How to make a rice sock/sack

[TeenHelp]

How to make a rice sock/sack
By Chantal (Atropos)

We can be green and friendly to the earth by reusing items we already have and turning them into something useful for ourselves. This craft will keep you occupied and allow you to recycle items you already have to make something that can have a variety of health benefits for yourself or others.

What is a rice sock or sack?
There are many benefits to making a rice sock or sack. Reusing items from your home is one of the many great things about each craft. A rice sock is made by reusing an old sock that you no longer have a use for, whether the pair is incomplete, damaged, or outgrown. When you put rice in the sock, you can also put a calming scent into the sock, such as lavender, vanilla or any scents that you find relaxing. You don't need to use a scent, however. The purpose of a rice sock is to soothe you when you have sore muscles and are in need of a hot compress. You can microwave it for 30 seconds to warm it up.

A rice sack is similar to a rice sock but, instead of using the rice sock for sore muscles, the sack is used as a stress ball that you can squeeze. You can also use relaxing scents for further stress relief.

What you will need:

• Old, used, or new socks
• Rice (uncooked)
• Lavender, vanilla or any other scents (optional)
• Thread, string, or yarn
• Needle
• Fabric or rags (optional)
• Old clothing
• Funnel
• Scissors
• Ruler

How to make a rice sock:

Step 1: You need a sock that could be either new, used, or damaged. The final size of the rice sock depends on how big the sock is to begin with. You can stretch the sock once you've put rice into it. If the sock has holes, you can put patches on them with old clothing that you no longer use or need. You then need to make the patch to cover the hole, but be careful not to poke your finger with the needle. You can do this step with or without a hole, to make the rice sock more attractive and unique with a design.

Step 2: Once your sock is ready, use a funnel to fill your sock with rice. The rice needs to be dry, not cooked or wet. Hold the funnel inside the sock, then scoop rice into a cup and pour it into the funnel, so the rice falls into the sock. You will notice the sock will get heavy and stretch a bit. You can stretch the sock by pulling on the sock in either direction. Fill the sock so it's 3/4 full.

Step 3: If you would like a scent for the rice sock you can use your chosen scent. Add the scent to the rice before putting the rice into the sock.

Step 4: You should have enough room at the top to stretch it and make a knot at the top. Pull tight so it won't come loose. If you are unable to tie the top, you can sew the top of the sock. Usually you can tie a knot at the top.

Step 5: When you need to use the sock for a hot compress, place the rice sock in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Depending on your microwave settings, you can experiment with how warm you'd like your sock to be, and how long it needs to stay in to warm up. Be careful, the sock can become very hot. If you didn't use any scents, you will smell the rice. You can reuse the rice sock as many times as want.

How to make a rice sack

What you will need:

• Used clothing or rags
• Thread
• String or yarn
• A needle
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Compass

Step 1: Decide how big you would like your sack to be. Then, using a compass, draw a circle on a piece of paper. Cut the circle and then attach it to the fabric to be cut.

Step 2: Carefully cut around the circle to separate it from the rest of the clothing you are using. Once it's cut out you should have a circle shape.

Step 3: You can add more colours or patterns to the outside so it's not a plain colour; you can be creative as you'd like to. This step is optional.

Step 4: Take the circle and fold it upwards so it looks like a deflated balloon. Here you will need to stick the funnel around it. You can use a rubber band so it stays in place.

Step 5: Have the bottom of the sack on a surface and with the funnel in place, and a rubber band wrapped around the fabric, you can gently pour in rice. Ensure the rubber band is tightly holding the fabric in place. Once the rice is in the sack and you are happy with how heavy or packed it is, you can slowly remove the rubber band.

Step 6: Carefully lift the funnel up slightly so you can sew the remainder of the fabric together. You can use yarn if you'd like. You can also tie the bottom tightly rather than sewing it. The top should look like it has bunches of fabric at the top.

Step 7: Ensure the tie and/or sewing is secure so the top doesn't tear or open.

Making a rice sock and rice sack are both environmentally friendly as you are reusing items that you have around your home. You can use the rice sock as a heat compress for sore and achy muscles, and you can use the rice sack as a stress ball and squeeze it or play with it. Each has its own benefits for us and the environment. You can also make these as gifts for someone.