By Laura Bray
Skill Level: Beginner
Completion Time: 1 hour
Last month, I showed you how to make hot water bottle cover so this month I thought I would show you how to make a cover for a cold compress. We all need to use a cold compress for an injury sometimes. Maybe you use a special cold compress product, ice in a plastic baggie, or a bag of frozen peas to ease those injuries. Regardless, it’s recommended that you do not put ice directly onto your skin. I usually wrap a bag of peas with a dish towel, but I decided to make a nice, felt cover for my compress instead. I keep it with my first supplies. Note: If you find the felt isn’t enough protection from the cold (I’m not a doctor, so ask yours!), you might want to add a layer of batting. And remember not to leave ice on your skin too long!
Supplies
• 9” X 12” Craft Cuts of Kunin Premium Felt in:
o Red
o Cream
• Basic sewing supplies
Instructions:
1. Measure your compress of choice. I use a bag of frozen peas or corn.
2. Cut out red felt pieces based on your measurements. Here’s the formula to use for an oblong cover:
a. Front piece-Add 1” to the length and width of the compress
b. 2 back pieces -For each one, add 1” to width and -3 to the length
c. For example-my bag of frozen corn measured 8” x 7” so I cut my front piece to 9” x 8” and my back pieces to 9” x 4”. This gives you a little overlap for the envelope backing.
3. Cut out a First Aid cross shape from cream felt.
4. Pin the cross shape, centered, onto the front piece of red felt.
5. Stitch the cross shape in place. You can hand stitch it or use a machine.
6. I sewed a decorative top stitch along the edge of the back piece that will show. I also added a little “I Love You” tag. These are just decorative touches and optional.
7. Place the back pieces, overlapping as shown, over the front piece. The side with the cross should be facing up.
8. Sew around the edges, using a ¼” seam allowance.
9. Clip the corners.
10. Turn out the compress cover right side out through the opening in the back.
11. When you need to use a cold compress, simply slip it into the felt cover. Store the empty cover in a drawer, not the freezer, when not in use.
12. Remember to follow your doctors order for safe use of cold compresses.
You can now find an expanded color line of Kunin® Classicfelt; Kunin® Premiumfelt and Corduroy non-wovens fabrics in cut by the yard at your local Walmart; please inquire as to what is available in your area.
About Designer Laura Bray
Laura Bray lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, their daughter, and a guinea pig named Oreo. She loves to create beautiful and functional projects with felt. To see more of her felt creations, visit her blog at www.laurabraydesigns.com. She also collects felt craft projects on her Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/laurabraydesigns/felt-crafts/