When the nights start getting chilly, there’s nothing better than slipping a warm cherry pit heating pad into bed. It helps warm up your sheets quickly and makes it easier to fall asleep. Personally, I prefer it over a hot water bottle — it’s softer, safer, and there’s no risk of leaks.

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Homemade Cherry Pit Pillows for the Whole Family

Last year I made one for each member of our family. Since then, a few have been “recycled” after small accidents. I washed the pits in hot water and baking soda — three rinses seemed enough — and the kids got to choose new fabric. This time, I documented the process with photos and videos so you can easily follow along.

Making your own cherry pit pillow is a perfect beginner sewing project. It requires very little experience and is done in no time!

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Which Fabrics Are Suitable for a Cherry Pit Heating Pad?

Canvas fabrics are thicker and sturdier, which helps them keep their shape. A full heating pad holds about 1 kg (2.2 lb) of cherry pits, so the fabric can stretch a bit. I’ve never had problems with canvas loosening. Tetra cloth (muslin) is not recommended, as it easily loses its shape. Cotton works fine as long as it’s strong enough.

A thick flannel fabric, for example from an old pair of pyjama pants, also works beautifully! There are even colourful Mexican or African woven fabrics on the market — a few years ago I managed to find some lovely Mexican ones for a bargain.

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What You’ll Need to Make a Cherry Pit Heating Pad

• Canvas fabric – 2 pieces measuring 25 × 30 cm (10 × 12 in)
• 1 kg (2.2 lb) cherry pits (you can buy clean, dried pits online)
• Matching thread (not much will be visible)
• Sewing machine
• Needle – for the final hand-stitching
• Iron (optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Instruction video: Here you can follow all the steps to make your own cherry pit heating pad. The step-by-step instructions can be found below the video.

Washing the Cherry Pits

If you’re using cherry pits from an old heating pad or from cherries you’ve eaten yourself, it’s important to wash them thoroughly first. If you bought new, cleaned cherry pits, you can skip this step.

Place the pits in a large pot with hot water and add a generous amount of baking soda. Stir well and let sit for a few minutes. You’ll quickly see the water becoming cloudy. Repeat the process a few times until the water remains almost clear — three rinses are usually enough for reused pits.

Before using them, make sure they’re completely dry.
Place them in an oven at 100 °C (210 °F) until dry, stirring occasionally and leaving the oven door slightly open to let moisture escape. You can also air-dry them, but that may take several days.

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Making the Fabric Pouch

Cut two rectangles of fabric measuring 25 × 30 cm (10 × 12 in).

Turn the pouch inside out so the right side of the fabric faces outward again and push out the corners (a pencil or chopstick works well).

Use a paper funnel or an empty toilet paper roll to fill the bag neatly with the cherry pits.

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Closing the Cherry Pit Pillow

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How to Heat a Cherry Pit Heating Pad

Warm your cherry pit pad in the microwave. Before heating, sprinkle a few drops of water over it — just wet your hands and flick some droplets onto the fabric, or lightly rub your damp hands over the surface. This step is essential for safety, as the moisture helps prevent overheating or scorching.

• For a 700 W microwave, heat for 2 minutes.
• For a 1000 W microwave, heat for 1½ minutes.

If your pillow is smaller or contains fewer pits, reduce the heating time slightly. The heating time depends on the weight and size of the pad.

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A Touch of Relaxation with Essential Oils

Want to make your cherry pit pillow even more soothing? Simply add a few drops of essential oil after warming the pillow. The gentle heat helps release the aroma gradually, creating a comforting aromatherapy experience. Lavender essential oil is a perfect choice — well known for its calming properties that help relax both body and mind. Damask rose is another wonderful option: a soft, luxurious floral scent that makes it easy to drift off to sleep.

You can also switch between different essential oils depending on the time of day. Chamomile promotes relaxation and supports better sleep, while eucalyptus or peppermint oil provide a refreshing scent and can help relieve sinus congestion. Always use only a few drops at a time (2 to 3 is enough) and apply the oil to the fabric cover.

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Enjoy the Warmth!

Once heated, your cherry pit pillow stays warm for quite a while and provides a gentle, soothing warmth that’s perfect for cold nights or easing sore muscles. Enjoy your handmade creation — it’s a natural, eco-friendly, and comforting alternative to a hot water bottle!

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