How to Make Corn Bags

Last Updated: February 4, 2022 Approved

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

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Cut an 8 inch wide by 44 inch long (20.32 cm by 111.76 cm) strip.
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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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Use a 1/4-inch (.635 cm) seam.
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The right side of the fabric should be facing the outside. Fold the open edge under 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). Press together.
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Begin and end 2 inches (5.08 cm) from the top and bottom of the bag.
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Fill no more than 2/3 full. ^{[1]
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Research source}
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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.
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^{[2]
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Research source}
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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]
  X
  Research source}

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Question

How much corn do you need for each bag?

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

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).

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Question

Can you use polyester thread?

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

Yes. Any kind of thread can be used to make corn bags.

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How do I clean the bags?

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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Tips

Corn bags can also be frozen to use for cold therapy treatment.

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Dried corn is available at feed stores or stores that sell hunting supplies. You can also find "field corn" at stores that sell bird food.

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You will need to experiment with the amount of time needed to microwave your corn bag as microwaves vary. Start with 1 minute and if that's not warm enough, increase the time in 30-second increments until you reach the desired amount of heat.

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Warnings

Do not use microwave popcorn.

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Be careful not to overheat the corn bag. A bag that has been heated too long could burn your skin.

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Do not heat the corn bag in the microwave for too long. The bag and the corn can catch fire.

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Things You'll Need

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

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