How To Make The Best Flaxseed Pillows (& Why Flaxseed is the Best)
A complete tutorial showing how to make flaxseed pillows, a popular and welcomed gift, plus WHY flax seed is the best filler for homemade warming pillows.
Check out more DIY gifts on the handmade gifts page.
Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
NOTE: In addition to the tutorial below, you can also go here to watch a video tutorial to make these homemade heat pads filled with flax AND download a set of printable tags with directions for using!
My entire extended family loves using these easy-to-make flaxseed pillows for everything from sore necks to foot warmers (on cold nights it’s a treat to slide into bed with warm toes!).
They have been one of the most popular handmade gifts I have given, as well as one of the most popular things I sold when I had a craft business. And the fact that they are super easy and inexpensive to make is just a nice bonus!
While you may think that rice or corn would work just as well – and be cheaper – as a filler for DIY warming pads, there are lots of reasons why flax is better.
For a heating pad with lasting quality, using whole flaxseeds is really the only way to go.
Why flaxseed instead of other grains?
- Whole flaxseed provides a gentle, moist heat which promotes healing.
- Flaxseeds are flower seeds, rather than grains, so they contain 30-40% oil which remains inside the seed to be warmed again and again. Other products lose their ability to retain heat as the water cooks out of them over time.
- When heated, flaxseed pillows retain half their heat after an hour. Under covers (think about those toes…) the pillow will still be warm hours later.
- Flax never has that “cooked grain” smell other grain based products have when heated over and over again.
- The weight of flaxseed is gentle and comforting.
- Flaxseed pillows can also be chilled in the freezer to sooth fevers or slight inflammations, though they don’t get cold enough to provide the numbness needed for things like sprains and back injuries.
Can you heat them without a microwave?
I haven’t tried it, but I did get a comment from a reader who made them and then heated them using her oven and a baking stone!
Here’s what she did:
- Use a pizza stone in the oven, heat the oven & stone (she didn’t give a temperature – maybe 350 degrees?).
- Turn the oven off and put the pack on the stone for a couple of minutes.
- Flip it over to evenly heat and it “works just as well as the microwave!”
Flaxseed Pillows Video
How to Make Flaxseed Pillows
SECRET TIP: I have been making these rectangular flaxseed pillows for a number of years now, and people are always surprised by how sturdy and professional-looking they are, and my secret is: only use the more heavyweight 100% cotton home decor fabrics. The lighter quilting cottons just don’t hold the heat as well, aren’t as comfortable to use and don’t last as long.
Supplies Needed:
- 100% cotton, heavy-weight fabrics like ticking, florals, home decorating fabrics, and even denim (similar to the the fabrics pictured). This is a key to making them a step above the run-of-the-mill flea market rice pack.
- Whole flaxseed (brown or gold), about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds for each rectangular warmer. If you can find whole flaxseed in bulk at a local store that will be your best deal. Online these are the best prices I’ve found at around $2 a pound: To make about 4 neck warmers- 10-lbs whole brown flax seed (even less with Amazon’s Subscribe & Save); OR to make just 1: 2.2 pounds Whole Brown Flaxseed.
- Sharp Scissors
- Sewing machine
- 100% Cotton Thread
- Large wide-mouth funnel (easier than the regular funnel pictured in tutorial)
- Dried lavender (optional), 1/4 c. for each pillow
- Wide ribbon for packaging
Directions:
1. Make a pattern. This is optional, but If you’re going to be making a lot of these, it’s helpful. Make it out of brown kraft paper in any size you’d like. I find that a 12″ x 20″ pattern for a finished pillow of 5-1/2″ x 20 is a versatile size for draping around your neck, back or warming toes. It is easiest to cut only one piece that I fold before sewing.
However, if I’ve got a piece of fabric that is close to that size I’ll use it, especially if it’s wider and shorter (like the red plaid pillow in the first picture) because that’s a nice size for using as a foot warmer. That size would be more of a square at about 14″ x 15.” Play around with sizes to find the one you like best- just don’t go too big or it will be too heavy and take too much seed to fill.
2. Sew the end and side seams. The sewing on this is super-simple, with a total of three straight lines.
Fold the fabric with right sides together and start sewing on one of the short ends (folded side farthest from you), keeping the edge of the presser foot at the edge of the fabric, as shown, for the seam allowance.
When you come to the corner, make sure the needle is in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and turn your fabric. Lower the foot and sew all the way to the other short end, keeping the same seam allowance and ending at the open short end.
It’s helpful to go back and forth a time or two (called “bar-tacking”) with the thread to lock in the seam, since we’ll be turning the pillow right-side out.
3. Clip the corners of the seams you’ve just sewn, as pictured, to reduce bulkiness when it’s turned.
4. Turn the pillow right-side out.
5. Fill with flaxseed and optional scent. Fill to between 1/2 and 2/3 full (depending on the fullness you want), about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds of flaxseed. This allows for movement of the seeds when heating in the microwave and for a comfortable pillow to drape (be careful, though, fill it too full and the pillow becomes like a rock…).
Optional for scent: Add about 1/4 cup dried lavender buds. Lavender is a soothing scent that’s not too overpowering, so I find it works for lots of people. I’ve also used dried chamomile flowers.
Alternately, a few drops of lavender essential oil could be rubbed into some of the seeds before adding to the pillow. Just don’t add too much scent, as it can be overpowering when heated.
6. Pin open edge. Fold the open end inward 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch and pin as pictured.
7. Sew the folded end close to the edge. Use the inside of the presser foot as a guide and lock each end by going back-and-forth with the needle and thread. You don’t want any seeds to fall out!
And that’s it! Pretty simple, right?
For gift-giving, it works great to fold the pillow in half and tie with a wide ribbon. Add a tag with these instructions and why flax is so wonderful:
Warm in microwave 45 seconds to 1 minute, shake, and warm another 20 to 30 seconds until desired temperature. Flax retains half its heat after an hour or more under covers and can be warmed again and again unlike grain products.
Update: Go here to print off a set of tags for your pillows (and watch a video how-to if you’d like).
And with flax seeds, a little fabric and lavender (maybe that you grew yourself?), you’ve got a wonderful, inexpensive gift that people really appreciate.
Have you ever made these for gifts?
Update #2: I just had to show you all this incredibly thoughtful take on these popular warming pillows that my friend, Mary, from Front-Porch-Ideas-And-More shared with me:
Mary’s sister’s husband was killed tragically in an auto accident and when she saw the Flaxseed Pillow Tutorial, she was inspired to use the sleeves of her brother-in-law’s shirts to make warming pillows for her sister and her children.
Isn’t that brilliant? And so incredibly appropriate – the sleeves that covered the arms that used to hug them can now warm them. (sniff…are your eyes tearing up, too?) Mary wrote:
My sister and kids love the flaxseed pillows. They were very touched by those. Thank you again for the wonderful idea.
Of course the application of this idea can be wider spread and apply to clothing from anyone special to you, using grandparents, parents and even children’s clothes. Basically anything that was special to someone you love (or even yourself!) can be made into a loving pillow to warm them on chilly nights or help soothe aches and pains.
A couple points to remember when using clothing for Flaxseed Warming Pillows:
- Mary mentioned that when using clothing (often made of thinner material than the heavy cotton I recommend for the pillows) it’s a good idea to double the fabric. She used two sleeves for each pillow and said that this made them a lot more richer feeling.
- Make sure that the clothing fabric is 100% cotton. Any polyester or non-cotton fabric like modal or microfiber will react with the flax when microwaved, causing moisture and even potentially melting. I would assume that 100% linen or wool flannel would be okay, but I’ve never tried it, so I’d suggest testing it first to be sure it’s okay before gifting the pillow.
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How To Make The Best Flaxseed Pillows (& Why Flaxseed is the Best)
Tools
- Sharp scissors
- Sewing machine
- Large wide-mouth funnel
Materials
- 100% cotton, heavy-weight fabrics like ticking, florals, home decorating fabrics, and even denim (similar to the the fabrics pictured). This is a key to making them a step above the run-of-the-mill flea market rice pack.
- Whole flaxseed (brown or gold), about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds for each rectangular warmer. If you can find whole flaxseed in bulk at a local store that will be your best deal. Online these are the best prices I've found at around $2 a pound: To make about 4 neck warmers- 10-lbs whole brown flax seed (even less with Amazon's Subscribe & Save); OR to make just 1: 2.2 pounds Whole Brown Flaxseed.
- 100% Cotton Thread
- Dried lavender (optional), 1/4 c. for each pillow
- Wide ribbon for packaging
Instructions
- Make a pattern. This is optional, but If you’re going to be making a lot of these, it’s helpful. Make it out of brown kraft paper in any size you’d like. I find that a 12″ x 20″ pattern for a finished pillow of 5-1/2″ x 20 is a versatile size for draping around your neck, back or warming toes. It is easiest to cut only one piece that I fold before sewing.However, if I’ve got a piece of fabric that is close to that size I’ll use it, especially if it’s wider and shorter (like the red plaid pillow in the first picture) because that’s a nice size for using as a foot warmer. That size would be more of a square at about 14″ x 15.” Play around with sizes to find the one you like best- just don’t go too big or it will be too heavy and take too much seed to fill.
- Sew the end and side seams. The sewing on this is super-simple, with a total of three straight lines.Fold the fabric with right sides together and start sewing on one of the short ends (folded side farthest from you), keeping the edge of the presser foot at the edge of the fabric, as shown, for the seam allowance.When you come to the corner, make sure the needle is in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and turn your fabric. Lower the foot and sew all the way to the other short end, keeping the same seam allowance and ending at the open short end.It’s helpful to go back and forth a time or two (called “bar-tacking”) with the thread to lock in the seam, since we’ll be turning the pillow right-side out.
- Clip the corners of the seams you’ve just sewn, as pictured, to reduce bulkiness when it’s turned.
- Turn the pillow right-side out.
- Fill with flaxseed and optional scent. Fill to between 1/2 and 2/3 full (depending on the fullness you want), about 2 to 2-1/2 pounds of flaxseed. This allows for movement of the seeds when heating in the microwave and for a comfortable pillow to drape (be careful, though, fill it too full and the pillow becomes like a rock…).
- Optional for scent: Add about 1/4 cup dried lavender buds. Lavender is a soothing scent that’s not too overpowering, so I find it works for lots of people. I’ve also used dried chamomile flowers.Alternately, a few drops of lavender essential oil could be rubbed into some of the seeds before adding to the pillow. Just don’t add too much scent, as it can be overpowering when heated.
- Pin open edge. Fold the open end inward 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch and pin as pictured.
- Sew the folded end close to the edge. Use the inside of the presser foot as a guide and lock each end by going back-and-forth with the needle and thread. You don’t want any seeds to fall out!
Notes
Warm in microwave 45 seconds to 1 minute, shake, and warm another 20 to 30 seconds until desired temperature. Flax retains half its heat after an hour or more under covers and can be warmed again and again unlike grain products.
Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn’t change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.
NOTE: this tutorial was originally published in 2011 and has been updated with larger photos and clearer formatting and information.
I love this idea, Jami; thank you! I just made 3 of these for gifts, and then realized that I’d used my Gutermann thread that’s 100% polyester (it sure looks like cotton!). Could this pose any problem since you specify 100% cotton thread?
I don’t know for sure, Nancy, but I read that poly thread could burn in the microwave, which is why I specified cotton. It probably won’t for the minute or so its heated, but I wanted to err on the side of caution.
I just made 2! They are so easy to do. The directions are perfect! Thank you for sharing
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy using them!
Hello, I have a lot of nice prints in 100% cotton or cotton/linen. Some designer home dec. 100% cottons and a lot of 100% cotton canvas, too. Most designs have been screen printed on the fabrics. Google said not to put screen printed fabrics in the microwave. Are your pretty fabrics screen printed? Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
Oh gosh, I have no idea how the fabrics were printed, lol! And when I started making these, I wouldn’t have thought to ask Google.:) All I can say is I used a LOT of different printed fabrics and I NEVER once have had any issue.
I was sorting my designer fabrics and if I wasn’t sure it was 100% cotton I used Google lens to look them up. Some said screen printed and some said they were protected with a coating. I may just try some of them and see if anything happens. Thank you for taking the time to respond.
That’s a great idea, Sharon.
I wanted to let you know that I did put some screen printed fabrics in the microwave just to test them. The printing inks in the fabrics did just fine. I think that a minute or two in the microwave isnt enough time to harm them. So I will start using them from now on.
Oh, good! That was my thought, too, Sharon, that they aren’t heated for very long.
Hello! I was wondering if you could tell me how to sew this in a u-shape for facial/sinus relief use? So it could rest on the eyes, (maybe forehead) and cheek area? Thank you for sharing your post! I look forward to hearing from you.
You can make your own template, Shayla! Use some kraft paper and draw the shape you want, using the same width of the one shown here. Sew and fill like illustrated.
Where do you get the dried lavender?
You can buy it on Amazon, but I like to buy it from Mountain Rose Herbs.
Hi, Jami. I’m late to this conversation, but just wanted to thank you for this great idea. I’ve made six flax-filled pillows this afternoon, and my neighbor gifts are taken care of for the season. Thought you might like to know that I used two very nice oversized decorative dish towels for the case fabric. They were “too nice” for drying dishes, but they were 100 percent cotton and excellent heavyweight material, so perfect for this purpose. I got two large pillows and one narrow one from each towel. Thanks again!
I’m glad your gifts were done in an afternoon, Brenda!
And I love that tip – what a great idea, that sounds like a perfect fabric for them.
Hi there, I was wondering how to clean these? I assume that with time they might get a little dirty. Seems troublesome because I’d be worried about getting the flax seeds inside wet. Can you have an external bag that’s washable and a separate inner bag for the flax seeds?
Yes, these aren’t able to be washed when made like I’ve outlined. We’ve used ours for years (occasional use) and they aren’t dirty.
But if they will be used often, you can simply make a cover for it and use snaps or ties to close one end after inserting the flax pillow.
Hello!
I absolutely LOVE microwaveable bags!! I use them every night in the winter and throw them under my sheets to warm me up at night (I jokingly call it my “husband”! Because they can’t be washed and I don’t sew, after heating, I throw them in a pillowcase and it works perfectly!
I have two corn filled bags from my daughter and sister-in-law but they are starting to smell bad after microwaving so I’m looking to replace them. Anyone willing to sell me some?
I made my first flax seed heat pack for someone a couple days ago took me about 4 days and 25 bucks. i hand sewed and used fabric tape. i even double hand sewed just to make sure it was all secure no gaps no holes. very proud of myself. my flaxseed was organic golden and not ground. i used to buckwheat hules to make up the excess filling because flax anything can be expensive. the sales lady said she did that with her heat packs all the time. i was careful not to fill to the top. when finished it was perfect. everything moved freely inside and was not like a rock at all. but my fat quarter i used for the pillow was obviously not heavyweight or 100 percent cotton. at only a dollar what did i expect? i didnt know that part of the process. i had so many fat quarters i couldnt think what else to do with them. i was dumb. my first perfect project i did all by myself was ruined. flaxseed produces oil especially when microwaved. its supposed to help the healing part do its jib, but instead it leaked through the fabric and the whole thing was oily all over. the gift was never given and i had to throw my 25 dollar perfect project gone ruined in the trash. is there was a way to place somekind of a bag insside the fabric? i dont know if that would solve it. i couldnt think of a bag the size of the pillow that would fit. so i was clueless and gave up on trying to make another one again.
Bummer Dorothy! I’ve never had the flax seed produce oil like that, though I have always used heavy weight cotton – you did use whole seeds, right?
I wonder if the buckwheat hulls you added broke through the seeds as it was being used and released the oil? I can’t think of another reason. I’ve gotten a couple of people tell me you can get whole flaxseed cheaper at feed stores, so I’d check that out – they should definitely not cost that much each!
You might try using the plastic liner bags they use for crock pots. Tie them closed with string or fabric. They would take the heat.
Can you make these with ground fax seed?
No, it has to be whole seeds to heat and hold the warmth.
Yay!! Thank you for the idea, the explanation and the pattern. I just made up 11 of them for holiday gifts. FYI for others – I was able to get 25 lbs of whole flax seed from a feed store. 25 lbs made 11 warmers using the measurements given above (12 x 20 in). I filled them just over half way full.
Wow, good for you, Renee!! And thanks for that tip – I’ve never thought to look at a feed store!
Hi, how do you store your flax seed? In an airtight container or in the refrigerator?
Thanks!
It depends on the amount I have – large bags were stored in a cool pantry, smaller bags I add to the fridge. Any way to keep them on the cooler side is good!
I was curious how much you sell your pillows for?
It’s been a number of years since I sold them, Michelle. When I did I charged $12 each for the longer pillows I picture here.
I live in the tropics, where the humidity is very high, do you reckon that flaxseed will endure the climate here? I’m interested in making eye pillows.
I don’t know that, Daniel – have you tried searching online for how flaxseed stores in humid climates?
I read on another site that the oils in Flaxseed can become rancid over time and have a bad smell when heated. Have you found this to be true?
I’ve never had that happen and I’ve used some pillows for years.
Do you need to sterilize the flaxseeds in any way? Or just buy them and use them?
Nope, just buy them and use them!
I’m allergic to lavender – gives me migraines. I had a similar warming pillow that incorporated whole cloves, about a tsp. Are you aware of any issue using cloves with the flaxseed?
Nope, you can use any dried herb that you want, Karen!
(PS, that’s ironic about lavender for you, since it’s supposed to help with headaches, lol.)
Hello! I’m so excited to make these!! Thank you for all the wonderful info and tips <3 I'm just curious, is Step 2 missing or did it just get numbered wrong? I'm only asking because, while this seems like a simple project, if someone could mess it up it would be me LOL so I want to make sure I have all the steps 😉 Thank you in advance!!
Oh, this is too funny, Becky – after all these years you’re the first person to have pointed that out to me! I just numbered them wrong – all the steps are the same. 🙂 I’ll go in and fix it!
Thank you ~ you didn’t need to on my account, I simply didn’t want to miss anything 😉
Thank you again, as I really am looking forward to making these for when I play my Sound Baths. <3