Family Best Time >> Home & Garden

How to make a weighted blanket

Introduction

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Benefits of weighted blankets

Weighted blankets can help relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia by providing information to deep pressure touch receptors throughout the body. This "deep pressure touch" helps the body to relax. Like a firm hug, weighted blankets can help someone feel safe, grounded, and secure. Making your own weighted blanket isn't difficult and can save you money, but it does take some time and sewing skills.

Step 1

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Collect Materials

Use a medium weight fabric like flannel for this project. You will need at least 2.5 yards for the top and 2.5 yards for the bottom of the blanket. This will give you a blanket about the size of a twin size blanket (if you use a 44-45 inch wide fabric). Make sure you get the same plastic pellets that are used to add weight to the dolls.

Pro Tip

Always pre-wash and dry fabric before starting.

Step 2

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Determine the size

This blanket is customizable. After determining the size, measure and cut two pieces of fabric for the top and bottom. Place the fabric pieces together, right sides in. Measure two inches on both the long sides and one of the short sides, leaving one side open for adding the pellets. Use tailor's chalk and pins to mark for sewing.

Step 3

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Twist and Press

Once you've sewn three sides, trim off the bottom corners. Turn the fabric right side out and press the seams with an iron. Top stitch around all three sewn sides.

Stage 4

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Measure a grid

Measure out a grid for the remaining area of ​​the blanket. Use the tailor's chalk or fabric pen to mark the grid. Sew the vertical lines (the lines that go from bottom to top) ONLY.

Step 5

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Regret

Before you fill the "pockets" on the bottom row, you'll need to figure out how many beads to put in each pocket. To do so, use this formula:the desired total weight in ounces divided by the number of squares equals the number of ounces per square. Place a cup or bowl on a scale and close it before adding the granules.

Pro Tip

Remember that 16 US oz. =1 pound

Step 6

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Fill

Fill the bottom of each column with the correct portion of pellets for one pocket. Add a handful of polyfill to each square, if you like.

Step 7

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Sew

Once you've filled the first row of pockets, sew across the horizontal line of your marked grid, sealing that line of weighted squares.

Step 8

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Continue

Keep adding pellets and polyfill, row after row until you've finished the last row of squares on top. Then, fold the remaining two inches of fabric (or however much you have left) and zip it up. This will seal the top row of weighted squares.

Step 9

How to make a weighted blanket

Debbie Wolfe

Care instructions

Pellets are machine washable. However, only use in a machine without an agitator. To help keep it clean, tuck the blanket into a duvet cover.