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DIY Weighted Blanket Guide

Weighted blankets are everywhere these days, but when I first created my weighted blanket sewing tutorial they were just beginning to catch on. By request, I’ve put together a DIY weighted blanket landing page. This post is your spot to find all of my favorite weighted blanket resources in one spot. I recommend starting with my weighted blanket sewing tutorial.

Weighted blankets are everywhere these days, but when I first created my weighted blanket sewing tutorial they were just beginning to catch on. By request, I've put together a DIY weighted blanket landing page. This post is your spot to find all of my favorite weighted blanket resources in one spot.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are heavy blankets. Most weighted blankets are filled with something to make them heavy. Some weighted blankets are simply made out of heavy fabric, such as denim.

Why Should I Make a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets have become popular for many reasons:

1. To provide comfort. This is the main reason ANYONE would use a weighted blanket. The heaviness feels a lot like getting a hug.

2. To reduce anxiety. Weighted blankets are popular with people who struggle with anxiety. That comfort feeling you can help reduce anxiety.

3. As a sensory aid. These blankets help provide children with ADHD and autism the sensory input they seek.

4. To alleviate dyskinesia. This is the main reason that you might find weighted blankets being used for Parkinson’s patients.

How Do I Sew a Weighted Blanket?

Sewing a weighted blanket takes some time, but it’s pretty basic from a technique point of view. You just sew a bunch of straight lines! Click the blue button below to read through my detailed weighted blanket sewing tutorial

Tips for sewing a DIY weighted blanket - all the resources you need, at your fingertips.

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What Are DIY Weighted Blankets Made Of?

You can use any type of fabric to make a weighted blanket. I’ll often take the recipient’s interests into account, like I did for these Harry Potter weighted blankets. I personally prefer cotton, but minky is very popular as well. You’ll want to read through my tips on sewing with minky in my post on weighted blanket materials. Click the blue button below to read more.

Poly pellets are the most popular weighted filling for these blankets. They wash and dry beautifully, and do not wear out fabric quickly the way some other fillings do. Click the blue button below to learn more about alternative fillings for weighted blankets.

Don’t forget that you have one other choice: making a blanket out of heavy fabric instead of filling the blanket with weighted materials. Denim jean quilts make wonderful weighted blankets!

How Much Should Weighted Blankets Weigh?

Weighted blanket weight is another important consideration! It’s especially important to avoid making a weighted blanket that is too heavy. Click the blue button below to learn all about figuring out how much your weighted blanket should weigh.

Can I Make a Weighted Blanket Without Sewing?

I don’t personally recommend making a blanket without sewing. These days you can find wonderful blankets for sale at Amazon, Etsy, and even at Target!

But if you really want to, here are tutorials for making a Duct Tape Weighted Blanket and a Bean Bag Tie Blanket.

I recommend the bean bag approach over the duct tape one. A bean bag blanket breathes better than a duct tape blanket.

Think carefully about whether or not the new sew approach actually saves you money. I suspect that, much of the time, buying a properly sewn blanket costs about the same amount.

I hope this answers all of your DIY weighted blanket questions! Is there still something that you want to know? Let me know in the comments!

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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.

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