Rice works. I had one bag that was filled with cherry pits. Make an inner closed up cotton jersey bag and an outer bag with Velcro closures on one side, out of cotton terry toweling, so you can launder it. You can dampen the outer bag on one or both sides (sprinkle) if he wants moist heat. 20" x 6" works if he wants to wrap it around neck for headache. 10"x 10" nice size to place on a sore knee -- don't I know! Heavenly healing!

I know that i am a little behind , but what are the bags for? Kay

I use rice and buy it in big bags when it is half price. Never had an issue with using rice. The wheat ones I have used end up with a strange smell after a while.

Whatever you use though DON'T use corn kernals! Unless you are planning on using your heat pack as a popcorn holder! Someone I know did this thinking the corn kernals would hold the heat for longer! Very funny story!

My granddaughter made them one year and filled them with rice and lavender. Just make sure you use only cotton material and thread if you sew them.

canolaseeds hold the temperatur very well, if you can get your hands on some

Here in UK the ones you buy have wheat and are always made with a synthetic fabric.. I make them with rice which doesn't take so long to heat up, but doesn't retain its heat for as long. I used to make them with a removable cover, but I don't bother now. Ours don't last long enough to need washing as Mike overheats them and they don't smell very nice.
Incidentally there are some animal ones on Yoriko's site!

Rice or crushed walnut husks work well...and walnut husks are also great for pincushions ...I get them at the pet store...Petco...

Hi,

I use either linseed or sugar beans to fill heating pads.

Lotsa Love
Nicky

HI Carolyn, I use to make these bags all the time years ago and loved them. Ours were made with rice. They worked really well. If you need any more info just let me know. Hope this helps. Mechille

Carolyn, I've made some neck scarves(?)I use the white stuff that is used for plants(vermiculite) cheap and it works well.
these are requested by the servicemen in Iraq etc. weather is too hot or too cold and these work great. I also have used rice cheap in the oriental stores in huge bags. Just use all cotton fabric and cotton thread. Hope this helps.Stella

Found the correct term,Polyacrylamide crystals. Sold by Watersorb.com
I make "Cool Scarves" for our military and my box came today. I buy the medium size. These come in sm, med, lge. size. I make the scarves and ship them out. Vermiculite are those tiny white pellets that come in the bags of potting soil . Don't know how they work but they do. Hope this helps.