Did you know a weighted blanket can boost serotonin levels and help with depression and PTSD episodes? I love my weighted blanket when my anxiety levels are high. However, weighted blankets can be expensive. Using straightforward techniques and materials, I will show you how to make a weighted blanket.
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is just what it appears to be: a blanket that’s considerably heavier than the traditional ones. They usually have plastic or glass beads inside and can weigh between 5 and 30 pounds. In addition, they are filled with polyester fiber for an additional layer of plushness.
It’s very important to understand that weighted blankets may not be comfortable for everyone, especially children and elders. These blankets are considered beneficial because they apply pressure on different body parts, mimicking the sensation of being hugged.
Because of that, they offer a sensory experience that’s soothing to the user and are often good for people with mental disorders, depression, anxiety, PTSD, or those who experience a night of restless sleep. Weighted blankets also make it difficult to move around, so if you want to “force” the body to sleep in a single position, weighted blankets might be right for you too.
Different Weighted Blankets Fill Types
While most weighted blankets in stores are filled with glass beads, many more options exist.
Glass Beads
As mentioned above, glass beads are a popular fill for weighted blankets. They have a smooth surface and are considerably heavier than some other options. That means you need fewer beads to fill a weighted blanket, which makes it less bulky.
The weighted blanket will be less heavy if you use fewer units of glass beads, which is fantastic news for people who have trouble falling or staying asleep due to sensory or aural sensitivity.
Poly Pellets
Plastic pellets are then shaped into tiny round beads and are frequently used to stuff blankets manufactured for commercial sale. They are not allergic, are simple to clean, and are long-lasting.
However, there are several important problems associated with plastic pellets. In addition to adding to the problem of pollution caused by plastic, it can also cause your weighted blanket to have an unpleasant and choppy texture. This presents a particularly difficult challenge for individuals who rely on weighted blankets to alleviate the symptoms of sensory disorders.
Sand
Sand is a cheap option to fill a weighted blanket, but I wouldn’t recommend it for many reasons. Aside from being difficult to distribute eventually across the surface of the blanket, it will likely end up all over the place. It can seep through the seams and end up in your bed. Nobody likes to sleep on a sandy bed.
Stones/Pebbles
Pebbles are an option as a filler material in weighted blankets, and they can reduce the overall cost of the product.
Since pebbles come in various sizes, your blanket will have an uneven weight and texture, making it inefficient. The lack of regularity can be very distressing for persons with sensory difficulties.
Organic Fill
You can use grains, corn, or rice to fill a weighted blanket. These organic filler materials are typically more affordable but have several important drawbacks. The fact that they are made of organic materials makes it significantly more probable that they may deteriorate over time, emit foul aromas, attract insects, and possibly even stimulate the establishment of mildew.
Best Fabric for Weighted Blankets
Manufacturers use different fabrics to make the covers of their weighted blankets. To find the best fabric, you need to consider the pros and cons of each option.
Cotton
Knows for its breathability and lightweight, cotton is the most common choice. It’s natural, and there are plenty of organic cotton options. However, cotton might not be the best option for a blanket used on a cold winter night.
Polyester
People with sensory problems are better off choosing polyester. It can be ultra soft and great for winter nights, but some people do not like how the synthetic fabric feels against the skin.
Silk
The best choice if you have sensory problems is silk. It’s soft, silky, and breathable. However, it’s not that commonly used to make blanket covers because it snags easily and it’s hard to clean.
How to Make a Weighted Blanket
What You Need
- Fill/Weight of your choice
- 2 x fabric pieces for the blanket sides
- Funnel
- Scale
- Fabric tape
- Rules or measuring tape
- Fabric pencil
- Scissors
- Thread
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Step One: Sew the Blanket Sides
Once you have two pieces of fabric of equal size (that represent both sides of the blanket), stitch them together at the left and right edges. Make a center seam that joins the two sides. This should leave you with two giant pockets on the bottom and top sides of the blanket.
Step Two: Divide into Smaller Pouches
Separate the contents of each large pocket into a similar number of columns between three and five inches broad. Following the outlining of these, stitch each column. Because these sections contain the weight, you might want to triple-stitch them.
Step Three: Measure the Fill
Considering how many small pockets you ended up with, you now have to measure and distribute the weight evenly over the surface of the blanket. Using a scale, calculate how much fill you need for each pouch. The best formula is to divide the overall weight of your blanket by how many compartments you have.
Step Four: Fill and Sew the Pockets
When you’ve added the right amount of fill into each compartment, close the open ends with a triple stitch.
Before this step, a great word of advice is to place the fill piles into tiny cloth bags before putting them in their designated compartments. This will prevent the fill from spilling and messing while you’re stitching. It also allows you to experiment with blanket weight and weight distribution because you can easily add or remove the fill.
Examine the stitching on both sides when you’re done.
FAQs
Is It OK to Use a Weighted Blanket Every Night?
It depends on what you and your doctor discussed. While some people can sleep under a weighted blanket night after night without repercussions, some can’t and should not attempt to use it for more than 30 minutes at a time.
Are There Benefits to Using a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket uses deep pressure stimulation to mimic the sensation of being hugged. This can stimulate the release of serotonin and benefit many people: those who suffer from anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, depression, stress, and even those with restless leg syndrome.
What Are the Cons of a Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets can be difficult to get used to. You can’t take them with you when traveling (unless you’re traveling with your vehicle) because they are bulky and heavy. They’re considerably more expensive than your average blanket.
How Heavy Should My Weighted Blanket Be?
Having a weighted blanket of around 10 percent of your body weight is typically recommended. So, to give you an idea, if you weigh 150 pounds, your weighted blanket should be 15 pounds.
Final Words
Now you know how to make a weighted blanket for yourself! It’s fairly easy and worth the effort, in my opinion. First, decide if you truly need one and what weight to go for. But when you’re ready to make one, pop over to our site for the best fabrics.