DIY Guide: How to Make Your Own Weighted Blanket

Have you ever heard of a weighted blanket? These blankets are designed to provide a feeling of comfort and security by creating a sense of pressure on the body. They have gained popularity in recent years for their ability to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. While they can be expensive to purchase, making your own weighted blanket can be a fun and cost-effective project.

The process of making a weighted blanket is relatively simple, but it does require some basic sewing skills and patience. The first step is to choose your fabric, which should be soft, durable and washable. You will also need poly pellets, which are plastic beads that provide the weight for the blanket. You can purchase these from craft stores or online. Once you have gathered your materials, it’s time to start sewing and creating your very own weighted blanket.

Introduction:
Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular over the years, and for a good reason. They are cozy, comforting, and can help you achieve a better night’s sleep. These blankets are designed to provide pressure stimulation, similar to a massage, which can help alleviate anxiety and sensory processing disorders. But most importantly, they are easy and fun to make! Here’s how you can make your own weighted blanket that’s perfect for you.

1. Selecting the Fabric
The fabric you choose for your weighted blanket is essential to ensure that it is comfortable and durable. When choosing the material, look for one that is soft, breathable, and easy to clean. Popular options include cotton, flannel, or fleece, and you can find them in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit your preference.

2. Measuring the Blanket
The size of your blanket will depend on your needs and its purpose. For a general rule, you should aim for a blanket that is 10% of your body weight. It’s best to measure the width and length of your bed, then add a few inches to each side to provide extra coverage.

3. Choosing the Filling
The filling is the essential part of your weighted blanket. It’s important to choose the material that is dense enough to provide enough weight and evenly distributed. The most common filling materials are plastic poly pellets, rice, beans, or glass beads. We recommend going for plastic poly pellets because they do not have any odor and are non-toxic.

4. Cutting the Fabric
Once you’ve selected your fabric and filling material, you need to cut the fabric into two equal pieces. Use a fabric cutter or scissors to cut the fabric to the desired size.

5. Sewing the Fabric
Use a sewing machine to sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving an opening along one of the edges that are large enough to fill the blanket. Sew around the edges, leaving about half an inch from the edge of the fabric.

6. Adding the Filling
Pour the filling material through the opening, using a funnel to prevent spills. If you’re using plastic pellets, ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the blanket to ensure that it’s weight is distributed evenly.

7. Sew the Opening
After adding the filling, sew the opening shut using a sewing machine. Make sure to sew it tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out.

8. Finishing touches
Now that the blanket is sewn, give it a final inspection to make sure all the stitches are tight and secure. You can add finishing touches such as tassels or edging to add some personality to your blanket!

9. Caring for your Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets need to be appropriately cared for to maintain their comfort and durability. Wash the blanket in cold water, and do not use fabric softener or bleach. Air dry or use a dryer on low heat.

10. Enjoying Your Weighted Blanket
The best part of creating your weighted blanket is snuggling under it! It can take some time to get used to the weight, so start by using it for a short time before building up to using it for a full night’s sleep. There’s nothing more relaxing than wrapping yourself up in your cozy creation and getting a good night’s sleep!

Choosing the Right Fabric

Now that you have decided on the weight and size for your weighted blanket, the next step is to choose the right fabric. A good fabric is essential as it not only determines the feel of the blanket, but also impacts the durability and ease of maintenance of the end product.

1. Consider the Fabric’s Texture

The texture of the fabric you choose can have a great influence on the comfort of the final outcome. It also impacts the weight and breathability of the blanket. For instance, if you want a dense and heavy blanket that is also visually appealing, opt for a textured blanket fabric.

2. Choose a Durable Fabric

The durability of the fabric you choose is a significant factor to ensure that the weighted blanket lasts for a long time. Remember that the blanket will go through a lot of wear and tear, and you want a fabric that can withstand all of that. Seek out brands that specialize in durable and high-quality fabrics.

3. Consider the Texture of the Filling

Consider the texture of the filling you place inside the weighted blanket. Soft filling can create a comfortable, cuddly feeling, while larger filling can provide extra weight and durability; it all depends on your desired outcome.

4. Look for Breathable Fabric

The fabric should be breathable. It has to be suitable for use throughout the year, so it’s essential that the fabric allows for air circulation to prevent the user from feeling too hot.

5. Check for Easy Maintenance

When making a weighted blanket, you’ll want it to be easy to clean and maintain so it can last longer. Ensure that the fabric is machine washable, durable, and easy to dry. Avoid fabric that tends to wrinkle quickly and that needs much ironing.

6. Consider the Color and Aesthetics

Looking for a fabric that is pleasing to look at is also a crucial factor to consider. Accessing the right fabric in terms of aesthetics is essential, especially if you want to match up with the décor of your house or room. You can choose one that is a fun print, a bright color, or one that is softer and muted.

7. Be Willing to Experiment

It helps to be open-minded when choosing the right fabric for your weighted blanket. Consider different options, experiment with various textures, and colors until you get the perfect one that suits your requirements.

8. Use Natural Fabrics

Natural fibers such as cotton and bamboo are a great choice of the fabric as they are breathable, soft, and durable. Additionally, these fabrics tend to be hypoallergenic, making them more suitable for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.

9.Pick the Right Weight

Be sure to pick the fabric’s correct weight. You don’t want a fabric that is too heavy or too light; you can always look at the weight of the blanket for reference.

10. Factors to Consider When Choosing Fabric

In conclusion, consider color, texture, durability, breathability, maintenance requirements of the fabric, and how it will affect the overall weight. You can make sure that your weighted blanket is comfortable, durable, functional, and will serve its purposefully by selecting a high-quality fabric that meets your expectations.

Materials Required

Making a weighted blanket requires specific materials that have to be purchased in advance. Here are the materials that are required to make a weighted blanket:

Types of Fabrics to Consider

The fabric used in making the weighted blanket can determine its overall feel, weight, and comfort level. Here are some of the most suitable fabrics for making weighted blankets:

Cotton

Cotton is a popular choice because it’s affordable, breathable, and easy to find. It’s ideal for individuals who want a lightweight blanket in the summer months.

Flannel

Flannel is plush and soft. It’s perfect for those who want a cuddly, cozy blanket.

Fleece

Fleece is an excellent choice for those who love the feel of soft and snuggly blankets. It’s also an excellent choice for children’s blankets because it’s warm and inviting.

Minky

Minky is a luxurious, soft fabric that is excellent for creating especially cozy blankets. It comes in various colors and patterns.

Chenille

Chenille is soft and velvety-pleasing due to its textured surface. Chenille is an excellent choice for blankets that may be used for seclusion or comfort.

What Size is Best for a Weighted Blanket?

When determining the best-size weighted blanket to make, you have to consider your body weight and size. Typically, weighted blankets should weigh around 10% of your body weight. The standard sizes for weighted blankets are twin, queen, and king-size, but that doesn’t dictate you can’t make a smaller or bigger one if it fits your preference.

How to Determine the Weight of Your Blanket

To determine the weight of your new weighted blanket, take into consideration the user’s weight. Please do not make it too heavy because it may lead to suffocation or discomfort. As a result, take the user’s weight and divide it by 10 to get the appropriate weight for the blanket. For instance, if the person weighs 150 pounds, the blanket should weigh 10% of that weight, which would be 15 pounds.

Conclusion

With a little time and effort, making a weighted blanket is relatively easy. All of the required materials are available at any craft store, and once you’ve completed your project, you’ll have a comfy and comforting blanket that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Just remember, making a weighted blanket is a great way to invest in your own self-care, or provide support for someone you care deeply about.

Enjoy Your Cozy Weighted Blanket

Congratulations on creating your very own handmade weighted blanket! We hope the steps we have shared have been helpful and have encouraged you to make a weighted blanket that will give you comfort and a good night’s rest. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to making a weighted blanket, so don’t be afraid to be creative and have fun with it. Thanks for reading and happy crafting! Don’t forget to visit again later for more DIY projects just like this.