Q&A for How to Make Corn Bags

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).

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

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.

Most stores that sell bird and squirrel feeding supplies should have whole corn in smaller quantities.

Whole corn, like the kind used for animal feed. Just make sure to wash and dry it before use.

Give the whole bag a good shake so the small particles and dust go to the bottom of the bag. Scoop some corn into a plastic colander, sort through it to pick out any little sticks, stones, or particles you don't want in your bag. Shake the colander over the trash can to remove more dust. After your corn bag is completely done, run it through a few heat and cool cycles in the microwave before using it or gifting. If there are any weevils in there, that should kill them.

I've not experienced this. Check where you purchase it. We got ours at local feed stores, and have not had this happen.

Deer corn or feed corn is already dried, but I put it in a collander and wash the dust off under running water. Then I pour it on cookie sheets about an inch or more thick and put it in a warm oven (under 150 degrees F) for a hour and stir and see if it feels dry. Put it in oven for longer after stirring if the corn is still damp. It adds a lot of time to the process, but I feel happy knowing my loved ones do not have corn dust sifting out of their corn bags.

No. All corn is not popcorn, which is a specialized variety of corn. Use dried animal feed corn.

Yes. We have been using a bag for 6 months. After we take it out of the microwave, it smells like burnt corn.

Yes. You want to use a natural fiber, like cotton. Synthetic fibers can melt in the microwave.

Cotton. You want a natural fiber, as synthetic ones can melt in the microwave.

You don't. Make a removable cover with a zipper or non metallic closure that can be washed separately.

No, I do not suggest using cornmeal.

Lay it on a rock in the sun for an hour. If you can't find a rock, throw it up on your roof and retrieve it with a ladder.

This depends on how much corn and the size of the bag. Mine are about 4" square and stay warm for about 25 - 30 minutes at room temperature.

Dry the corn in the oven 150-200ºF for 15 minutes, 2-3 different times. Then put 2-3 cups in a large sock to microwave 1-2 minutes, emptying it 2-3 different times. Doing this, you should find that only 1 or 2 will pop. Then fill the warmer bag. It is a lot of extra work but it helps.