Weighted Blanket
This idea comes from our friend Anusha Rajeswaran of Fish and Bull. Weighted blankets can be therapeutic for adults and children with sensory conditions, relieve stress, and even help you get more beauty sleep. The weight of the blanket, which is carefully measured to suit the person using it, has a calming effect much like a hug. These homemade blankets and quilts have many benefits, but we suggest that you consult with your doctor before using this for a child.
While weighted blankets found in stores are normally filled with plastic pellets, we opted for an eco-friendly and natural version, filling each quilted pocket with uncooked rice. For this project, you will need a sewing machine with the proper machine needle. Choose the right type of thread and notions from your sewing kit depending on the fabric. Before you begin, calculate how much rice you will need by body weight. The formula to follow is 1 pound per 10 pounds of body weight plus one extra pound. For example, an adult weighted blanket: 120 pounds of body weight equals 12 pounds plus 1 pound, which equals a total of 13 pounds of rice. If you're using a heavy fabric, consider subtracting the weight of the fabric from the total weight. (Note: Children under the age of 3 or under 50 pounds should not use a weighted blanket.) You can remove and machine wash the blanket cover. Keep in mind, however, that the inner blanket with rice should not be machine washed.
For more ideas, scroll through our entire collection of sewing projects and tutorials.
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