Omari Gates
Weighted blankets are designed to offer therapeutic effects to people with insomnia, autism, anxiety, ADHD, and sensory disorders. The blankets are typically weighted with fillers like ball bearings, beads, pellets, or heavy fabrics. Making a weighted blanket can be a fun challenge, allowing you to personalize the blanket with your favourite filler, fabric, and design. This guide will take you through the process of creating your own weighted blanket, including the materials required and the steps to follow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton, fleece, flannel, microfiber, minky |
| Fill | Plastic polycarbonate beads, micro glass beads, grains (e.g. lavender, buckwheat), poly pellets |
| Batting | Optional; adds warmth |
| Weight | Typically 5-10% of the user's body weight |
| Size | Should cover the user's body; divisible by 6 or custom square size |
| Sewing requirements | Sewing machine, thread, safety pins, scale, cups/bowls, funnel |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your weighted blanket, it's important to consider the weight of the fabric itself, as well as its durability, softness, and breathability. The fabric should be able to withstand the extra weight of the blanket, especially when you are sewing the pieces together. Common fabric choices include cotton, fleece, flannel, and microfiber.
Cotton is a popular choice for weighted blankets as it is soft, cool, and easy to clean. However, some people find that it can feel a little fragile when the blanket gets heavy. If you're using cotton, make sure to get wide fabric, not the regular bolts of cotton, so you have enough fabric to work with.
Fleece is another good option, especially if you're looking for something cosy and warm. It can be used as a removable cover for your weighted blanket, providing extra warmth during colder months.
Flannel is a recommended fabric for the inside of a weighted blanket, providing a nice balance when paired with cotton on the outside.
For those who live in colder climates, minky fabric is a great choice. It is known for being one of the comfiest and most durable fabrics on the market.
If you are a hot sleeper, consider using breathable fabrics such as organic bamboo or organic cotton. These fabrics can be used as a removable cover to provide a soft, cool, and breathable feel during warmer months.
Ultimately, the fabric you choose will depend on your personal preferences for comfort, warmth, and breathability, as well as the ease of sewing and durability.
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Calculating the blanket's weight
Calculating the weight of your weighted blanket is a crucial step in the process of making one. Weighted blankets typically weigh between 5 and 30 pounds, and most experts recommend that the weight of the blanket should be about 5% to 10% of the recipient's body weight. For example, a 100-pound person would use a 10-pound blanket, a 150-pound person would use a 15-pound blanket, and so on.
To calculate the weight of your blanket, you'll need to determine the desired total weight, which should be based on the user's body weight. Once you have this number, you can convert it to ounces and subtract the weight of the fabric to find the weight of the filler.
If you're creating a quilted blanket with columns or squares, you'll need to divide the weight by the number of sections. For example, if you want a 7-pound blanket with 7 columns, you'll need 1 pound of filling for each column. You can then distribute the filler evenly between the rows.
When using fillers like poly pellets or beads, it's important to measure the weight accurately. Different brands of pellets may have different weights, so using a kitchen or postage scale to measure is essential. You can then calculate the amount of filler needed for each square or column.
Remember to consider the fabric's weight, especially if you're using a heavy fabric. You don't want the blanket to end up being too heavy. Additionally, if you plan to add batting for extra warmth, make sure to account for its weight as well.
Creating a weighted blanket requires careful calculations to ensure the final product is safe and comfortable for the user. It's always a good idea to consult a doctor or an occupational therapist if you're unsure about the appropriate weight for your specific needs.
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Preparing the fabric
Once you've selected your fabric, you'll need to cut it to size. The amount of fabric you need will depend on the size of your blanket, which should be based on the size of the person using it. A good rule of thumb is to make the blanket divisible by 6 or make the small squares a different size. For example, if you're making a blanket with a finished size of 48" x 66", you'll need fabric cut to 49" x 67" to allow for 1/2" seams.
Before cutting, it's a good idea to wash and dry your fabric to prevent shrinkage after sewing. Use a gentle setting with cold water and tumble dry low, then iron out any wrinkles and creases. You can then use a ruler or straight edge to cut off any frayed or uneven sides.
After cutting your fabric to size, you'll need to create a grid pattern to distribute the weight evenly. First, add 1" margins on all sides of the fabric. If you're confident in your sewing skills, you can make the margins smaller. Then, use the remaining space to create your grid. The size of the squares will depend on the size of your blanket, but they should be large enough to hold the weighted filler. Typically, squares range from 3" to 6" in size. Pin your fabric together along the grid lines and sew the columns, leaving one side open to fill with the weight.
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Adding weight to the blanket
Adding weight to a blanket requires a few key materials: fabric, fill, and batting. The first step is to determine the desired weight of the blanket. Most experts recommend that a weighted blanket should weigh about 5% to 10% of the recipient's body weight. For example, a 100-pound person would use a 10-pound blanket, while a 150-pound person would use a 15-pound blanket.
Once the desired weight is determined, the weight needs to be distributed evenly across the blanket. This can be done by dividing the blanket into a grid pattern of squares, typically measuring 6 by 6 inches each. The number of squares will depend on the desired size of the blanket. Each square will be filled with a certain amount of weight, ensuring that the overall weight is evenly distributed.
The weight itself can come in various forms, with popular options being plastic polycarbonate beads, micro glass beads, and poly pellets. These fillers can be poured into the squares of the blanket and then sealed, ensuring an even distribution of weight. It is important to note that the type of filler used will impact the overall weight, as different brands and types of fillers have varying weights.
When choosing a fabric for the blanket, it is essential to select a soft, durable material that can withstand the extra weight. Common choices include cotton, fleece, flannel, and microfiber. Breathable fabrics may be preferable for those who tend to sleep hot, while minky fabrics are ideal for colder climates.
Finally, batting can be added as a buffer for the weights. Batting is optional but can provide additional warmth and make the sewing process easier.
By following these steps and carefully measuring and distributing the weight, you can effectively add weight to a blanket, creating a soothing and therapeutic effect for the user.
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Sewing the weighted blanket
Sewing a weighted blanket is similar to sewing a regular blanket, but with a few key differences. Firstly, decide on the size of your blanket. A good rule of thumb is to make the blanket big enough to cover the person using it. You can also make the blanket a bunch of 6 x 6 inch squares with pellets in each one, ensuring the final size is divisible by 6.
Next, you'll need to gather your materials. The three main components of a weighted blanket are the fabric, the fill, and the batting. For the fabric, choose a soft, durable material that can withstand the extra weight, such as cotton, fleece, flannel, or microfiber. The fill can be plastic polycarbonate beads, micro glass beads, or poly pellets, depending on your preference and budget. Batting is optional but can add extra warmth to your blanket.
Once you have your materials, it's time to start sewing. Begin by creating your quilt sandwich and basting the layers together. Secure your backing, right side down, and then centre your quilt top, face up, on top of the backing. If using batting, layer it between the backing and the quilt top. Secure the layers with safety pins.
Now, you can start adding the weight to your quilt. Determine the desired weight of your blanket (usually recommended to be 5% to 10% of the recipient's body weight) and measure out the necessary amount of pellets or beads. Distribute the weight evenly between the rows or columns of your quilt, and then sew both long sides, one short side, and all the columns.
Finally, you can add a removable cover to prolong the lifespan of your blanket. You can make this from a breathable fabric such as cotton or bamboo, or a warmer fabric such as fleece or minky, depending on your climate and preferences.
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