Making your own scented neck pillows is both a fun project, and also
a comforting little something to soothe sore, aching muscles and a
special touch for the soul. They can be heated up and laid across
the back of your neck, laid on any sore muscle area, or even slipped
in between the sheets for a nice added touch. Scenting them brings
another sensory dimension to the experience as well.
It is recommended to make a little pillow case over them for easy
washing, since the pillow itself cannot be easily cleaned.
To
construct the pillow take some
good quality 100% muslin fabric, and with pinking shears, cut two
pieces of fabric, 24 inches by 16 inches or any size you desire. The
pillow will be a double thickness. Place muslin pieces on top of
each other and fold in half long ways. Fabric should now measure
about 24" x 8". Sew edges using 5/8" seam allowance and leaving
approximately 2" open at one of the ends.
Now
you’ll want to make the filling or stuffing for your pillow.
Rice is a common and inexpensive filler that is used and can be
combined with other ingredients such as lavender and spices such as
cinnamon and cloves. Be mindful not to add anything that is bulky
or sharp as it is something that may be laid upon. Also don’t use
popcorn or any other type of kernel that may pop when heated.
You’ll want to use about about ¾ cup of lavender or crushed cinnamon
bark whatever other ingredient you want to use, and the rest rice.
You could also add a few drops of essential oil to the rice if you
desired and stir well. If you use essential oils, you may want to
let the oil absorb into the rice for a few hours or so before
stuffing into the pillow.
Stuff the muslin pillow with the filler you’ve prepared to about 4-6
inches from the top and sew the end shut.
Now you’ll
want to make a soft pillow case. Use a very soft fabric such as
flannel or whatever else you prefer but that is washable.
Cut one piece of material 30 inches by 20 inches, or to fit the
pillow size you made. Fold in half lengthways with good side of
material facing each other. Sew one end the open side using 5/8 inch
seam allowance. Clip corners and turn seams to the inside. Press.
Press the remaining open edge 1/4 inch, towards the inside of the
case. Fold edge again, press and sew down. Still leave case open.
For closure of the case, use three or pieces of Velcro. Put the
case over the pillow and it’s finished!
To heat your pillow, lay it in the microwave for one and a half to
two minutes per side on a medium high heat. Care should be taken
when applying the bag to bare skin, be sure to not overheat the bag!
The grains will get quite warm and it is not recommended to use a
heated pillow for young children or babies. Also note that when
heated the scent will be much stronger than when the pillow is cold,
so be careful not to overdo the scent.
You can get quite
creative in using different scent combinations and color patterns of
the pillowcases. It would be simple also to come up with a unique
shape to these pillows, for example, you could easily make on to
look like a banana. The ideas are limited only by your
imagination. These make awesome gifts, or can be sold at craft
fairs for extra money as well.
