An herbal neck wrap is a great way to relieve stress, muscle tension and headaches. Unlike a heating pad, a neck wrap conforms to your body and removes tension around the neck and shoulder muscles.
With a little sewing knowledge, you make your own neck wrap that can be reheated in the microwave. A neck wrap also makes a great handmade gift for friends and family. Follow these 9 easy steps for your own DIY home spa neck wrap.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric
- Sewing Thread
- Rice (not instant)
- Lavender, Mint, or Chamomile Essential Oil
Tools Needed:
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Sewing needle
- Funnel
1. Pick Fabric
Pick A fabric to use for your neck wrap. Flannel, denim, muslim and cotton are all good fabric choices. It is important to use tightly woven fabric so that your filling does not fall out.
If you choose a looser woven fabric, you will need to make a liner for the neck wrap. Old t-shirts, jeans, socks, and towels all make great recycled fabric, or you may choose to purchase from a craft store. Less than 1 yard of fabric will be needed to complete this project.
2. Cut The Fabric
Measure out and cut your fabric about 20 inches long and 9 inches wide. This will give you a neck wrap that is roughly 18 inches long and 4 inches wide. If you want a larger or smaller wrap, adjust measurements to suit.
3. Fold The Fabric
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise. If your fabric has a pattern or design that you want on the outside, fold that side onto the inside of the fold. Later, you will turn the wrap inside out and the inside will become the outside. Make sure all the corners line up and edges are even.
4. Sew the Wrap
With tight stitches, sew the sides, the bottom, and half of the top of the folded fabric together. Be careful to make the stitches close enough that your filling will not fall out. Leave your needle threaded after sewing half of the top of the folded fabric together. You will use this later to sew the remaining portion of the opening closed.
5. Turn Out
Turn the sewn wrap inside out. The inner fabric will now be on the outside and all of your stitches should be hidden on the inside.
6. Fill The Wrap
Use a funnel to fill the wrap with rice. Make sure to avoid using instant rice, as this could cook in the microwave. Do not overfill the wrap so it is stiff. You want it to be able to drape around your neck.
7. Add Your Herbs
Add 10-12 drops of herbal essential oil to your wrap. Lavender, chamomile and mint all make nice relaxing scents. Choose one scent, or combine several for the desired aroma. Shake the rice to distribute the essential oils evenly in the wrap.
8. Close The Opening
Using the needle and thread that you left on the wrap, finish sewing the opening and tie off the thread. Cut any thread ends to complete your wrap.
9. Heat Your wrap
Heat the wrap in 30 second intervals. Shake the rice around after each interval to distribute heat. Do not exceed heating for more than 2 minutes at any one time. Wrap around neck and drape over shoulder for wonderful heat and aromatherapy.
-The Alternative Daily
