Sunday, September 7, 2008

Cozy Corn Pillow Tutorial


These corn pillows can be used to soothe sore muscles or warm a cold bed. I like to cuddle up on the couch with a blanket and warm corn pillow to watch movies.

Here are instructions so you can make your very own!

Materials.
Feed corn
Cotton Material for pillow
Flannel or cotton for case
Thread
Pins
Scissors
Measuring tape
Sewing machine

I buy my feed corn (also called Deer Corn) at a local feed store. I've also seen it at the grocery store, sporting goods stores and Wal-Mart. It normally comes in 50Lb bags, so you'll have lots of leftovers. Depending on your geographical location and the time of year it may be harder/easier to find.

Of the pillow fabric, cut a piece 16 x 6 inches. Of the pillow case fabric, cut a piece 19 x 6 1/2 inches.
Fold the pillow fabric in half lengthwise and sew the two long sides closed, leaving one open end.

Fill the corn pillow 2/3 of the way up with deer corn. Fold edges in and pin open end closed. Sew closed.

Microwave the bag for 3 minutes to reduce moisture. Bag will be hot, use hot pads to remove from microwave.

Now to make the pillow case. Fold the edges over on the short edges to the and sew down to hem.
Lay the pillow on the fancy side of the fabric and fold around the pillow and pin on one side to see where your sewn edges will overlap to make an opening. Slide the pillow out and pin the other side. Sew long edges together.

Turn pillow case out and slide pillow into case.


You now have a corn pillow.

To use, microwave 1 to 2 minutes (1 min 30 seconds is usually good). Take care when removing from microwave. Due to differences in microwaves you'll want to test the length of time to microwave your pillow for best results. Check with your doctor before using on aches and pains to ensure warm heat is what is needed. You may wash pillow case if needed.

You can increase the size, but I have not tested the amount of corn for a anything larger than a 12 x 6 inch finished pillow. I like to use comfy, soft fabrics. You can use fancier fabrics but if your fabric has any metallic thread, remove the case before microwaving.

I welcome any questions on creating your very own corn pillow.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very nice tutorial!

If anyone is having problems locating feed corn, I have also done this with rice filing.

Anonymous said...

Very nice tutorial!

If anyone is having problems locating feed corn, I have also done this with rice filling.

Legs said...

Thanks Anna! These corn pillows were gifts from my Grandmother last year at Christmas. We've got several laying around the house, I just love them.

I have never tried them with rice, but I have seen the rice ones you can purchase that are more like a tube, those are also super nice. While I've never done a comparison, I've heard that the corn holds heat longer since it has more mass than the rice.

A friend of mine is also going to combine rice and lavender to make eye pillows.

If you're making these for Christmas presents, the best time to look for the feed corn is during deer hunting season. Where I live, they have it at the grocery store during this time. I get mine from the local feed store, but I've also seen it at Wal-Mart in the hunting section.

Hi! said...

Thanks for your tutorial! I like to make gifts each year and this year my family is getting corn pillows for Christmas. With 50 lbs of feed corn, i.e. lots-o-corn, my 3.5 y.o. is having a blast burying his cars in a big bowl of it. Plus what a great way to use up leftover fabric. thank you!!!!

Legs said...

I'm glad you like the tutorial Karen. I see on your blog you are from Madison. I used to live there from 1996 to 2001 and I grew up near by. I got tired of snow and cold and moved to Texas. Hope you're keeping warm!