DIY Tartan Hand Warmers (Easy Christmas Gift Idea)
When the cold winter winds blow in, and the shivering starts. I always find myself reaching for something warm to tuck in my pockets. A few years ago, I stitched up some little tartan fleece DIY hand warmers, and the whole family claimed a set. They’re quick, cozy, and cost next to nothing to make. This year, I’ve updated the idea with a new version: a simple white felt insert with a removable tartan slipcover. I made two sets, in different colors, perfect for gifting, washing, and reusing all season long.
Hand warmers are one of those thoughtful handmade projects that covers every need: practical, budget-friendly, and heartwarming. They slip easily into stockings, make sweet teacher gifts, and are lovely little extras to hand to friends, guests, or neighbors. You can even make a whole basket of them to keep by the door for cold fingers.
Supplies
These amounts make one diy hand warmer. Double the fabric and filler to make a pair.
- Fabric scraps (flannel, polar fleece, felt, or tartan)
- White felt (if making the reusable slipcover version)
- Rice, lentils, or pearl barley (all available at Dollar Tree)
- Scissors and pins
- Needle and thread or sewing machine
- Funnel (or roll a piece of paper into a cone)
- Ribbon for gifting
Version 1 – Quick & Easy Hand Warmers
To make one hand warmer.
This version is perfect if you just want something fast and cozy. These steps make one DIY hand warmer.
1. Cut Fabric
Cut two 4-inch squares of fleece, flannel, or felt.
2. Pin and Sew Three Sides
Place the good sides together and pin them. Sew three sides with a 3/8 inch seam, leaving a one-inch gap on the fourth side.
3. Turn Right Side Out
Flip the fabric so the right sides show. Press flat if needed.
4. Fill
Use a funnel to add about 1/3 cup of rice, barley, or lentils.
5. Close
Sew the opening shut securely.
That is it, about ten minutes from start to finish. This simple hand warmers DIY project is perfect for beginners and works beautifully with scraps of fabric or fabric quarters.
Note:Â This is an easy sewing project for new sewers. With a little guidance, children can help stitch and fill these DIY hand warmers to make thoughtful gifts for grandparents, teachers, and friends.
Here is the first one I made years ago.
Version 2: Washable Hand Warmers with Envelope Slipcovers
If you’re giving these as gifts or want something that can be washed and reused, this version is quick and practical. These steps make one reusable DIY hand warmer.
1. Make the Inner Pouch
Follow the steps for version 1 to sew the basic felt pouch and fill it with rice or barley.
2. Cut the Fabric for the Slipcover
Cut one piece of tartan fabric that measures 4 1/2 by 10 inches.
3. Hem the Short Edges
Fold each short end over about 1/4 inch, then fold it over again to create a neat double-fold hem. Sew the hem in place with a straight stitch. The finished edges will form the envelope opening.
4. Fold and Sew
Place the slipcover right side down on your work surface. Set the filled insert on top, centered in the middle. Wrap the fabric around the insert so the hemmed edges overlap in the back. Give it a snug wrap, but don’t pull it too tight, then pin in place at the center. Sew down both sides with about a 3/8 inch seam allowance. The exact seam width does not matter as long as it securely holds the cover together.
Tip: This step helps adjust for small differences in hemming, which is especially useful if children are helping with this project.
5. Insert the Pouch
Turn the slipcover right side out. Slide the filled inside through the overlapped back opening, it should be a bit snug. Adjust the fabric so it sits flat, and your reusable DIY hand warmer is ready to use.
Repeat for the second hand warmer.
How to Warm the Hand Warmers
These little microwavable hand warmers DIY heat up quickly. Here is how to safely warm them; the timing will differ depending on whether you used barley, rice, or another filler.
- Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, not hot
- Do not overheat, as natural fillers can scorch if left too long.
Gift Ideas
Stocking Stuffer: Tie two DIY handwarmers together with a pretty ribbon and tuck them inside a Christmas stocking.
Teachers’ Gifts: Pair a set of hand warmers with a mug and cocoa mix.
Guest Basket: Place a basket of hand warmers by the front door so guests can slip them in their pockets. Caution, they disappear fast I tried this myself, and the basket was empty right away.
Like this idea, Pin for Later
I hope you’re enjoying Christmas preparation as much as I am.
Leanna
Hi Nikki:
I should really consider a design for bigger ones. Maybe a moon or something like looks like a big ole snowball. Winters just starting and I am never ever ready for it.
With making your cushions you could make baskets of these out of the pretty material leftovers you have.
Thanks for commenting. i always appreciate it. Leanna
Leanna, these are adorable. They would make great gifts for anyone on your list. As I type this the heat just kicked on. Our warm November turned into winter over night. I think I need a whole basket full of these, I would sneak them under the covers to warm the bed!
Love these, what great gifts too! Thank you for sharing with us at the To Grandma’s House we go link party, hope to see you when the new one starts tomorrow, you’ll be featured at it! 🙂
Oh that’s really exciting. I have not been posting to your party for very long. Its really nice to make new contacts and read different bloggers submissions. I will absolutely be dropping by tomorrow. This is great news!
Leanna
I need some of these for myself 🙂 I always have the coldest hands in the winter.
Hi Kati: As you are so creative I am certain you have all kinds of tidbits of material leftovers. These only take a few minutes to whip up and warm those hands. If I get organized I want to make a basket full of them for company to take away as small gifts when they leave. That is a mighty big IF though.
Thank you for commenting. Leanna
I love this idea so much. We’re having a handmade gift exchange this year, and I will definitely make some of these for my brother in law! Thanks so much for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
Hi Kimm: I really enjoy Funtastic Friday. Imagine these in buffalo plaid or sewn in work socks. They would be seriously “manly” for your brother in law. I bet everyone hopes you draw their name in the home made gift exchange.
Thank you for commenting. Leanna
I’ve made these before for myself and my co-workers. They are awesome! Love your colors!
Hi Roseann: Glad to hear it I have heard of neck warmers made with pearl barley so I used that as the stuffing.
Thank you for the compliment on the tartan, I love tartans and plaids.
Thank you for commenting. Leanna
These look so cozy <3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Hi Clarissa: I like these little warmers. Its even better when I didn’t have to buy anything to make them. Thankfully it hasn’t gotten cold here yet, soon though very soon. Thanks for commenting. Leanna
My hands are always freezing in the winter. I need to make these!
Hi Sarah. These take just a few minutes. Cut, stitch, stuff and your done. My hands freeze all the time, my hubs new truck has a heater steering wheel, sadly my older car does Not. Thanks for commenting. Leanna
Great idea Leanna. I can start making some now and hand them out when winter comes around again. All the winter fabrics are on sale at the moment so I should score a bargain or two 😉
Hi Michelle: They don’t need any type of special material. I made mine out of scraps. I have to admit that the polar fleece is my favorite material for these though.
Thanks for commenting. I am just so jealous of the southern hemisphere this time of year. Cheers Leanna
Great idea for stocking stuffers or to add to a hostess gift basket! During those really cold months I could throw a couple of these under the covers near my feet to keep the tootsies warm.
Funny you should mention putting some in bed. I of course made some for my grand daughters hands and their mom suggested making something a bit bigger for their feet. I may make them something if I get the time. Thanks for commenting. I enjoy the feedback.
Hello Mo: I think they are, I remember buying these chemical hand warmers you use to shake to start. it was really cold so I put on in the babies bunting and it got too hot and gave him a burn. I never trusted them again. These are natural and they won’t get hotter after you remove them from the microwave.
Great idea for stocking stuffers
What a good idea, Leanna! I was thinking you could put them in your boots after warming them, then take them out in a couple of minutes and put your warmed boots on. Can you tell that my feet are always cold?
That’s a really great idea, I hadn’t thought of it. I just love the thoughts of WARM.