Easy Sew Gingerbread Man Heat Pad for Soothing Aches

Create a simple gingerbread man with the traditional sweetness or add your own flare and decorations. This is the perfect activity to get the kids and grandkids involved to create a seasonal craft.

Heat pads are a brilliant way to soothe aches, pains or simply warm your hands when you forget your gloves! They’re a useful accessory that can be kept by your favourite chair or in your pocket, and if you don’t heat this gingerbread man up, it can always be used as an on-the-go buddy to keep your heart warm.

This gingerbread man heat pack measures approx. H12.5cm by W11cm.

Adjust to the size of your liking.

• Felt or scrap fabric (100% cotton is recommended) in brown and 2 other colours of choice for the eyes and ‘buttons’
• White rice
• Needle and white thread
• Scissors
• Funnel
• Essential oil in the scent of your choice (we recommend lavender or something seasonal like cinnamon or orange)

1. On a piece of paper, draw the shape of a gingerbread man (or use our free template) and cut it out. Trace the template onto the brown fabric so you have two identical gingerbread man shapes and cut them out.
2. Sew the gingerbread men together using the blanket stitch, leaving a small access hole on the side. Pour the white rice into the hole, moving the gingerbread man around so his head and limbs fill up. When the gingerbread man is almost full, sew the hole closed (if the rice leaks out, your stitching might need to be tighter and closer together). Add 4-5 drops of essential oil across the body.
3. Sew on 2 circles for the gingerbread man’s eyes and 3 colourful circles down his chest. Add a smile, either with thread or a marker pen.

• To customise your gingerbread man, you could add a scarf or bowtie, add thread to his cheeks for blush or even a Santa hat.

  Your gingerbread man should be microwaved for no more than 30 seconds at a time.

  Do not use materials that aren’t microwave safe. Do not use metallic materials.

  To safely use a rice heat pack, heat for the recommended time, and do not overheat. Never leave the pack unattended while heating, place a cup of water in the microwave to add moisture, and allow it to cool completely before reheating or storing. Ensure the pack is not damaged and avoid placing hot packs directly on bare skin to prevent burns.

  This is a wonderful, festive craft that can be completed in the comfort of your own chair. Sit down with a brew and some biscuits and get crafting your own little gingerbread buddy. Once complete, your little friend is perfect for warming up your hands or holding close to your heart for a mood boost.

  For more craft ideas, visit the Feel Good Hub. For related articles, why not check out:

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