Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular for their calming and soothing effects. These blankets are filled with materials such as pellets, beans, or plastic poly pellets to provide gentle pressure, which can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. While you can purchase a weighted blanket, making your own allows you to customize it to your preferences and save money. In this article, we will discuss how to make a weighted blanket at home.
Materials Needed:
- Fabric for the front and back of the blanket
- Poly pellets or glass beads for weight
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Pins
- Scale to measure pellets
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Choose Your Fabric:
When selecting fabric for your weighted blanket, opt for a soft and durable material that will hold up to frequent use. Consider using cotton, minky, flannel, or fleece for the front and back of the blanket.
2. Determine Size and Weight:
Decide how large you want your blanket to be and how heavy you want it to be. A general rule of thumb is to make the blanket about 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket would be suitable.
3. Cut Fabric:
- Measure and cut two identical pieces of fabric to the desired size of your blanket, adding an extra inch on all sides for seam allowance.
- Place the two pieces of fabric together with the right sides facing each other.
4. Sew Fabric Together:
Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving a small opening on one side to add the pellets.
5. Add Weight:
- Weigh out the desired amount of poly pellets or glass beads using a scale.
- Pour the pellets into the open space of the blanket.
- Distribute the pellets evenly throughout the blanket to ensure consistent weight.
6. Close the Opening:
After adding the weight, sew the opening closed securely to prevent the pellets from escaping.
7. Add Quilting:
To keep the weight evenly distributed, quilt the blanket by sewing lines or squares across the fabric. This will help prevent the pellets from shifting around inside the blanket.
8. Finish Edges:
To give your weighted blanket a polished look, fold the edges of the fabric over and sew them down for a clean finish.
Tips and Tricks:
- Wash and dry your fabric before sewing to prevent shrinkage.
- Use a sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle to handle the weight of the blanket.
- Experiment with different fabrics and weights to find the perfect combination for your needs.
- If you are making a larger blanket, consider breaking up the weight into smaller sections to make it easier to handle.
Conclusion:
Making your own weighted blanket is a rewarding project that can provide you with a customized and therapeutic blanket. By following these steps and tips, you can create a high-quality weighted blanket that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you are looking to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or simply enjoy the calming effects of a weighted blanket, making one at home is a fun and practical DIY project.
