Lavender neck wraps effectively relieve pain and tension in sore muscles. Lavender is a herb which can be used to soothe joint and muscle pain. When filled with grain or rice, these herb-infused microwaveable pads conform to the muscles, thus providing greater relief. Many retail and online stores sell these products, but they can be made at home as well. The following steps provide helpful instruction in assembling one of your own.
There are various fabrics you can use for this purpose. Old shirts, towels, wash cloths or socks work nicely. Avoid using materials that contain metallic threads as these can ignite when used in the microwave. A large thick sock is a good choice, since it is already tubular and sewn around the sides.
Use a fabric tape measure to get measurements of your neck. In order to account for the seams, it may be necessary to add 0.5 inches to the measurements. For those not willing to measure, work with a width of 5 inches and length of 20 inches. This is a standard size for most necks.
Choose a proper filling for this wrap. Oatmeal, barley, flax seeds and long-grain white rice are among common choices for home-made heat wrap. When using rice, avoid instant type as it may cook when put in the microwave. The choice of scent plays a major role in aiding relaxation. In this case, essential oils containing lavender could be mixed in a large bowl with other spices where necessary. Keep this for one to two days and make sure to stir regularly so that the scent could distribute evenly.
Cut the fabric into the desired measurements. Those using a sock or towel may not need to cut. If you intend to use a double fabric, cut into rectangle the inner and outer materials. Make sure to cut the lining slightly smaller than the outer cover. 0.5 inch smaller will work.
Fold the material lengthwise, with the inside facing out. Secure it in place with a pin across the open length and both ends so the seams will hold together while you sew. Use a needle and thread or a machine to sew the length and one end. Keep your stitches tight so that small grains of rice will not poke through. Sew the other end and leave a one-inch (2.54 cm) opening at the end of the remaining seam.
If sewing an inner and outer bag, leave one end all the way open on the outer bag. You will need to open the outer bag regularly while you heat the inner. Turn the fabric right-side-out through the one-inch opening on the side. Use a funnel to pour the scented grains into the inner sack. Fill only halfway or three-fourths full, as the wrap will conform better to your body. Use a zipper foot on a machine or a needle and thread to close up the remaining seam.
Place your inner bag in the microwave and heat for 90 seconds. If it is not warm enough, continue heating in the microwave for 30-second intervals. Wrap the bag around your shoulders and neck until it cools, about 20 minutes. Depending on how much you use your lavender neck wraps, wash the fabric and replace the filler every three to six months.
There are various fabrics you can use for this purpose. Old shirts, towels, wash cloths or socks work nicely. Avoid using materials that contain metallic threads as these can ignite when used in the microwave. A large thick sock is a good choice, since it is already tubular and sewn around the sides.
Use a fabric tape measure to get measurements of your neck. In order to account for the seams, it may be necessary to add 0.5 inches to the measurements. For those not willing to measure, work with a width of 5 inches and length of 20 inches. This is a standard size for most necks.
Choose a proper filling for this wrap. Oatmeal, barley, flax seeds and long-grain white rice are among common choices for home-made heat wrap. When using rice, avoid instant type as it may cook when put in the microwave. The choice of scent plays a major role in aiding relaxation. In this case, essential oils containing lavender could be mixed in a large bowl with other spices where necessary. Keep this for one to two days and make sure to stir regularly so that the scent could distribute evenly.
Cut the fabric into the desired measurements. Those using a sock or towel may not need to cut. If you intend to use a double fabric, cut into rectangle the inner and outer materials. Make sure to cut the lining slightly smaller than the outer cover. 0.5 inch smaller will work.
Fold the material lengthwise, with the inside facing out. Secure it in place with a pin across the open length and both ends so the seams will hold together while you sew. Use a needle and thread or a machine to sew the length and one end. Keep your stitches tight so that small grains of rice will not poke through. Sew the other end and leave a one-inch (2.54 cm) opening at the end of the remaining seam.
If sewing an inner and outer bag, leave one end all the way open on the outer bag. You will need to open the outer bag regularly while you heat the inner. Turn the fabric right-side-out through the one-inch opening on the side. Use a funnel to pour the scented grains into the inner sack. Fill only halfway or three-fourths full, as the wrap will conform better to your body. Use a zipper foot on a machine or a needle and thread to close up the remaining seam.
Place your inner bag in the microwave and heat for 90 seconds. If it is not warm enough, continue heating in the microwave for 30-second intervals. Wrap the bag around your shoulders and neck until it cools, about 20 minutes. Depending on how much you use your lavender neck wraps, wash the fabric and replace the filler every three to six months.
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