There are always strenuous days after which you feel tired and tense. Your neck hurts and you feel uncomfortable. In this case, heat pads can provide help and relieve tension. You can also make a cherry stone pillow yourself, place it on your neck and simply relax with the pleasant warmth and not think about anything. We'll show you how you can make a soothing and warming pillow at home without much effort.
What is a cherry stone pillow used for?
The cherry stone pillows can either be used for warmth like a hot water bottle or for cooling like the ice packs in the refrigerator. The kernels of the cherries are ideal for a heat pad because they store the heat in their core and release it slowly little by little. Place the cherry stone pillow in a plastic bag or box in the freezer for at least 15 minutes if you want to use it for cooling. The cherry stones store the cold and release it to the desired location.
Simple handling
You can heat your homemade cherry stone pillow in just a few seconds. Simply place it in the microwave for 50-90 seconds depending on its size. If you have something in your oven, you can make optimal use of the residual heat or heat the pillow wrapped in aluminum foil for about 10 minutes at 80 degrees. You can also warm it up with the heater or fireplace switched on. Turn the pillow over regularly so that it gets evenly warm and be careful not to let it get too hot, otherwise the cherry stones will burn.
Instructions for making your own cherry stone pillow
Please always test the temperature of the cherry stone pillow before using it, preferably on the inside of your wrists. Making one yourself is actually not that difficult. Apart from enough cherry stones, of course, all you need is fabric, a needle and thread. If you have collected the cherry stones yourself, you must first clean them properly and remove any excess pulp before you put the cherry stones into the pillow.
To do this, take pure water and boil the kernels for 10 minutes or clean them by kneading them in the water. Allow the kernels to dry thoroughly so that they do not become moldy or produce unpleasant smells. There are countless shapes in which you can design your cherry stone pillow. Whether square, rectangular or triangular, heart-shaped or in the shape of a cute animal, you are welcome to decide for yourself according to your mood.
When choosing fabrics, you must avoid synthetic fibers. Use 100% cotton or linen fabrics for your pillow. If you only want to use your homemade pillow as a cooling compress, you can also use artificial fabric. Leftover fabric, trouser legs, jute bags or tea towels can be used as material.
Choose a pattern and cut the fabric to the desired size. If you've decided on a square, rectangle or triangle and want to save a sewing step, take a longer piece of fabric and fold it in half. Otherwise, cut out two halves, turn the fabric inside out and sew both parts together on three sides. Then turn the bag over to the nicer fabric side and fill it halfway with the cherry stones. Depending on the format, you will need 300-500 grams of cherry stones for the filling.
Now fold the edge inwards and sew it closed as close to the edge as possible. If you want, you can finally add a decorative stitch all around by hand. The soothing warmth not only relieves tension, but also relieves stomach and ear pain, helps with rheumatism and simply warms you up. When cooled, cherry stone pillows relieve bruises, bruises or toothache.
Design cherry stone pillows in different sizes and shapes
Depending on the intended use, you can sew the cherry stone pillow in different sizes. Mini versions are particularly suitable for babies or small children as they are light and hardly noticeable. Larger pillows, for example, can be used as shoulder and neck pillows.
Especially with such large pillows, the filling collects in one corner. Simply sew multiple chambers so you can use the entire size. Divide it into vertical, equal-sized chambers, fill the first chamber so that some air remains and sew up the transition to the next chamber. Fill and close the remaining chambers in this way.
Gentle warmth for the little ones
The warmth of the cherry stone pillows can undoubtedly provide some relief from flatulence and three-month colic. Place the heated pillow in the stroller so that your baby stays cozy and warm outside in the stroller even in winter. Placing a lukewarm pillow on your tummy also helps with annoying hiccups.
Make your own stuffed toy cherry stone pillow
What do you think about sewing a very individual cherry stone pillow in a cute animal shape yourself? Using cardboard templates that you pre-make and place on the fabric, you can cut the fabric and make a soft, cute bunny yourself. His little body is filled with warming cherry stones and his head, ears, paws and tail are filled with soft cotton wool.
It is also a cute cuddly toy and looks simply sweet on the little baby tummy. Do you have friends or relatives who are new parents? A personalized cherry stone pillow with the child's name on it is a great gift idea.
It's worth sewing a fluffy flannel cover into which the actual cherry stone pillow is placed. This means you can wash the cover again and again if necessary and dry it quickly.
There are of course no limits to your imagination when it comes to choosing animal figures. You can easily and inexpensively make your own favorite animals made of colorful fabric using the right pattern. A bear, elephant, owl, mouse or other warm material animals are unique and individual, and undoubtedly bring restful sleep.
Let your creativity run wild and, depending on the occasion, decorate the homemade cherry stone pillows with different fonts, messages or cute nicknames. For example, sew on a football emblem and give a gift to a real football fan.
Even with fabrics with different motifs and a little imagination, you can create pretty gifts for young and old that everyone will be happy about. You are welcome to add dried lavender flowers to the pillow filling. The medicinal plant has a calming effect and the mix of warmth and scent ensures relaxation in two ways.
No-sew instructions
If you don't have a sewing machine, you can cut a cotton fabric bag to the desired size and insert the cherry stone filling. All you have to do is sew one side closed. If it's really quick, you can make an improvised cherry stone pillow yourself out of a sock or a washcloth. Tie the opening tightly with thread and enjoy the warmth.
Alternatives
Heat pads can also be made with other fillings, such as rice grains, corn, spelled or grape seeds, rapeseed or linseed. These natural fillers heat up quickly, release heat for a long time and are relatively light.
