Make easy, DIY flaxseed heat pads (warming pillows, neck relaxers, etc.) with this video tutorial and download free printable gift tags!

One of my most popular DIY's, flaxseed warming pillows (aka, "neck relaxers," "heating pads," or whatever you call them!) now has it's own how-to video!
It's all done up in AOC fashion with the complete steps, as well as tips and answers to questions I've gotten over the years since first publishing the DIY flaxseed heat pads how-to.
This is one of my all-time favorite handmade gifts and one of the most popular with my friends and family - I still get requests for these wonderful little pillows (even from my 4-year-old niece!).
And to celebrate the "release" of the video, I created a set of free printable gift tags for you to download!
You'll find them at the bottom of this post, making it easy for you to attach the directions along with a little explanation of the benefits of using flaxseed in homemade heating pads.
Now, you all know my goal with most crafts, right?
They've got to be easy, do-able, not take too much time, use materials that are not hard to find, and be inexpensive. Because, let's be honest here, why bother otherwise?
These diy flaxseed heat pads area all this and more since they give back to the recipient every time they use them (and if you want to be on someone's mind, make them one of these and they will think of you every time they warm their toes, neck, or back!).
Since these are so popular (I've had readers even ask if I would sell them some!), I wanted to make sure you had every option available to you so that you could make them yourself, whether you learn best through a written tutorial or by watching the steps in a video.
DIY Flaxseed Heat Pads Video
So, now you have your choice to visit my original tutorial on how (and why!) to make flaxseed warming pillows here or watch the video above to see the steps in action. Or do both!
(Please overlook my hesitation when talking about the flax seeds, I really do think they're the best - that's what happens when I can't remember what I wanted to say. Now you know how much I love you - these videos aren't the easiest things for me to make, ha!)
Printable Flaxseed Pillow Gift Tags
Click on image below for the full-sized printable, then download to your computer:
I hope you enjoy making these and gifting them to your family and friends as much as I have!
**The border graphic used for the tags was created by We Lived Happily Ever After (check the site out if you're looking for more fun free graphics!).
Drema Morris says
Thank you so much for such an awesome post! I made 24 of these for Christmas presents and they have all been received with enthusiasm! I enjoyed making them so much. That says a lot because I am not a skilled seamstress and have often said I would never sew again. Now I have been thinking about what I can sew next.
Jami says
Oh my gosh, this makes me SO happy! And that I had a part in brining you back to a craft. 🙂
Thank you for letting me know (and 24? I'm impressed - that's a lot!).
Jas says
Hi, thanks for all the info! Very helpful. Can I also how long the flaxseeds will last? Is it subject to the shelf life stated on the packaging or is that only for if you consume them? Not sure if it will turn rancid after a while... Also, will the lavender lose its scent after a few days/weeka?
Jami says
I have had some pillows for years and they are fine when I go to use them! The scent lasts for months, but depends on how often you use them - heat them up, etc.
Lori Chambers says
I cannot get the gift tags to load to be able to print. Any suggestions?
Jami says
I'm not sure what's happening, Lori. When I click on them, they come up in a new window and there are options in the upper right corner to print, download, etc. I can do both. Is your printer hooked up correctly?
Dana Imm says
Do you have to sign up to be able to watch the video? When I click on the link, it just take me right back to the top of the page.
Jami says
No, it was supposed to be playing automatically at the top of the page. I've embedded it about halfway down now, so you should be able to see and play it there!
Heather says
Should I be pre-washing the cotton fabric prior to making the neck warmers?
Jami says
I don't, but it's okay if you do.
Diane says
Hello, I'm trying to print the labels for flax seed heat pads. Apparently the site no longer has the tags to print. Bummer.
Jami says
Hello, Diane - the tags are still available when you click on the image of them. I did it and a new tab appeared where I could download and print them. Do you have a pop-up blocker? Maybe you could tell me how you tried to print them and it didn't work?
Diane says
Thank you for the help. I printed the tags successfully.
Jami says
Yay!
Mary says
Thanks Jami for your video on the flaxseed neck warmers, always looking for a gift giving idea that’s not to hard and costly. This fits the bill, I can do this! And the ribbon and labels are a perfect touch. Do I need a color printer or will colored paper work? Thank you
Jami says
Yes, you can Mary - they are easy! The labels will print all B&W on a non-color printer. If that's what you have, printing on lightly colored paper (so you can still see the print) is a good option.
Gail Pickens-Barger says
Nice! Thanks for the printable!
Mel says
Thank you Jami for your very helpful instructions for the neck warmer! You were perfect in your detail and it was awesome to watch!!
Jami says
Thank you, Mel!
Marie seay says
Love the video. Thanks. Wondering if there is a way to change background color of the tag.
Jami says
No, sorry. You can alter it a little by printing on a different color of paper, though.
Jenn Lebowitz says
Any idea what this fabric is called or where you purchased it? I just LOVE it and need it!
Jami says
It was from Premier Prints and I think I got it on Fabric.com - but it is from years ago, so I doubt it's available. But I do know that Premier has always had a lot of great prints, so you should check them out. 🙂
Carol Singley says
What a wonderful gift idea. You are so thoughtful & generous to make these instructions available to anyone who may be interested. I can’t wait to make these flaxseed warming pillows as gifts for family & friends. Thank you & God bless you.
Jami says
Oh, thank you for your sweet comment, Carol - I hope you enjoy using and giving these!
Helen Schwartz says
Thank you so much for the tutorial and tags. I started searching for neck pillows on the internet and stopped looking when I came across yours! I am making one to donate to a basket being raffled off to benefit Nar-Anon (the narcotics version of Al-Anon). I'm making something because I'm so short on money right now, and your pattern is perfect. I am delighted to use your pattern and donate such a pretty, usable gift. The basket theme is "Spa Day - Taking Care of Yourself."
Jami says
I love this, Helen - thank you for letting me know, I'm so glad it's going to be in such a worthwhile cause. 🙂