Mastering the Art of Sewing Weighted Blankets: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Are you tired of restless nights and struggling to fall asleep? Do you find yourself tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable and relax? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with achieving a peaceful and restful sleep. But what if we told you that the solution to a better night’s sleep could be found in the art of sewing? That’s right, by learning how to sew a weighted blanket, you can create a cozy and comforting addition to your bedding that promotes deep relaxation and helps reduce anxiety. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a weighted blanket and guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your own. Get ready to embrace a good night’s sleep like never before. Keep reading to discover how to sew a weighted blanket.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a type of blanket that is filled with extra weight, usually in the form of plastic or glass pellets, to make it heavier than a traditional blanket. This additional weight is believed to provide deep pressure stimulation on the body, creating a calming and therapeutic effect.

Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years due to their reported benefits for managing anxiety, insomnia, and other sensory disorders. Originally used in occupational therapy for children with autism and ADHD, weighted blankets have now become widely available for anyone seeking a better night’s sleep or relaxation.

How Does a Weighted Blanket Work?

The concept behind a weighted blanket is derived from deep touch pressure therapy, which involves applying gentle pressure on the body to stimulate relaxation. When we are under stress or anxiety, our bodies produce cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. Deep touch pressure stimulates the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are known as “happy hormones,” and help regulate mood and relaxation.

Using a weighted blanket can mimic the sensation of being held or hugged, creating a sense of security and comfort. The weight also promotes the production of melatonin, which regulates our sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket

When shopping for a weighted blanket, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure that you choose the right one for your needs. The most crucial aspect is the weight itself. A general rule of thumb suggests selecting a weighted blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight.

For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should choose a 15-pound blanket. However, this may vary depending on personal preference. It’s recommended to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase if necessary.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a weighted blanket is the material. The most common materials used are cotton, flannel, and minky fabric. Cotton blankets tend to be the lightest and most breathable, while flannel provides extra warmth and cozier feel. Minky blankets have a soft and plush texture but may also be warmer than other materials.

Sewing Your Own Weighted Blanket

Making your own weighted blanket can be a fulfilling and cost-effective option. Here’s how you can sew your own weighted blanket at home:

1. Gather Materials: Start by gathering all the necessary materials – fabric, poly pellets or glass beads for weight, measuring tape, scissors, sewing machine, and thread.

2. Choose Fabric: Select your desired fabric for the top and bottom layers of the blanket. It’s recommended to use a thicker fabric for the top layer as it will be in direct contact with the weighted filling.

3. Measure and Cut Fabric: Using measuring tape, cut both layers of fabric into squares or rectangles according to your desired size of the blanket. Remember to leave extra room around the edges for sewing.

4. Sew Layers Together: Place both layers of fabric on top of each other with their “right sides” facing inwards. Sew around three edges of the fabrics leaving one edge open.

5. Add Weight: Turn your sewn piece inside out and start filling it with poly pellets or glass beads using a funnel or spoon. It’s essential to distribute the weight evenly throughout the blanket.

6.Seal Weight Inside Blanket: Once you have added enough weight, sew along the open edge of your blanket to seal in all the filling.

7.Create Pockets: To prevent all the weight from shifting to one side of the blanket, create small pockets by sewing evenly spaced vertical lines across the length of your blanket.

Other Tips for Sewing a Weighted Blanket

– Always double stitch all edges to ensure that the filling does not fall out.

– Use a sewing machine for quicker and more precise stitches.

– Before adding the weight, lay your blanket on a flat surface and shake it to make sure there are no empty spaces.

– Choose a thread color that matches your fabric to make the stitches less noticeable.

– Take regular breaks while sewing as weighted blankets can be heavy to work with for an extended period.

Sewing your own weighted blanket not only allows you to customize it according to your needs but also gives you a sense of accomplishment. With its numerous benefits, investing in a weighted blanket or creating one yourself can be a game-changer for anyone dealing with anxiety, insomnia, or other sensory disorders.

Remember, when sewing a weighted blanket, it’s crucial to choose the right materials and weight for optimal comfort and effectiveness. Whether you decide to purchase one or sew your own, incorporating a weighted blanket into your daily routine can help promote relaxation and improve overall well-being.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a therapeutic tool designed to provide a gentle pressure on the body, mimicking the feeling of being hugged or held. It is filled with small weights, such as plastic pellets or glass beads, that are evenly distributed throughout the blanket. This weight creates a deep touch pressure stimulation (DTPS) that has been proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Many people find this type of blanket to be incredibly soothing and helpful for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and sensory processing disorder.

Why Sew Your Own Weighted Blanket?

Sewing your own weighted blanket can have several advantages over purchasing one. First and foremost, it allows you to have complete control over the size, weight, and materials used in your blanket. This means you can customize it to fit your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, making your own weighted blanket can be more cost-effective than buying one from a store.

What Materials Do You Need?

Before you get started on sewing your weighted blanket, make sure you have all of the necessary materials ready. The first thing you will need is fabric – two pieces of fabric in equal size for both sides of the blanket. The fabric should be soft and comfortable against the skin. Examples include cotton, flannel, or minky fabric. Next, you will need small weights to fill your blanket with. This can include poly-pellets, glass beads, or even rice or dried beans if using as a natural alternative.

You will also need sewing tools such as scissors, thread in a color matching your fabric choice, measuring tape or ruler, pins and needle suitable for hand-stitching or sewing machine.

The Sewing Process

Once you have gathered all of your materials together and chosen the size and weight of your blanket, it is time to start sewing. First, you will need to measure and cut your chosen fabric into two equal pieces. It is important to ensure that the two pieces are exactly the same size and shape; otherwise, your blanket may become lopsided when filled with weights.

Next, place the two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the patterned sides facing inwards. Pin together along three edges and leave one edge open for filling the blanket.

Now comes the fun part – filling your blanket with weights. The recommended weight for a weighted blanket is 10% of your body weight. Using a kitchen scale, measure out this amount of weights and distribute them evenly throughout the blanket, leaving some space at the edges for sewing. Once you are happy with the weight distribution, carefully pin and sew up the last edge of the blanket.

Finishing Touches

To make your weighted blanket look more polished and professional, you can add a cover flap or even a removable cover. This way, you can easily remove and wash your cover without having to take apart your entire blanket. You can also add ties or buttons to secure your cover in place.

Additionally, you may want to add quilt batting in between the two layers of fabric before sewing them together. This will give your weighted blanket some added fluffiness and warmth.

In conclusion, sewing your own weighted blanket can be a rewarding and therapeutic experience. Not only do you have complete control over every aspect of your blanket, but it can also be a cost-effective option compared to purchasing one from a store. By following these steps and using high-quality materials, you can create a personalized weighted blanket that will provide comfort and relaxation for years to come. Happy sewing!

Q: What is a weighted blanket?
A: A weighted blanket is a type of blanket that has small weights (such as poly pellets or glass beads) sewn into it to create a heavier and more secure feeling when used.

Q: Why would someone use a weighted blanket?
A: Weighted blankets are often used for therapeutic purposes, such as improving sleep, reducing anxiety and stress, and providing a calming effect for individuals with sensory processing disorders.

Q: What materials do I need to make a weighted blanket?
A: You will need fabric for the front and back of the blanket, poly pellets or glass beads for the weight, thread, sewing machine, measuring tape or ruler, scissors, and pins.

Q: How do I determine the appropriate weight for my weighted blanket?
A: The recommended weight for a weighted blanket is about 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your weighted blanket should be around 15 pounds. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using a weighted blanket.

Q: How do I sew the weights into the blanket?
A: To sew in the weights, create small pockets within the layers of fabric by sewing lines or grids with an opening at one end. Fill these pockets with your chosen weights and then sew up the open end to secure them in place.

Q: Are there any special sewing techniques I should use when making a weighted blanket?
A: When sewing on the weights and closing up pockets, it is important to use reinforced stitching techniques such as backstitching or double stitching to ensure that they stay securely in place. Additionally, using sturdy fabric and avoiding large gaps between pockets can also help prevent shifting of the weights.

In conclusion, sewing a weighted blanket can seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials, techniques, and guidance, it can be a satisfying and rewarding experience. From selecting the appropriate fabric and fillers to calculating the ideal weight for your blanket, we have covered all of the essential aspects necessary to create a high-quality weighted blanket. We have also explored various sewing methods, such as the grid method and the channel method, along with tips for finishing touches like adding fringe or removable covers.

But beyond just the technical aspects of sewing a weighted blanket, we must also remember its purpose – providing comfort and relief for those who use it. Weighted blankets have been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with anxiety, insomnia, sensory processing disorder, and many other conditions. By taking the time to learn how to sew a weighted blanket correctly, you are not only creating a beautiful and functional item but also potentially improving someone’s quality of life.

Furthermore, sewing your own weighted blanket allows you to customize it to your specific needs or preferences. You can choose fabrics that are soft and calming or bold and stimulating. You can tailor the weight distribution based on your body’s pressure points or add extra pockets for additional weight options. The possibilities are endless when you take on this DIY project.

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.