Weighted blankets are special blankets that are used to comfort and relax those who use them. These blankets exert a particular pressure and a relaxing sensory stimulation; they can have beneficial effects on people with autism, those sensitive to touch, those with restless legs syndrome or mood disorders. In addition, they can promote the relaxation of hyperactive subjects or those who have suffered a trauma and are therefore in difficulty. This article explains how to make one.
Steps
Step 1. Cut the fabric
You will need two pieces of fabric of 1.8m each and another one of 0.9m.
Step 2. Cut the 0.9m piece of fabric into 10 x 10cm squares, which will serve as pockets for the filling material
Step 3. Cut 10 cm strips of velcro and sew the hook part along one of the edges of each square piece of fabric
Step 4. Cut a strip of Velcro as wide as the large pieces of fabric
Sew one side of the strip along one side of the large piece of fabric; do the same with the other side of the strip by sewing it along one side of the other large piece of fabric.
Step 5. Arrange the 10 x 10 cm squares in equal rows on the wrong side of a piece of fabric
Mark the position of each square.
Step 6. Sew the buttonhole part of the velcro to the back of the blanket following the tracks, so that all the squares can be sewn to the wrong side of the blanket
Step 7. Sew three sides of each square to the blanket, leaving the sides open with the velcro
Step 8. Sew three sides of the large pieces of fabric together, matching the "straight" parts
Step 9. Distribute the filling material into small pouches that can be removed for washing and place each in each pocket
Make sure the envelopes are tightly closed. Close all pockets.
Step 10. Turn the blanket over so that the "straight" sides are facing out and the envelopes with filler material are facing in
Close the top flap of the weighted blanket with the velcro.
Advice
- Choose a fabric with a texture, pattern and colors that will appeal to the person using the blanket. Softer fabrics irritate sensitive skin less. Blue and purple have a calming effect, but any color the recipient likes will do.
- Weighted blankets can be made softer by adding padding to each pocket, next to the bag containing the filling material.
- If the user of the blanket is growing, you can change the weight of the blanket by replacing the original filling material with a heavier one.
- When you pick up a weighted blanket for the first time, it will in all likelihood feel heavy. In fact, it's not that bad once the weight is evenly distributed over the user's body.
- The measures shown in this article are intended for a recipient of childhood. A slightly larger blanket is best for teens and adults.
- If the blanket is not heavy enough, you can increase its weight by replacing the filling material. Determine the ideal weight with the recipient of the blanket and / or with a doctor.
Warnings
Make sure that the person using the blanket is able to move it independently.
