Tag Archives: Anklet

DIY Summer Cooling Packs

Posted on by

1

I stumbled across this great idea for keeping yourself cool in the summer. Thanks Sew Woodsy for this great idea!

You’ll need:

  • Sewing Machine
  • Fabric
  • 1 Safety Pin
  • Straight Pins
  • Iron
  • Scissors
  • Measuring Tape or Ruler
  • Funnel
  • 1 tablespoon measuring cup
  • Water Gems (water absorbent polymer beads-these can be found at Michaels in the floral section)
  • *Optional* Scented Oil

Step1:

Cut your fabric to be about 4 inches wide and approx. 40 inches long. My fabric wasn’t quite wide enough (only 20 inches long). So I cut it 8 inches wide, then cut that piece in half so I had 2 4×20 in. pieces. I then sewed the 2 pieces together to be 4×40 in.

Step 2:

Fold your fabric the long way so the good side of the fabric is facing in. Take your straight pins and and pin all the way along the edge to keep them together. Then, iron your fabric flat so it will be easier to sew. Then, sew a seam up the side to close the edge up. When you are finished, remove the pins.

Step 3:

Take your safety pin and secure it to one side of one of the ends of your tube. Insert the pin into your tube and gently pull through. You should end up having a long tube with the right side of the fabric facing out.

Step 4:

You may need to iron your tube flat at this point depending on what kind of fabric you used. Find the centre point of your tube. For me, because I sewed 2 pieces of fabric together, I already have a line at the centre (which is at the 20 inch mark). From there, measure 5 inches to the left and insert your straight pins.

Step 5:

Sew over your pins to close that side of the tube in. Soon we will add the beads (we want them in the centre of your pack)

Step 6:

Get your tablespoon measuring cup and your funnel ready! Measure out 1 tablespoon of the Water Gems. If you’d like to add your scented oil, add some to your water gems now. Put the tip of the funnel into the long open portion of your tube and drop your water gems in.


Step 7:

Now that the beads are inside of your tube, measure 5 inches to the right of the centre of your tube. This will give 10 inches of space inside your tube for your water gems to expand. When you have sewed the other end, you will have a section in the middle of your tube that is secured shut and full of water gems.

Step 8:

If you would like to sew up the remaining ends of your pack then you can do so now, otherwise your Summer Cooling Pack is ready to go! Submerse the centre of your pack in cold water for about 5-10 minutes. The water gems will absorb the water and will keep you cool for hours!

It doesn’t have to be worn around your neck! You can use it as a headband or as an anklet if you’d like!

Happy Summer Everyone!