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.
Would you recommend any other scents, such as peppermint? Would essential oils do the trick for this?
Thanks!
Can you also add other scents? Such as peppermint? Is dried lavender better, or essential oils?
Thank you!
Yes, you can add other scented herbs. I don’t know how long they will last – lavender is just known for lasting awhile. I have tossed a few drops of essential oils onto the flax seed before filling the pillows and it works, but again doesn’t seem to last as long.
Thank you for the info! Sorry for my excessive comments…I’m not very tech savvy, I just thought my comments weren’t going through. Anyway, thank you!
Jessie
No worries – glad to help!
Could you add other scents to these as well? Such as cinnamon or peppermint? If so, how do you suggest doing so?
Thanks!
You can toss a few drops of essential oils with the seeds before filling the pillows, Jessie.
How long would you say dried lavender stays good enough to put in a pillow? I have had a bag for about 6 years now! Wondering if I can use it up or if I should start fresh?
Well, it depends on what you mean by “good.” It’s all about the smell – if it still smells pretty strong of lavender, it’s good to use. If it’s barely noticeable, it won’t last very long in the warmer, but it’s not bad, per se. So, it’s up to you!
Thank you! You mentioned that you can get the seeds locally for $1 lb; would love to know if maybe you are in Portland? I am looking for the seeds to fill ” snakes” to block cold from under front door.. Thank you
I am in Eugene area, but buy the seeds bulk at WinCo, which is also in Portland. 🙂 If you need a lot, find the bulk-foods manager and ask to buy a 25-lb. bag. It’s easier than filling up a lot of those plastic baggies!
I was thinking of making Lavender eye pillows which would be smaller that what you made here. Was originally thinking rice, but now thinking Flax seeds. Would you think 2 drops essential oil would be enough to keep scented. I also was thinking of making it using cotton batting and making different covers in cute fabrics. What are your thoughts?
That will be a lot of scent – I’d probably just do one drop. The thing is it will wear off eventually no matter how much you start with – it will just be a stronger scent in the meantime. 🙂
Your idea of an insert with different covers is perfect, I would just use a heavyweight cotton fabric for the insert and not batting – I’m not sure how the batting would hold up to repeated heatings and the fabric is a sure thing.
I do alot of these from rounded shoulder packs, to 12″ + long neck supports to 4″ – 6″ round spot pads. I find the spot pads are great to put in freezer to put on bumps and bruises and if you do them in kid friendly pattern they will use them when needed. I buy a 50 lb bag of flaxseed from my local feed store ( you might have to drive out into the country) for about 64 cent per pound. Great deal!
What a great idea, Lisa – both the spot pads AND the feed store – I hadn’t thought about that option!
how long the flaxseed last a year or more after using it warm in microwave? I will like to know to do a pillow for my mom. thank you
Our flaxseed warmers last many years with us using them just in the winter months for warmth. If using constantly for pain, maybe just 2 years? I’m not sure, since it’s so variable. Many of the people I’ve given them too have said the fabric wears out first!
My local natural food store sells flax at 2.50/lb in 1 lb units which means the flax seed is always fresh. They’ll let me buy a 25lb bag at a lower price per lb too but I make for gifts using my handwoven fabrics.
Good to know about a natural foods store option. Thanks!
How do you clean these if needed?
You’d only be able to spot-clean areas, Samantha. We don’t usually have a problem with normal use (neck, back warming or toe warming at night) but if being used where they would get dirty, I’d make a separate cover that would tie or velcro on that could be washed.
Hi
Can I use a 100% organic cotton tea towel to make a neck pillow? It says you can wash it at 60 degrees C
Thanks
Yes, that would be perfect!
I had bought a very cute warming buddy -a giraffe-at Aldi last year and LOVED it. BUT, they did include lavender in there, and when reheated over and over in the microwave it really began to smell. So much so that my husband hated it. I just snipped open and found FLAXSEED to my surprise-plus the lavender and I emptied it all out, am washing it now in the washer, and will refill with straight flaxseed. Thanks for this great article!!!
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Diane! That’s too bad about the lavender – I haven’t had anyone tell me that after using it for awhile, but I only use a bit – wonder if that’s the difference?
I like the idea of flaxseed for these “pillows” since they stay warmer longer and offer a better flow and maneuverability for positioning on the body but I found the flaxseed that I purchased was so strongly scented. Is there a certain type of flaxseed to use or I am better off using a less pungent filler?
So weird, Stephanie! I’ve never had a flaxseed smell like anything and I just always buy what I can find at my bulk-foods store. Sorry!
Flax seed has a lot of oil in it. That oil goes rancid after several years and has a very unpleasant odor when it does go bad. Try to get the freshest flax seed, and store it in the freezer when not in use. Heating it should also help it last longer, since the oils are eventually cooked/pasteurized.
I have heard that the people use these as hot or cold packs when filled with rice. Do you feel that it could be kept in the freezer and used as a cold pack if it is filled with flaxseed?
Yes! It works like that as well, Sheila.
Thank you! I want to make a pillow With sage herbs – do I use dried sage or fresh sage herbs? Thank you!!
Always use dried ingredients in the pillows, Brigette, so you don’t introduce any moisture. Sounds like a fun scent!
I looked up “bulk flax seed” online and found several but was wondering if it has to be organic or can it be just regular flax seed? Also, I saw another person post a question about using eucalyptus instead of lavender and wondered what you thought about using that instead. I have a daughter in law that the smell of lavender makes her sick so wanted to use something else and didn’t know what else to use….maybe chamomile?? Any suggestions other than lavender would be greatly appreciated!! Many thanks!
No need for organic, Arlena! Go with the least expensive for this. 🙂 You can leave the lavender out for no scent at all – I do all the time for men who don’t care for it or for women bothered by it. You can certainly experiment with other dried things, though. It’s all up to you!
Many thanks for your response Jami!! May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!! 🙂
anyone buy flaxseed at amazon?
The best deal I can find on Amazon is Bob’s Red Mill (and only the organic) here: http://amzn.to/1liFqKA
It’s 6 lbs. for 12.88 = 2.14/lb
This is a great idea! I found 100% cotton flannel. Can I use this instead?
I would do a test pillow, Jane, just to make sure it’s heavy enough fabric and that the flannel doesn’t hold moisture. I’m pretty sure it would work, but haven’t tried it, so can 100% recommend it. 🙂
I tried the flannel. It workded ok but had a slightly damp feel to it after I microwaved it. I don’t think I would recommend flannel
I wondered about that, Jane – thank you SO much for taking the time to update us for anyone else who may be thinking flannel!
Thank you. I have left over flannel from converting a fitted sheet into pillow cases and had been considering them for flax seed warmers. I’m sure another use for those scraps will present itself.
I didn’t know that flaxseed is a flower seed AND is superior to rice because of it’s oils and their retention. (Explains why it’s so easy to expect flowers after throwing the seed to feed the song birds in the snow!) Easy, no-nonsense helps. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks! I will need to try this.
I had know idea flax seed had such great properties. Thank you so much for that information. I have made foot warmers with other grains and mine is beginning to be “not so good”. I believe I will get started making some more of these using the flax seed. I have some great fabrics for them.
I think you will be happy with the flaxseed warms, Sue! 🙂