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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: Dea
Date: 11-01-2005, 06:26 PM (1 of 8)
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I was very interested to hear mention of a weighted blanket that was comforting to an autistic child. Please tell me how the blanket is used. Does the child feel comforted with this covering him as a blanket that doesn't slide off, or do they hold it as a "blankie". How do you weigh it? I think I would make a tube of dense cotton and fill it with cheap rice, then insert this into a wide hem and sew the sort part closed, but in a way to make it easy to unpick and remove the tube of rice. |
User: Dea
Member since: 11-01-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-01-2005, 06:40 PM (2 of 8)
Hi Dea and welcome to Sew Whats New.  I am attempting to make a weighted blanket for my grandson. The blanket with the added weight calms him. He has a very difficult time sleeping and these help with that. There are weighted blankets, lap pads and also vests. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-02-2005, 12:21 AM (3 of 8)
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Mary, What are you using to give the blanket weight? I am just curious since we used these type of things at our school. We also used the body wraps which the child was completelty enclosed in this tight fitting wrap, all except their head of course, and it helped to calm them quite a bit. I know hospital use the weighted vests for patients who try to get out of bed but are not allowed to without a nurse being there. They had my mom in one when she suffered her stroke and it worked, but when my dad had one put it didn't work. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-02-2005, 05:28 AM (4 of 8)
Some use poly beads and some use navy beans. I have also heard of rice. It is still in the experimental stage. What a job. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 11-02-2005, 08:24 PM (5 of 8)
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I once worked with a little boy with autism who used to need to wear his vest during therapy. He even knew that it helped him. It wasn't a restraint--he could move about freely--but it gave his body the feedback he needed to be calm and centered so he could focus his attention. Mary, is that the effect you're going for with the blanket? Calm, centered, ready to be still long enough that a restful sleep might come for a spell? Is there a specific weight you're going for? Jeepers! I just did a quick search and found a 6 lb one that's 2feet by 6 feet, and it costs $126!!!! Goodness, Mary, isn't that taking advantage of people who are at their wits' end?! Shame on them. I'm so glad this little boy has you for a grandma to help out with this kind of thing. You could make a nicer one for about $10. And you can hand-pick the texture of the fabric, which is probably just as important as the weight.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-10-2005, 10:56 AM (6 of 8)
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I'm happy to say my weighted blanket helps Matthew sleep. It really isn't a blanket. It is 12" by 22" with an outer cover of soft fleece. Inside is where the magic happens. I cut two pces. of plain cotton 12" by 22" and stitched them together around three sides. Next, stitch channels evenly across the cotton. These can be 2-3" apart. Next I inserted navy beans into each channel. I tried to put the same amount in each channel. That's enough to drive you crazy. About 2 tablespoons each. Then, take it to the sewing machine and stitch across the channels closing in the beans. Repeat until entire piece is full of beans. LOL. Stitch closed. This small heavy insert goes inside the fleece outer case. Close up with velcro. This shape is just enough for Matthew. His mother lays the blanket on Matthew's back lengthwise. He settles down nicely with this. As far as weight is concerned, you have to ask your therapist or doctor how much is appropriate for your child. This does NOT work with every child. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-10-2005, 11:00 AM (7 of 8)
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One other thing I would like to add. The price for these blankets is quite high. Part of the reason is they are very labour intensive. It takes a loooooooong time to make even one the size of my grandson's.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-10-2005, 11:05 PM (8 of 8)
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Glad you got the blanket done Mary and it helps. Something we used when making weighted clothing for our kids was the drapery weights that are encased in cording. They are quite small and very felxible. We could sew channels right next to the weights. As Mary said you need someone who is qualified on the whole subject matter as to how much weight to place. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
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