Weighted blankets are heavy weighing blankets which contain layers of polyester lined with pellets that are responsible for providing the overall weight of the blanket. Containing approximately 10% of your body weight, the blanket provides premium comfort and helps people suffering from various disorders due to the pressure it puts on their body. It ensures advantages such as helping people suffering from anxiety, depression, stress and also minimizes issues faced by people with sleep disorders. However, one of the most important roles a weighted blanket plays is helping children with autism. Weighted blankets for autism are extremely healing and helpful as they put a suitable amount of pressure on the sensory receptors of the children enabling them to stay calm and composed. Deep pressure therapy enabled by the blanket proves to be as beneficial as a therapist for the same purpose. The child may then focus better as dopamine and serotonin production is enhanced within their body.
Sewing a Weighted Blanket
To make a weighted blanket for children facing sensory disorders, first ensure that you have all the supplies present. For example, a big ruler, iron board, rotary cutter, fabric measure, markers, funnel, wrapping paper roll, sewing machine, paper cups (that hold pellets), cotton fabric, flannel, muslin, and pellets.
Follow the following steps after you have collected all the supplies:
1. Wash and shrink your fabric and then iron any creases. By the help of your ruler, cut the untidy sides of the fabric.
2. Taking two muslin pieces, make the inner lining now. Take the muslin pieces which measure the same as your outer fabric.
3. Draw 1” margins on the side of the blanket and then draw grids of approximately 6×6 inches, distributed in 6-7 or 8-10 rows.
4. Now use pins to put all the fabrics together and sew the longer sides with each other and the shorter with one another.
5. Decipher how much weight of pellets you want in your blanket and depending on that take the correct ounces of pellets.
6. With the help of the funnel, add the pellets into their respective squares.
7. After filling each row, pin the pellets into their places.
8. Sew the blanket alongside each row.
9. Place the layers as follows-batting, outer layer, outer fabric, batting and then the weighted layer. Use binding clips to help you.
10. Lastly, sew the entire blanket together.
11. Your weighted blanket is ready!
Conclusion
Sewing a weighted blanket for your child is not as difficult as it may seem in the start. Once you understand how it works, you will be able to do it within no time. It is easy to make and ensures that it helps your child facing sensory disorders in an efficient manner. It is the most viable solution which is available within our own homes so why not undertake some extra pressure in order to create a blanket that would help your child overcome their sensory disorders.