llweezie

Wondering if anyone else has heard of a Weight Blanket, it is weighed down with plastic pellets, and is for
children with autism, to help them sleep thru the night? Wondering if anyone has made one...?

PenniF

If you Google "How to Make a Weighted Blanket for Autism" there are several UTube tutorial videos you could look at to see if that works for you.
Good luck!! I just made a bunch of fleece marble mazes for my sister who works with a class of boys with autism - and she said they were a big hit.

willferg

If you put "weighted blanket" in the search box on this site, you will find lots of information as well.

Onebyone

I had two very old quilts that were falling apart and they were very heavy. I cut and layered it into four big squares, hand tied, and then put a top and backing on it. No laundry worries, just takes time to dry. We don't have any children with autism in the family but all my grands like to put the heavy quilt on top of them.

Prism99

Here are some links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp8MpA12n04
http://agirlandhertube.blogspot.com/...w-to-make.html
http://www.mamasmiles.com/sewing-tut...nsory-blanket/
http://www.articles.complexchild.com/june2009/00130.pdf
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/833673
http://www.nationalautismresourcesbl...langslet-otrl/

The weight of the blanket depends not only on the size of the blanket, but on the size of the child. You want to do some research on the recommended weight (or get a recommendation from a medical professional) before making one.

Material Witness

Yes, I have made one for myself and my sister. If for a child, I would recommend making it with muslin or something, then making a cover in a fabric of choice, which could be washed more easily and changed with growth. You do not want to have to be making these every other year.
You can PM me if you have any questions.

juneayerza

There are also weighted vests for animals to calm them down; as an example during a thunder storm or fireworks.

maviskw

Some people just like lots of heavy covers. My step-daughter piles on the blankets and quilts when she goes to bed.

My daughter needs a hot rice bag for her feet a lot of the time, and I use a rice bag too when I go to bed. There were times when I put a large pillow on the bed right over my feet (for the weight) to get them to warm up. Now I use the hot rice bag. Works slick.

ppquilter

Lots of great ideas!

illinois

I made one. Found the instructions online. Used a full size good quality sheet, folded in half and it works well on a twin size bed. Used the plastic pellets.