Creating practical yet adorable items at home can be incredibly satisfying, and today, we’re diving into a simple project that combines comfort and cuteness. Introducing Squidley, your new aquatic friend who doubles as a heating pad or an ice pack.
Whether you’re looking to soothe sore muscles, warm up a chilly bed, or help a little one with bumps and bruises, Squidley has you covered. The best part? You can make one yourself with just a few materials.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, it’s essential to have all your materials ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fabric: Felt works well for this project, but cotton is often more durable and easier to work with.
- Pen: For tracing your shapes onto the fabric.
- Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are ideal for precise cuts.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This is used to fill your heating pad. Avoid instant rice as it burns easily in the microwave.
- Sewing Machine or Needle and Thread: To stitch your project together.
- Fabric Glue (Optional): For securing smaller details if sewing them isn’t practical.
- Paper (Optional): Useful for creating a template or funneling rice into small openings.
Step 2: Trace Your Design
The first step is to decide what shape your heating pad will take. For Squidley, we’re creating a cute squid, but you can choose any animal or shape you like.
- Use a piece of paper to sketch the outline of your desired shape. If drawing isn’t your strong suit, printable templates are easy to find online.
- Place your chosen fabric on a flat surface and trace the shape twice—once for the front and once for the back.
- Don’t forget to include details like eyes, fins, or other decorations. These add personality to your creation.
Step 3: Cut Out the Pieces
Carefully cut along the lines you’ve traced on the fabric. You should have two main pieces for the body and any smaller pieces for decorations.
Pro Tip: Use sharp scissors to avoid fraying the edges, especially if working with cotton or thin fabrics.
Step 4: Add the Decorations
Now it’s time to bring your design to life by adding details like eyes or any other decorative elements.
- Take the front piece of your fabric and arrange the decorations in place.
- Use matching thread and a sewing needle to securely attach the decorations. If you’re pressed for time, fabric glue can be a quick alternative for smaller embellishments.
- Once all decorations are in place, trim away any loose threads for a clean finish.
Step 5: Sew the Body Together
To assemble Squidley, follow these steps:
- Place the two main body pieces together with the right sides facing inward. This means the decorated side should be on the inside.
- Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew along the edges. Leave a small opening—about 2-3 inches wide—so you can turn the fabric right side out later.
- Be sure to backstitch at the start and end of your sewing to reinforce the seams.
Step 6: Turn the Fabric Right Side Out
Through the small opening you left, carefully turn the fabric right side out. This can be a bit tricky with smaller parts like Squidley’s legs, but a chopstick or pencil can help push out corners and curves.
Step 7: Fill with Rice
It’s time to bring your heating pad to life by filling it with rice.
- Using a piece of paper as a funnel, carefully pour the rice into the opening.
- Fill it enough to make Squidley firm but not overstuffed. Overfilling can put stress on the seams and cause them to pop.
- Double-check that you’re using long-grain white rice—instant rice is a no-go as it can burn in the microwave.
Step 8: Close the Gap
Finally, close up the opening you used to fill your heating pad.
- Use a slipstitch for a clean, invisible seam. If you’re new to sewing, there are many tutorials available online that explain this technique in detail.
- Once the gap is securely stitched, your adorable heating pad is ready to use!
How to Use Squidley
Now that Squidley is complete, here’s how to make the most of your new creation:
- As a Heating Pad: Place Squidley in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Always test the temperature before applying it to your skin or giving it to a child.
- As an Ice Pack: Place Squidley in the freezer for at least an hour. The rice retains cold just as well as it does heat, making this a versatile tool.
Tips for Success
- For a softer and more flexible heating pad, consider mixing the rice with dried lavender or other dried herbs. This will add a pleasant scent when heated.
- If making this as a gift, choose fabrics and decorations that suit the recipient’s personality. Customizing Squidley adds a personal touch they’ll appreciate.
- Always supervise children when they’re using heated or frozen items to ensure safety.
Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
