How do you use your weighted
blanket?
Weighted blankets are often
suggested as a therapeutic treatment for many medical conditions. Although most
often associated as a treatment for children with Autism, weighted blankets
can be used to treat both children and adults with a broad spectrum of
conditions. They have even been recommended for hyper-active dogs! If you
think a weighted blanket may be helpful for you or your child, be sure to talk
to your healthcare provider to learn more about the benefits and possible
risks.
What
is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a blanket that
has been specially designed to distribute weight evenly over the person using
it. The blankets can weigh as little as 5 pounds for a child-size blanket, and
can range up to 40 pounds for an adult-size blanket. Blankets can be made from
a variety of different fabrics, depending on the look and texture you prefer.
Although several filling materials are available, polypropylene pellets are
recommended the most because they are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and have a
consistent size and smooth shape which creates an even texture that is
comfortable to snuggle up with.
How
do weighted blankets work?
Weighted blankets apply pressure to the
afflicted person, known as “deep touch pressure.” This pressure has a calming
effect, almost like a hug. This soothes and relaxes the users, helping them to
ignore distracting stimuli which may normally keep them awake.
Who
can weighted blankets help?
I’ve done some research and put
together a list of conditions for which weighted blankets are recommended:
- Autism
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- Insomnia
- Sleep Walking
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety Disorders
- Restless Leg Syndrome
Many of our customers order
Quality Plastic Pellets to make their own weighted blankets. Have you used
a weighted blanket? Tell us how they worked for you in the comments below!
How to Make Your Own Weighted Blanket:
So many fabrics to choose from…which one do you like?
Weighted blankets have a great deal of benefits, not only for people on the
autism spectrum, but for anyone with restless muscles, insomnia, ADHD, or a
number of other sensory disorders. Weighted blankets can be made from a variety
of materials to suit the individual, depending on the tactile sensitivity of
the user or how it is being used. There are plenty of options for fabric I have
heard about, felt and seen, but cotton and flannel seem to be the most popular
choices. You can do one on each side if you want!
Weighted blankets may take some time to make, but they are definitely worth
it! Since purchasing a weighted blanket can be expensive, you can save quite a
bit of money making your own and you have the added benefit of customizing it.
Like many of our crafts, this is a fun family project, since you have to
go shopping for the fabric, weigh out the pellets, do some sewing, and assemble
it all. Set aside some time together over a weekend to do this fun activity.
Here’s how to get started.
Weighted blanket materials:
- 1 pound of
white or clear smooth Quality Plastic Pellets per 10 pounds of weight for
the user, plus one extra pound
- Fabric of
your choice
- 2.5 yds.
of fabric for the top of the blanket
- 2.5 yds.
of fabric for the bottom of the blanket
- Thread
- Scissors
- Measuring
Tape
- Ruler
- A small
scale
- Pins
- Sewing
machine
Assembling your Weighted Blanket:
- Determine
the size. If your blanket is going to be portable, you will want to make
it smaller than the one that goes on your bed. The materials above will
make a blanket to fit a twin bed (40” x 76”). If you’re using a
heftier fabric, you may wish to weigh it before beginning and add this
weight into the total of your blanket.
- After you
have your blanket size ready, place the fabrics right sides together.
- Measure
two inches in on two of the long sides and one of the short sides, leaving
one side open for adding your pellets.
- Sew on the
lines, then turn the fabric inside out. Iron the edges so they are
nice and crisp!
- Prepare
for adding the plastic pellets.
- Measure
out a grid for the remaining area of the blanket. Since we are taking off
4” from each side for an edge, we will have a weighted area of 36” x 72”.
- Divide
the area into even squares, making as neat a grid as you can. If
making 6” by 6” square, we will have a perfect six squares across and
twelve squares up!
- Divide
out all of the pellets into the right sized portions. To do that, just
follow this handy formula:
Blanket weight in ounces/number of
squares you have = number of ounces per square. Remember
that 16 US oz. = 1 lb. You can have someone help you measure them
out for you as you go!
- Sew along
the vertical lines to make channels six inches apart from each other. This
is where you are going to pour the pellets.
- Once all
of the channels are ready, pour the proper amount of fill for each square
into each of the six channels. Shake them a little so they settle to the
bottom.
- Measure
six inches from the bottom seam and sew a straight line across the fabric,
sealing up that line of weighted squares.
- Repeat
steps seven and eight until you have finished the last row of squares at
the top.
- Fold in
the two inches of fabric that are left over, then stitch that shut. This
will seal up the top row of weighted squares, and you now have a personal,
homemade blanket!
