I just finished reading all of the replies you received. I made a shoulder warmer (kind of shaped like the Puritan collars) for my sister this past Thanksgiving and she told me that it make her feel so calm, safe, and cozy even when she did not warm it in the the microwave. She liked it so much that she requested 7 more for family and friends. Then she asked for more. I went on line and looked at the weighted quilt sites and feel like that might be why they were such a hit. Thanks for asking about this topic because I really did think there was something to what she said but just could not explain it. - Rice would be too heavy for your quilt, but the narrow channels (tubes) helped to hold the rice in place and keep it from all going to the bottom of the collar. Hope you are as calm and contented as my sister once you get yours.

Good info! Thanks! this would be a good charity project for child development agencies that work with developmentally disabled children. Does anyone know if such a quilting charity exists? I know there are charity quilts for kids, but any this specialized?

We had a gal speak at our guild a couple months ago & she teaches how to make them. I'm in Mich too, so PM me with your email & I get her name & info for you.

We have made these in our Project Linus group for autistic children. Is this what you are referring?

I made a weighted blanket for my grandson who is autistic. I cut 2 pieces of flannel the size I wanted the quilt (40 x 40). one for the front and one for back. sew the three sides leaving the top of the quilt open. now run seams down the blanket to make about 6 channels (vertical seams). Then I put plastic pellets into the vertical channels. I filled the channels about 6 inches deep, then I sewed a horizontal seam across the width of the blanket ( this sealed the plastic pellets in the 6 inch high channel) Then I filled another 6 inches of channels and then sewed another horizontal seam across blanet, continued till blanket was filled to top then added binding all around edges. The pellets I got from Joann's with 40% coupons, they wash and dry nice. good luck if you need help pm me

Thank you so much for the information. I have found other sites with instructions. I have gone so far as to buy the pellets (Joanns has them) and the fabric, but the instructions were not very clear. This one is very clear and understandable.

As I mentioned on previous page, I have sewn these quilts for Project Linus.

As I understand it, the weight induces sensory brain waves which calm children. While the commercial blankets are expensive and are sometimes stuffed with beads, our blankets were simply sewn from heavier fabrics and rolled up sheets within the tubes, making the blankets completely washable. If an autistic child ripped them open, nothing would happen other than the sheets would probably be removed. The pellets might be a safety issue depending upon the child in question. Our old sheets were donated by hospitals (of course sterilized) so again the cost was minimal. One cannot imagine the grateful comments received by families of autistic children.

Jamie has a weighted snake that I made for him that he carries around and I haven't had any problems. I know when he gets out his snake he is working through something and needs something to calm himself.

Did I not say this site/board is the BEST ? !!!!!!!!!

Thanks fo much for the site, I don't need a pattern for one at this time but may in the future, so I downloaded the pattern for future use. Thanks for the site.