Corn bags are all natural heating pads used to soothe tired and achy muscles and joints. They can also be used as bed warmers for pets. Use these steps to make corn bags.

Steps

  1. 1
    Measure the fabric. Cut an 8 inch wide by 44 inch long (20.32 cm by 111.76 cm) strip.
  2. 2
    Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise. Put the right sides together so the strip measures 8 inches by 22 inches (20.32 cm by 55.88 cm).
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  3. 3
    Sew the 2 long edges together. Use a 1/4-inch (.635 cm) seam.
  4. 4
    Turn the bag inside out. The right side of the fabric should be facing the outside. Fold the open edge under 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). Press together.
  5. 5
    Sew a straight line down the middle of the fabric. Begin and end 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the top and bottom of the bag.
  6. 6
    Fill both sides of the bag with clean dried corn. Fill no more than 2/3 full.[1]
  7. 7
    Pin the top of the bag closed. Place the pins sideways. Drape the bag around your neck, elbow, knee, or anywhere else you might use it to make sure it lays properly.
    • If not, it may be too full. Adjust the amount of dried corn as needed.
  8. 8
    Sew the opening shut about 1/4-inch (.635 cm) from the folded edge.[2]
  9. 9
    Sterilize the corn bag. Make sure the corn is completely dry by placing the bag on a paper towel in the microwave.
    • Heat the corn bag for 2 to 3 minutes, then let it cool for at least 2 hours. Shake the bag well and then repeat the process using a dry paper towel. If the second paper towel is damp after microwaving, cool the bag for at least 2 hours and repeat the process a third time.[3]
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    How much corn do you need for each bag?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    That will depend on the size of the bag and on what the intended use is. Don't fill the bag, whatever size, more than about 2/3 full of corn (or rice).
  • Question
    Can you use polyester thread?
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Dr. Zora Degrandpre is a Natural Health Doctor and Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.
    Zora Degrandpre, ND
    Natural Health Doctor
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Yes. Any kind of thread can be used to make corn bags.
  • Question
    How do I clean the bags?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They need to be spot cleaned. Do not get the corn wet, and the microwave with bring out any chemical smells. An alternative is to use an old, washed and clean sheet for the bag, then make a cover for it. You can use snaps, zippers or Velcro to close it - but the first two mean you'll need to remove the cover before heating. You can wash the cover without washing the bag.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Cotton fabric
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Straight pins or safety pins
  • Dried corn
  • Paper towels
  • Microwave

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 16 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 199,987 times.
201 votes - 93%
Co-authors: 16
Updated: February 4, 2022
Views: 199,987
Categories: Crafts

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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