Make a Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are used to help comfort people and promote relaxation. For people who are autistic, have sensitivities to touch, Restless Leg Syndrome, or mood disorders, a weighted blanket provides deep pressure and relaxing sensory stimulation. Weighted blankets can also help relax hyperactive people or traumatized people in distress. This article explains how to make a weighted blanket.
Steps
- Cut the fabric. You need 2 pieces of fabric, that are {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} each, and 1 piece of fabric that is {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}.
- Cut the {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} piece of fabric into 4 inch by 4 inch (10.16 cm by 10.16 cm) squares, which will be used to make pockets for the filler material.
- Cut 4 inch (10.16 cm) pieces of hook-and-loop tape and sew the hook side unto one edge of each pocket square.
- Cut a piece of hook-and-loop tape that is equal in width to the large fabric pieces. Sew one side of the tape along one side of the large piece of fabric and sew the other side of the tape along one side of the other large piece of fabric.
- Arrange the 4 inch by 4 inch (10.16 cm by 10.16 cm) squares in rows evenly on the wrong side of one piece of fabric. Mark the location of each square.
- Sew the loop portion of the hook-and-loop tape to the wrong side of the blanket as marked so that all squares can be attached to the wrong side of the blanket.
- Sew each of the squares to the blanket on 3 sides, leaving each of the taped sides open.
- Sew 3 sides of the large fabric pieces together with the right sides facing.
- Divide the weighting filler material into small bags which can be removed for washing, as needed, and insert one filled bag into each pocket. Be sure the bags are closed securely. Close each pocket.
- Turn the weighted blanket inside out so that the right sides are facing out and the weighted bags are on the inside. Seal the hook-and-loop tape along the top edge of the weighted blanket.
Tips
- Choose a fabric texture, pattern, and color(s) that the user will enjoy. Softer fabrics are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Blue and purple tend to be calming, but any color that the user likes is fine.
- Weighted blankets can be made to feel softer by adding fiberfill in each pocket on each side of the bag of filler material.
- When you first pick up a weighted blanket, it will probably feel heavy. It feels less heavy when its weight is evenly distributed over the user's body.
- If the user grows, you can adjust the weight of the blanket by replacing the original filler with a heavier material.
- The measurements in this wikiHow are made with children in mind. For teenagers and adults, a slightly larger blanket may be better.
- If the weighted blanket doesn't seem heavy enough, you can increase the weight by adding a heavier filler material. Discuss the ideal weight with the blanket's user and/or a doctor.
Warnings
- Make sure that the user is capable of taking the blanket off themselves.
Things You'll Need
- {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of soft, machine-washable fabric
- Filler material to weight the blanket (such as pony beads, dried beans or peas, or pea gravel) in an amount equal to about 10 percent of the user's weight.
- Small, sealable bags
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Hook-and-loop tape (also known as velcro)
- Chalk or fabric marker
- Scissors
