Chester the bunny

I am making my first fidget quilt for a family member. I am for sure putting a sleeve cuff on it as she was fascinated with the cuff on my jacket. If you have made them in the past can you give me some input about what works really well and what doesn't. Are there things that create more interest than others? Anything that can cause a problem such as buttons? I appreciate your feedback.

Tartan

I have not made one but I would suggest anything that can be permanately sewn by machine would be best since they will get a lot of use. I would sew in a nice metal zipper, maybe beads on a fabric strip that has the ends double sewn into seams. Keep the beads small in case they are pulled off so they do not a choking hazard. A nice piece of long fur to pet would be good. I also thought the marble maze might work in a fidget quilt. I think QuiltingNan showed pictures of her mazes done for children.

SHELTIE'SMAMA

If you google fidget quilts or go to pinterest you'll get a bazillion ideas more than you need. If they had hobbies somethinbg that relates to them such as gardening , flowers sewn on or flower fabric print. I have a friend who was neon color sort of gal right into her 70's. Made two and she immediately gravitated to the shiny neon one. They all like to pick at things so anything that can be picked at and/or sewn on securely will be a hit.

sewingitalltogether

A workable zipper, buttons with buttonhole, different feeling fabrics from rough to very soft. Small simple things like keys.
I'm sure there is a website for fidget quilts.

GEMRM

And if you sew on anything by hand, try using dental floss as it's virtually impossible to break.

mermaid

I have only made 2, and I cannot give a report on them as they will go to the nursing home for their gift room. I used zippers, diff fabric textures ( velvet, satin, corduroy, etc)little dolls attached to a pocket, tassels...well, here are pix of my first attempts.

zennia

pockets. They love to put things in pockets

dorismae904

I have made a lot of fidget mats for the Alzheimers ward at the local nursing home. All were well received. Size is usually the size of a large placemat. Mermaid made lovely ones and should give you some ideas. Use bright colors--not dark. Sew zippers and put a tiny ribbon on for a pull. different types of fabric squares--velour, terrycloth, minky, anything that is textured for a feeling sensation. Pockets, make sure they're hand sized, ribbons work well. Make sure everythings is sewn down.

daisydawg

Mermaid, those are great fidget's, I'm sure whoever gets them will be so pleased.

Chester the bunny

Thanks everyone!
Mermaid - those are really great and have given me great ideas.
Dorismae - thanks for clarifying the size it should be.