DIY Weighted Blanket - How To Guide

Making your own weighted blanket may sound like an intimidating ordeal. But by the end, you'll realize it's worth the effort. Homemade weighted blankets are becoming quite popular primarily because of their benefits. Whether it's anxiety or insomnia that's giving you restless nights or just like the fantastic cozy hug of a gravity napper, these blankets are an excellent self-care solution. 

In fact, the extra thickness distributes deep touch pressure evenly across the entire blanket to your body. The pressure is therapeutic and gives you a calming effect for better sleep throughout the night.

Weighted blankets are among the most expensive high-end sleep products on the market. So, instead of paying loads of cash for a new quilted weighted blanket, why not make one for yourself? If you like the challenge DIY projects come with, you'll enjoy the DIY weighted blanket as outlined in this article.

Why DIY?

Weighted blankets are among the most sought-after blankets because of their numerous world-class benefits, such as stress relief. As previously mentioned, these blankets are pricey, and some may not fit some users' preferences. That's why other people prefer homemade blankets. 

Because of its therapeutic calming effect, most physiotherapists recommend it to patients with PTSD, autism, and RLS (restless leg syndrome).

How to Make your Own Weighted Blanket 

Making your own weighted blanket shouldn't feel like rocket science. Essentially, all you need is basic experience with a sewing machine. 

Generally, the steps for making weighted blankets vary depending on the fabric material, pattern design, filler types, and other aspects, as we will discuss further below.

How Heavy Should the DIY Weighted Blanket be?

When purchasing a weighted blanket, you should choose an option that's 10% of your body or the intended user's body weight. The same applies to making a DIY weighted blanket. Also, you can consult with an occupational therapist to determine the appropriate weight.

After you've determined the total weight of the weighted blanket, the next step is to find out how many ounces it weighs. After which, subtract the fabric weight then divide the result by the number of squares on the weighted blanket. The resultant weight is equal to the weight for each square of the blanket.

How to Determine the Right Blanket Size

When determining the size of your DIY weighted blanket, keep in mind that its size doesn't have to be large like a quilt or a comforter. You shouldn't aim to cover the mattress but instead cover the intended user. More importantly, you'll need to saw in squares to withhold the fillers inside. 

The appropriate measurements for the square area of the weighted blanket should be between 3 and 5 square inches. This means that all the fabric measurements should be a multiple of the square size. However, you should add 4 inches for the edges. 

For instance, a DIY weighted blanket with squares measuring 3 square inches should be 37 inches wide and 61 inches Long. That means the width results from 3 x 11 + 4, equating to 37 square inches, and the length is 3 x 19 + 4, equating to 61 square inches.

Best Fabric Materials for Making a Weighted Blanket

Advisably, pick a soft and durable fabric material that can effectively withstand the blanket's overall weight. Common options include organic cotton, microfiber, and non-stretch flannel fabric. 

If you're having trouble sleeping due to conditions such as ADHD, pain disorders, and insomnia, among others, it's best to choose a fabric that suits your preferences. For instance, if you or your family member is sensory sensitive to fleece, it'll be pointless to try to calm such a person with a fleece blanket.

A minky material would be the best choice if you reside in colder places. Breathable fabrics, on the other hand, are suitable for hotter climates and those who often sleep hot.

Related Content: Best Weighted Blankets for Kids

Types of Fillers to Use to Give the Blanket its Weight

Fillers are an integral part of a fully functional weighted blanket. A considerable percentage of the deep therapeutic pressure touch exerted by the blanket on the body comes from the fillers. Commonly used fillers in making a DIY weighted blanket include;

Plastic Propylene Pellets

Plastic pellets are the most popular and traditional fillers for weighted blankets. Plastic poly pellets have a small pebble-like appearance and make any typical weighted blanket machine washable. 

Like plastic polycarbonate, poly pellets are readily available at your local craft store. You can also purchase them on online platforms like Amazon.

Plastic Polycarbonate

These plastic poly beads are one of the most affordable filler options in the market and are readily available at your local craft stores and supermarkets. The upside of using these fillers is that they don't melt in hot water and make washing the weighted blanket relatively easy. However, the downside is that poly beads can be a choking hazard for kids below 5 years. 

Micro Glass Beads

Aside from plastic pellets, glass beads are the most commonly used fillers in store-bought weighted blankets. The difference between these two is glass beads are much smaller than plastic poly pellets. 

However, they ensure the weight evenly distributed across the blanket is also equally distributed on the body. Glass beads are a bit hard to come by and are even more expensive. This explains why most store-bought weighted blankets with small stuffing beads filler are more expensive than the plastic poly pellets filler variety.

Stones, Grains, and Dried Beans

The cheapest way to add extra filler weight to your homemade weighted blanket is by using either aquarium stones, grains, or even dried beans. Though great options for someone shopping on a tight budget, they are not commonly used fillers by big companies.

The consequence of using these fillers is you can't wash the blanket. Otherwise, organic fillers like rice or bean bags sewn together can easily rot after washing, leaving your weighted blanket with a nasty bug-attracting smell.

Steel Beads

Steel beads provide consistent weight distribution, especially for heavier blankets. Since they are heat-treated, they make the blanket easy to clean. Steel beads are best for making a weighted blanket heavier. 

If used on thinner blankets, they may create uncomfortable bumps and lumps that may interrupt your sleep. Moreover, they may be noisy, given their sizes, due to metallic clicking.

What You Will Need to Make the Blanket

To make the best custom-made weighted blanket, you'll need to assemble the right materials for the task. They include; 

Tools:

• A sewing machine
• A tailor's chalk
• Pair of scissors
• Pins
• Kitchen scale
• Measuring tape

Materials: 

• Weighted blanket fillers
• Sewing thread
• Durable fabric material for the back and the front

Step by Step Guide to Making a Weighted Blanket 

After confirming you have all the appropriate equipment and determining the total weight and size of the blanket, proceed to sew the back and the front parts together. Do this by marking 2 inches from the fabric edge with a tailor's chalk. 

Depending on the square size of your choice, mark a grid of squares. But ensure there's a ⅜ inch horizontal center seam. Sew one short side of the blanket to its 2 long sides. But remember to leave the top open. 

Turn the weighted blanket inside out, then open the seams. Measure a short distance from the blanket edge, then proceed with top stitching of about ¼ inches. 

Next, starting from the open side, measure 2 inches along the marked lines, then 2 inches from the edge of the fabric along the marked lines, and start sewing. Sew the two longer sides and the bottom. 

From there, backstitch from the beginning to the end. In the end, you should have a weighted square grid within the inner topstitching.

Sewing the Vertical Channels

On the marked lines, ensure you've sewed the vertical channels. Begin stitching at the edge of the closed bottom part but over the vertical lines, about 2 inches from the topstitching on the inner side. 

Proceed to stitch all the way to about the 2-inch mark. Don't forget to backstitch at the end and the beginning. To properly sew these lines, begin at the center as you move toward the edges. Not only will this prevent bunching, but it also allows uniform linear sewing. 

Fill the Vertical Channel with Your Preferred Fillings —in this case, Glass Beads

Scoop a measured amount of beads using a measuring cup and place them in the vertical channel. Remember, the scooped beads should be of the right weight depending on the square numbers in that particular channel. 

Shake the channel to level out the beads in it. Based on your choice of material, some beads may stick to the channel.

Horizontal Sewing Across the vertical Channels

Using the pins, keep the beads in place by forming a line. Mark the squares for the horizontal line away from this line to avoid sewing accidentally over the beads, as it might break the needle. 

As you sew the marked horizontal lines, firmly support the blanket's weight to prevent it from pulling the stitches. Remember to push away stray beads along the marked lines during the process. 

In case of any obstacle along the way, it's probably a bead. Repeat the procedure for filing the vertical channels with your filler, then sew them horizontally. That ensures the square-filled rows are closed off. 

Topstitching the Open and side

Sew the final row of the closed squares after reaching the top. Ensure that this stitching meets up with the inner topstitching line and should overlap slightly. 

Measure about ½ an inch of the edges, then fold them. Remember to start and end where the topstitching is on the blanket's sides. Notably, the topstitching should stand at ¼ inches from the edge. 

Tips to Note

• If possible, make your homemade blanket a separate blanket cover
• Ensure you've made accurate measurements and calculations so that the final weight is either less or more by a pound. 
• The blanket's removable cover should be made of an easily washable fabric. 
• Avoid using materials and fillers that may be choking hazards to kids, especially children aged below 3 years.
• The material you've chosen should be non toxic to avoid any health risks or sleep discomfort.
• If your child is the intended user, consider sewing an elastic pouch on the weighted blanket for their favorite toys they like to sleep with.
• When sewing, locate where the pins are and beware of breaking needles. Above all, be careful and keep your fingers out of harm's way.

Pros and Cons of a Homemade Weighted Blanket

Making a weighted blanket that assures you of better sleep nights over the coming few years is no easy feat. Before embarking on your DIY project, weigh the pros and cons outlined below to determine if it'll suit you.