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.
Want to save this?
Enter your email below and you’ll get it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get easy new recipes, gardening tips & more every week!
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.
Love this tutorial and the information… I made one yesterday and it did wonders for my aching pregnant backache! I didn’t use heavy cotton though, as I don’t have any on hand, so the heat escaped quite quickly. I also noticed it made me sweat a lot, so I will have to make a separate cover.
I am thinking of using some type of cotton gauze (now commonly muslin cotton) for the inner bag. Has anyone ever tried using cotton gauze cheesecloth? The weave looks very loose- I’m wondering if that would even hold in the tiny flaxseeds or not? Muslin cotton is a lot more pricey than the cheesecloth up here in the Great White North. Thanks in advance!
I am so happy I found your site!!! I started making some of these for Christmas presents. It was such a BIG help to have your printables and hints. It is nice to be able to tell people why to use flaxseed instead of rice when they ask. I especially like the ribbon you wrapped around them. Makes it look so fancy and pretty. Thank you so much! Have a wonderful Christmas! XOXO
Thank you so much, Carol – I hope everyone enjoyed them as Christmas presents!
Thanks so much for this excellent tutorial! I was hoping to make these for friends this Christmas using wool fabrics that I repurpose from thrift shop finds. I would think wool would hold the heat well. Do you have any experience using wool and do you know how it would hold up in the microwave? (And thanks for sticking with answering questions on this thread for so long!!!)
You know, Terry, I’m not sure that wool would work very well since there is moisture released from the flax when heated and heat+moisture for wool causes felting and a lanolin smell. You can always test and see, but I wouldn’t recommend it just thinking about it. Let us know if I’m wrong, though, and it works! 🙂
Hmmm… As soon as I read your moisture + wool comment I thought “wet dog smell.” NOT what I’m going for!! 😉 I think I’ll stick with some nice cozy flannel for now and experiment with felted wool – on a bag for myself – after Christmas. Thanks for your response!
Ha! You’re right – I hadn’t thought, too, how that would smell like a dog. Good call. 🙂
Hello, for years I have made corn pillows for christmas. I really would like to make these flax seed and lavender pillows especially that I have lavender left from our daughters wedding.
Can you please tell me how I can get it in bulk? Or the best way to buy it cost effective. I wonder if I can get it locally in an Amish Store? Any input, thanks!
I buy it at a local discount-warehouse type grocery store that has a bulk section in bins – it’s about .80/lb. there, Mary Ann. We don’t have Amish stores, but I would try that or any other place you know that sells bulk food.
How much will the flax seed cost you to make this warming pillow?
We can get the flaxseed for .82/lb. at our local store that sells bulk foods in bins. Each pillow takes 2-3 lbs., depending on how full you fill it.
uh oh i bought flannel material at the joanns sale will this catch fire 🙁 ? i had my heart set on making these
Hmmm, I don’t know, Kara. If it’s 100% cotton and not treated with any flame retardant (sometimes they do with flannel for kids), it should be okay I think. It makes sense that 100% cotton is just that and would act the same, so I say go for it. 🙂
I can’t seem to find the link for tags? is it still available? LOL
The tags are available here Nikki (I’ll update this post with them, too!): https://anoregoncottage.com/diy-flaxseed-heat-pads-video-and-free-printable-tags/
Love the idea with flax seeds but can this be made without a sewing machine? I’d love to make it for Xmas presents but no sewing machine. 🙁
Ah, so sorry Dominique, these really have to be made by a machine, since it’s important to secure the fabric with tiny stitches so the seeds don’t fall out. Unless you can hand sew with tiny stitches? Maybe you can borrow a machine?
I live in a small town and our Health Food Store carries Flax Seed (and Lavender) in bulk.
I recently made this and I put 1/4 cup of dried lavender buds. However after heating them about 15 times I have noticed the lavender smell is gone. Has this ever happened to anyone? Did I do something wrong?
Yes, that happens, Connie. I try to add a bit of lavender essential oil to the buds, mixing them well and the smell seems to last longer. But it will still eventually wear out.
What kind of flaxseed do you use? I bought some Golden Roasted flaxseed from Trader Joe and it smells terrible. (my daughter said it smells like rotten peanut butter). Its worse than the smell of the rice that I was trying to replace. Thanks
Plain flaxseeds do not smell, Iris! I’ve never gotten the TJ’s version, so I don’t know about that, but the bulk flaxseeds we get in our local cheap-food store (WinCo here – I think Cub Foods in other areas?) do not have a smell (though I don’t know if they’re roasted or not) and are about .86/lb.
I am so glad I found all these beautiful information. I want to try and make them as well for sometime now but my main concern is whether the flax seeds have an expiration date? and if bugs might appear in the little pillows? I should just buy flax seeds for cooking or with any preservative added?
Thank you for replying 🙂
I’ve never had a problem, Christina, nor anyone I’ve made them for, and I’ve had them for years. No expiration date and just plain old flax seeds. 🙂
🙂 Thank you so much!
Off to make some little flax seed pillows myself that I so much wanted.
Sending you my warmest greetings from sunny – hot Greece
I loved your blog by the way
<3
I bought 2 of these at a craft show at least 15 years ago. I am still using the same flax seeds but have made new casings a couple of times. I didn’t know it was flax seed until I wanted to try to make as a quilt camp project. I googled it to find out what those little brown seeds were. I liked your instructions the best of those I found.
Have you used other scents like eucalyptus?
I made this for a friend and added a “pillowcase” secured with velcro so it could be washed.
I bought brown flax seed at the feed store; 70 cents a pound in bulk bin. Some essential oil at an herb store. Will be making some of these soon!
I have received these as gifts, and used them until they wore out. I especially like the ones with lavender added, since I use them mainly to relieve my migraines. I have found that putting a small container of water ( 1/4 c.or less) in the microwave while heating the wrap seems to give me a more soothing effect, as well as keeping the flax moist for longer effectiveness. Just remember to cut down your heating time for about 30seconds less. It’s also a good idea to use a plastic container for the water, since glass becomes very hot and can burn you if you’re not careful removing it before you remove the wrap.
Thanks so much for the tip, Dawn – that does sound very soothing!
I make these for baby shower gifts. Babies typically fall asleep while we hold them and then wake up when we lay them in their cool beds. So I tell new moms to use these bags to warm up the baby’s crib (not too hot, just enough to take the chill off the cotton sheet), then take the warming pillow out of the crib, place a couple of drops of breast milk on the sheet, and lay your sleeping baby on the sheet. Now the baby’s crib is warm like momma and smells like momma (from the drops of breast milk) and baby will stay asleep! It worked for both of my winter-born babies and all of my friend’s babies too! It is my FAVORITE baby gift to give! Even my friend, who just had baby #5, who never heard of this before and was very frustrated w/ the other 4 waking up as soon as she laid them in their crib is trying this and it’s working!! She says she only wishes she knew this trick 4 babies ago 😉
Wow, what a fabulous use for these, Cindy – I’m going to remember this!
I have had people say their flax seed pillows got wet when they microwaved them. Would the type of fabric used make a difference with this? I did use fleece. Maybe I should remake these, given the comment above.
Fleece is a polyester, so when you heat it, the fibers can melt together. I have no idea what that would do the the flax, but apparently it causes moisture. 🙁 I only use 100% heavier weight cotton and have never had that problem, Eileen, so if you could remake them, that would probably be best!
Thank you for your kind response.
Do you think it would be okay/ safe to monogram the pillows?
You mean before they are filled, Aimee? I’m sure it would – monogramming wouldn’t make any holes big enough for flax to come through, if that’s what you were thinking.
Hi Jami! I love that you used pillow ticking for these warmers, as I’m making Christmas stockings for my brother & his kids out of this same fabric! I’m planning on making both of my brothers flax pillows, but making them in the shape of neck pillows so that they’ll stay on them easier. I bought some fleece at Jo-Ann’s Fabric annual 70% off sale, with this purpose in mind, but I was told that you CAN NOT put fleece in the microwave to heat, as it’s been known to actually catch on fire! I thought that I’d share that with you & your readers as a warning. Now I just need to find a use for this fleece……