Flax Seed Hot Pac for the Neck and Shoulders
I spent most of Saturday making a flax seed hot pack to wear around my neck and shoulders, like a cape. It was harder than I thought it would be, but worth the effort.
I am concerned that it might not be holding its heat for as long a duration as the flat flax seed pac I made awhile back. I wonder if this is because I filled the channels more full of flax seeds, to avoid having them fall down to the bottom as they hang off my shoulders. I don’t know why that would make it less hot, though. I will have to ask Jeff — he’s the scientist.
Edited to add: I have concluded that it is holding the heat just fine. My scientist, Jeff, has assured me that it being fuller should make it hold the heat better because there’s less air around the seeds to dissipate the heat.
Here’s the pattern I created, through a bit of trial and error…
I began by measuring the circumference of my neck and the span of my shoulders. I drew out a trial pac shape much like the one above. Then I cut a practice wrap out of thin packing foam sheets and laid it around my neck, only to find that it didn’t work much at all. 
The middle circle was much too small and therefore, tight around my neck. I enlarged the inner circle and added more shoulder span, until the foam pack worked. Then I made the pattern above by tracing that.
The wrap itself is constructed from two layers of fabric, the outer being blue flannel and the inner being cut from an old sheet. To create durable outer side seams, I used a very close stitch length on the serger. I used my sewing machine’s triple-stitch between the channels for extra durability. Closing up the last seam (right around the neck) was the the toughest. I did it on the serger. It was a comedy of errors, flax seeds spilling all over me, the table and the serger as I sealed the pac shut. 
The pac has been a great comfort to me with the tightness I am experiencing in my left trapezius. I only wish it would stay hot longer. I guess I will have to make another and fill it less full to compare. This pac took me at least 3 hours to complete, including making the pattern. I don’t think it would take that long again. At least, I hope not.
That is such a great idea! It reminds me of an Elizabethan ruff. Wonderful job.
I think you’re right. When I first put it on, the kids laughed at me. They thought it looked like a cape. One of them said it was like Queen Amadalla (sp?) from Star Wars. I wouldn’t wear it out in public, but I do think it is neat that I can wear it around while I do stuff and I don’t have to worry about it falling off.
Thanks for stopping to visit me. Have a wonderful day. Love, Wardeh
Great job Wardeh!!.. Your pattern is very innovative..mine is still the simple old tube its a little wider this year and longer though lol.. other than that.. I am not experienced enough to do pleats.. I found if I paced them too tightly they did not heat up enough in the center..if that helps at all. your such a an accomplished woman.THank you for tip on the paper!!! many smiles and many hugs!! Erin/etippett
I think that is it, Erin. I filled them too full. Bummer. Well, I will get good practice making another. Jeff is going to be working overtime all this coming weekend, so I’ll have lots of time to sew… And the pleats are easy. You don’t close one side, stitch to create the channels, then fill them before closing them up. Love, Wardeh
Hi. Stumbled on your site while doing a web search for unscented flax seeds. I have a favorite flax seed hot pack that I’ve had for a several years, purchased at a Christmas crafts fair in town. One of my in-home care gals toasted it and I can no longer use it because it smells burnt. What kind of flax seeds are used when making another one from my pattern and where can I buy them? Your help will be most appreciated. Thanks. Penny
Penny, you can buy flax seeds at a health food store or health food section of a grocery store, or through Azure Standard, or other natural food supplier. If you buy in bulk, they are much less expensive. You might consider buying 5 pounds or so to get the best deal. I choose organic, but there are both conventional and organic flax seeds available. Love, Wardeh