Heat packs can alleviate pain from arthritis, ear aches, cramps, sore muscles, and more. When I need an emergency heat pack, I fill a tube sock with rice, and microwave it. It’s a perfect, quick solution for some relief- aside from one thing. It’s ugly! So I made a cute cover that can hide the simple, no sew upcycle of a tube sock into a comfy heat pack.

This pattern includes lots of instructions for whatever kind of cover and pack you want to make. The covers are available in two sizes:

The Large Cover holds two heat packs, and is about ten inches wide and ten inches long.

The Small Covers hold one heat pack each, and 245 yards is plenty enough yarn to make two. This size is about 5 inches wide and ten inches long.

There are three ways to make the heat packs, including the no sew option, a one-seam option, and a fully sewn fabric option.

Additional supplies for this projects include:

• Size H Hook
• Size G Hook
• Two tube socks (or a fat quarter of fabric with matching thread)
• 2-3 cups of dry rice per heat pack

Optional supplies:

• Two matching buttons
• Thread

I love these covers because they protect your skin from the full heat of the rice packs, and they keep the rice hot for more time.

Gauge is not important for this pattern. Heavier weight yarn can be used, although it will block even more of the heat from getting through the heat pack. I find DK weight yarn to be the best suited for this.

Some photos are included in the pattern.

Lastly, the texture and design of the covers is meant to appeal specifically to hand dyed yarn. The covers only need about 100 grams of yarn (approx 245 yards), and the texture is meant to compliment the color changes that often come with hand dyed yarn. Perfect for if you only have one skein of your favorite yarn!

Give the finished product as a gift during the cold winter months, or give this pattern as a gift alongside some beautiful hand dyed dk yarn!

Still not sure what to do with your most special hank of yarn? Check out my store for more designs you can make with only 100 grams!