• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Appetizers
  • Parties
  • Shop

Cupcakes and Cutlery logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Cocktails
  • Appetizers
  • Dessert
  • Recipes
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Cocktails
    • Appetizers
    • Dessert
    • Recipes
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Mom Life » Craft / DIY » Headache Relief with DIY Freezer Bags

    Published: Apr 12, 2022 · Updated: Nov 1, 2022 by Sharon Garofalow | This post may contain affiliate links. See the privacy policy linked in my footer.

    Headache Relief with DIY Freezer Bags

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Homemade cold packs made with fabric stacked on top of each other with text that says "fabric cold packs."
    Close up image of diy headache relief freezer bags on a wood tray.

    Do you or your child get headaches and you're looking for a non-medicine way to relieve the pain? I'll show you how to make a homemade, reusable freezer bag to work as a DIY cold pack. My family and I have used these for years. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to make a homemade freezer pack in about 30 minutes!

    Top down view of headache relief bags on a wood tray.
    A headache bag is my favorite way to relieve headache pain but works for other ouchies too!

    Originally published April 19, 2016. Updated to include better instructions and supplies.

    Headaches are the WORST! Ever since I was little I have suffered from migraines, tension, and sinus headaches. There is one thing I always turn to for headache relief. And it's these DIY Freezer Bags.

    Like a boo boo bag for your head, these reusable fabric cold packs are easy to keep on hand when you need to soothe your head. 

    My whole family loves these homemade cold compress pillows. It's one of my favorite natural headache remedies. 

    Jump to:
    • Headache Relief Bags to DIY 
    • Supplies
    • How to make a reusable cold pack for headaches
    • 7. Add the Filling
    • 8. Close Up The Hole
    • Frequently Asked Questions 
    • How to Use Ice Pack for Headache
    • Variations
    • Related Posts
    • DIY Headache Bag

    Headache Relief Bags to DIY 

    Now that my kids are also starting to get headaches, I'm more aware than ever about what we are putting in our bodies. I hate to turn immediately to medicine.

    Although my headaches aren't classified as migraines anymore, I still get severe headaches about once a month. They are caused by allergies, stress, caffeine, and pretty much if people look at me the wrong way.

    Someone made me a DIY freezer bag when I was in college to help me with my headaches. And I have used it ever since. It's one of my favorite home remedies for headaches.

    Now with the kids needing headache relief too, I decided that we needed to make more of these bags.

    I'll be honest, there had been fights over who got to use the freezer bag.

    They are really easy to make and require really basic sewing skills. I had my mother-in-law come over to help me and we made 3 at once.

    You will probably also want to make more than one. My kids use them all the time.

    Of course, they grab one when they need natural headache relief but they also use it if they bump their heads, etc. I love that it is non-medicinal and helps them to find comfort.

    Printable pages on top of an image of kitchen gadgets with text next to it.

    Supplies

    A variety of folded fabric and scissors on a table.
    Pick a fun fabric for each member of your family.

    Scroll down for a printable instruction list with full measurements and instructions. 

    • fabric
    • unpopped popcorn
    • Sewing machine and someone to work it...
    • scissors

    Unpopped popcorn, you say. And I say to you, YES! 

    You may find info online for how to make DIY corn bags, which can be heated up in the microwave. Those call for dried corn from a feed store. When I opened up my original cold bag for headaches to see what was inside, it looked like popcorn. 

    There's a very real chance it was dried corn and I just couldn't tell the difference. 

    Regardless, all of my bags use popcorn. This means that they work great as a cold compress, but shouldn't be heated in the microwave. 

    This mini sewing machine is all you need. It doesn't need to be all fancy. A handheld machine would probably even do the trick. 

    It's All About the Weight

    A bowl of popcorn kernels next to a piece of fabric with scissors.
    The unpopped popcorn gives these cold packs flexibility and weight to lay on your head.

    Most headache sufferers know that using something cold on their forehead can be really soothing. But what I love most about these DIY freezer bags is the weight.

    The bags are fairly heavy and the pressure helps to relieve a little bit of the pain from the headache. It's pretty amazing.

    When we only had one of these bags, I would suffer through a minor headache at night because I wasn't sure if the headache would worsen and I'd need "the cats" more in the morning.

    I don't know what took me so long to make more bags. Because now I use them all the time!

    How to make a reusable cold pack for headaches

    Woman using a sewing machine.
    As long as you can sew a straight line and turn a corner, you can sew these bags.

    Essentially, you are creating a small rectangular-shaped pillow. Except instead of stuffing it with batting, you'll add your popcorn.

    My mother-in-law was able to whip these out super fast on the sewing machine. If you have some sewing experience, you should be able to finish the ice bag for headache in under 30 minutes.

    1. Cut the fabric

    Cut two pieces of fabric to be 10 ¾" x 6" (which includes ½" for seams).

    2. Place Fabric Together

    Lay the two front sides of the fabric against each other so that the inside of the fabrics are facing outward.

    3. Add Pins

    Add straight pins to keep the fabric in place. You can skip this step if you are a more free flowing type of gal.

    DIY freezer bag sewn on three sides and inside out laying on a table.
    These DIY cold packs are great for beginning sewers.

    4. Sew Them Together

    Sew three sides (both long sides and one short side) and then leave a small opening on the fourth side where you'll add your popcorn. 

    5. Trim the Corners

    Cut off the extra fabric from the corners (taking care to not cut through what you've just stitched closed) to get rid of excess fabric for when you turn the fabric right side out again. 

    Top down image of a bowl of popcorn, a funnel, and an empty DIY freezer bag.
    It's so easy to make this homemade headache relief bag.

    7. Add the Filling

    Grab a funnel and add the unpopped popcorn to through the hole you've left in one of the short ends.

    Woman sewing pieces of fabric with straight pins on a sewing machine.
    A few final stitches makes these bags ready for the freezer.

    8. Close Up The Hole

    Sew the hole closed to keep the popcorn in.

    3 DIY freezer bags laying on top of each other on a wood tray.
    From headaches, to fevers. to bumps and bruises, these homemade cold packs are awesome for families.

    Now we fight over who gets to use what pattern, but there is one for each of us.

    These DIY headache relief are one of my favorite things in life. I used them twice this week due to headaches.

    If you suffer from migraines or terrible headaches, you need to make these! They feel so great on your head, but I often scoot it down to cover my eyes as well. 

    These are a perfect size and weight for kids and adults. Definitely make more than one. They are so great to have on hand!

    P.S. I'm really sorry you if you get headaches too. They are the pits!

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Why does cold help a headache

    I am no scientist. I just know about my personal experience with headaches. Ever since I was little, my mom would give me a cold washcloth when my migraines came on. It was soothing and helped relieve the pain a little bit. I read that cold can help blood vessels constrict, making the pain less noticeable. While it doesn't take the pain away, it does help to numb the area and distract your brain from the pain. That's especially true for migraines. Other types of headaches might feel more relief from warmth. But I use these cold packs for all my headaches and it always feels better. You can read a more sciency answer here.

    What can be used in a cold pack?

    Store-bought cold packs are usually filled with chemicals. There are a variety of ways to make your own at home. I perfer to use unpopped popcorn kernals. But you can also use rice, and different combinations of water with dish soap, rubbing alcohol or even freezing a damp sponge.

    How to Use Ice Pack for Headache

    Child using a headache relief bag while laying down.
    My kids love to use these cold packs. We even take them with us on vacation.

    I store these in a plastic bag in the freezer so they are ready when we need them.

    To use, lay down on a bed or couch, then lay the homemade freezer pack on your forehead.

    When I have an allergy headache, I will sometimes scoot it down over my eyes as well.

    Move it around to try to find the spot where it gives you the most relief.

    Variations

    If you have the skill, adding a zipper would ensure you could wash the fabric when you need to.

    If you are an expert sewer, consider adding a zipper AND an inner muslin bag for the popcorn so you can wash the cover and keep the inner bag more protected.

    If you don't have a sewing machine or don't want it to slip off your head, also try this headache hat! I got one for Christmas and it is really nice! Just make sure you put on socks and a sweatshirt before putting it on as it cools you down a LOT!

    Etsy also sells homemade Headache Bags but most of those are filled with rice and can also be microwaved.

    Looking for another type of cold bag? Check out this post with 5 ways to one that is perfect for a single use.

    And if you love sewing, this Apron with Attached Towel tutorial is something you should check out. I could totally use this in the kitchen!

    Related Posts

    • These wine drops for headaches help if the sulfites bother you when sipping your favorite vino.
    • Keep a Wellness Kit on hand to make sure your family is taken care of.
    • Keep organized with a Sick Day kit featuring printables to track your kid's fever and make a shopping list of the supplies you need.
    • Essential Oil Shower Diffusers: Want to add a little aromatherapy to your shower? Find the perfect option in this post. 
    • Cellulite Scrub with Coffee: This DIY coffee scrub is a great temporary remedy for making your skin look smoother. 
    • Self Care Ideas for Spring: These easy self-care ideas are great for spring. These "me time" ideas are easy to do at home! 
    Make these headache relief bags that you put in the freezer! These are great for kids who get headaches or even when they just bump their heads!

    DIY Headache Bag

    Like a boo boo bag for your head, these reusable fabric cold packs for headache relief, are easy to keep on hand when you need to soothe your headache pain. My whole family loves these homemade cold compress pillows. It's one of my favorite natural headache remedies. You'll love these DIY freezer bags.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Craft / DIY
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 1 freezer bag
    Author: Sharon Garofalow
    Cost: $7

    Equipment

    • Sewing machine and someone to work it...
    • Scissors

    Ingredients

    • 2 pieces of fabric that are 10 ¾" x 6" (which includes ½" for seams)
    • 28 ounces of unpopped popcorn

    Instructions

    • Face fabric pieces together so that the right side of the fabric is facing the other right side of the fabric.
    • You can pin the pieces together before sewing if that is your preference.
    • Sew all sides making sure to leave a 1 inch opening (approximately) on one of the short sides where you'll add the popcorn.
    • Turn the fabric right side out.
    • With a funnel, add unpopped popcorn.
    • Carefully, sew the remaining 1-inch opening, closed.

    Notes

    See images in the blog post to see a tip for making sure the corners aren't too bulky.
    28 ounces of popcorn make the perfect weight for these headache bags.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @CupcakesCutlery or tag #cupcakescutlery!

    Save and pin this recipe for later!

    Save this recipe for later by pinning it or clicking the teal heart at the bottom right of the page. For more recipes make sure you’re following me on Pinterest, Instagram and like my page on Facebook. If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a star rating and tag me in your pictures!

    More Easy Craft/DIY Projects

    • Collage of three images of a diy birthday banner.
      DIY Homemade Birthday Poster with Photo Idea
    • Photos of a brunch with a toast bar, a tray of jams and a woman spreading jam on a piece of toast.
      Toast and Jams Brunch Party Idea
    • A party table with balloons that say bar with an arrow pointing down and "HBD bro".
      DIY Balloon Sign for a Party (Easy Balloon Decoration)
    • A woman holding a white balloon in front of her face with a photo of a little girl pasted on it.
      How to Put a Picture on a Balloon for Mother's Day

    Click to share!

    • Share
    • Tweet

    About Sharon Garofalow

    Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy says

      January 23, 2022 at 5:01 pm

      Hi! Awesome recipes btw! My kids reusable lunch and snack bags have a zipper and appear to be correct size...they are fabric-y on outside, I bet they will work, now that the hard part is figured, I need popcorn. :) Blessings!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        January 24, 2022 at 9:26 am

        I bet that would work really well! And be washable which is awesome. For me, the weight of these is what really helps my headaches. I'm going to look online for reusable bags to try. That's a genius idea! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Dorinda says

      February 27, 2021 at 4:37 am

      Hi Tori. I love your headache bag idea. At the risk of sounding like an idiot, you just freeze them to use?
      Seems like cold would make a headache worse?

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        February 27, 2021 at 9:00 am

        Hi Dorinda, I get all different kinds of headaches and I love putting this cold bag on my forehead. Between the cooling and the weight of the bag, it really helps me! I've been using them for about 20 years now! And I take them with me on vacation because I hate to not have it when I need it! XO, Sharon

        Reply
    3. Diane says

      November 09, 2019 at 4:00 am

      Love this idea! I’m making some and giving one to my sister , also! She gets headaches ( migraines) frequently! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sharon Garofalow says

        November 13, 2019 at 2:52 pm

        We use ours ALL the time! We have 4 so each member of the family has one. I even take them with me any time we go on a car trip! I hate being without it!

        Reply
    4. Tori says

      May 05, 2016 at 9:02 am

      I need one of these in my life!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Welcome!
    Based in Southern California, I am the mom to two amazing boys and married to the raddest man in all the land. Cupcakes and Cutlery is your resource for simple solutions to help you be an awesome wife and mother and not lose yourself in the process. Email me at [email protected]

    More about Sharon →

    Posts about wine, liquor and/or cocktail recipes are expressly for people 21 years of age and older. Drink responsibly.

    Winter Favorites

    • A microwave bread pudding in a white ramekin.
      Microwave Bread Pudding in a Mug Recipe
    • Woman holding a coupe glass with a Spiced Rum Daiquiri in it.
      Spiced Rum Daiquiri
    • Close up of a cocktail in a copper mug on a table.
      Fireball Mule Recipe To Try Right Now
    • Close up of dried beef cheese ball next to crackers
      Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe For Your Next Party

    Reader Favorites

    • Close up of frosting in a bowl.
      The Best Quick and Easy Cool Whip Frosting Recipe
    • Close up of a cupcakes infused with Fireball Whiskey and topped with red buttercream.
      Flavorful Fireball Cupcakes Recipe with Cinnamon Whisky
    • Close up of a cup holding coke with a lime garnish next to a bottle of Coke on the table.
      Stupid Easy Vodka and Coke Cocktail Idea
    • A dish of pasta with some text over it.
      50 Birthday Dinner Ideas {Delicious Recipes for Celebrating at Home}
    Text - Shop Now, Shop my Amazon! with food in serving dishes on a counter in a kitchen.

    Affiliate Link Disclosure

    Cupcakes and Cutlery is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure policy.

    This site generates income via ads.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Policy
    • CCPA
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    © 2008-2022 CUPCAKES & CUTLERY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.