since I’m experimenting, I was guessing anyway!
To make the bag sturdy enough to resist flax seeds poking through the fabric, I decided to line it with muslin.
To Make a Neck Wrap, you will need:
2 pieces of muslin, about 24″ x 5″
1 piece of cotton fabric, about 24″ x 5″
1 piece of cotton flannel, about 24″ x 5″
Cotton thread
About 3 cups of flax seeds
Making the Neck Wrap…First Try
Step 1: With right sides together of the cotton fabric and flannel and the muslin pieces on the outside, sew around the rectangular “sandwich” stack of fabric, leaving a 3″ space at one end to turn it right side out.
Step 2: Trim the corners.
Step 3: Turn right side out.
Step 4: Top stitch close to the edge around three sides leaving the end open for stuffing.
Step 5: I marked the stitching lines that I would use as I filled each section. Mark out larger sections on the end with the smallest section in the center. I thought the smaller sections around the back of the neck would help it bend better.
Step 6: I started with 1/2 cup of flax seeds in the larger sections on each end, with the center section having only 1/4 cup of seed. As I filled each section, I stitched it closed.
When I was done, it wrapped well around the neck and the larger pockets on each end anchored it to stay put. It just seemed a little flat. I’m not sure if it will hold enough heat.
I passed the neck wrap on to the person requesting it to see if it would work for her. If it does, I’ll make a second one for her husband. I think it could be rolled up and fit well in the microwave.
Second Try…Revising the Pattern
I’m already considering alterations, with fewer sections, so I started another neck wrap. I think this might feel softer and still bend easily.
I marked the stitching lines…5″ from each end and a line in the center which turned out to be about 6″ from the first line.
This time I’ll put 1/2 cup of flax seeds in each end section and 3/4 cup in the two center sections. I think I’ll make a few more so I have them on hand…you never know when I might wish I had one too! Enjoy!