Homemade Handwarmers

Use felted wool and ceramic pie weights to create pocket-sized handwarmers perfect for fall and winter weather. These handy helpers heat up quickly and retain heat for over an hour, so slipping a pair into your pockets is a great way to stay warm. Use the colors from your favorite sports team and bring along a set of handwarmers to the next game, or make a pair for every member of the family. Homemade handwarmers make a thoughtful gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list.

• 1

  Cut two 4-inch squares from felt using the rotary cutter and mat.

• 2

  Place the felt squares together with the right sides facing out and all edges aligned.

• 3

  Thread the needle and use it to stitch around all edges of the squares, leaving a 2-inch opening for filling. You can use a blanket stitch, running stitch or any stitch you choose for assembly.

• 4

  Fill the handwarmer with pie weights. Place the pie weights inside the wool piece until it is comfortably full but not bulging. Depending on your seam allowance and personal preferences, you will use about 2 oz. of pie weights per handwarmer.

• 5

  Stitch the opening closed using the needle and thread and tie a knot to secure. Use scissors to clip any loose threads.

• 6

  Repeat Steps 1 to 5 to create a second handwarmer.

• 7

  Heat the handwarmers in the microwave for 30 seconds until hot, then slip one into each pocket or into oversized mittens.