Fidget quilts - what works, what doesn't?
 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

pockets. They love to put things in pockets

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.

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

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

I think I need to make some of these for the nursing home where my mom was. I think I will make them the size for a wheel chair quilt, though, with some fiddle items in the lap/thigh area.
Those looked great, mermaid.

Thanks for the complimentary posts. It was my first attempt, and I wanted to change up my Xmas donates this year. I have 5 'walker' bags and my usual doz or more lap quilts. I love the process and it keeps my hands busy & out of trouble (as my gramma used to say). I had read about the fidget quilts before--in fact you may find this interesting--I saw recently on our local sales network "activity quilts" for $35 each. There was very little "activity" on them and it spurred me to make mine to give to someone needy. I'm curious if there is ownership or if the home staff only shares with residents when appropriate. I want to do a few more in the next year.

Here are a couple I made: http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...s-t278829.html
I didn't get much feedback though except that they were being used, by one lady in particular, and were well liked. Good luck.

There are some beautiful quilts posted and they look to be washable. Especially if they are in a nursing home they will be washed in HOT water.
We have some beautiful souls on our site.

Since it is for a family member I recommend embroidering his/her name on the quilt. Attachments are especially nice if they mean something to the recipient. I made a "leash" to attach a small stuffed pug to my brother's quilt as he had pugs at home. In the hospital he made sure everyone petted his soft pug puppy. I am making my own fidget quilt in case I ever need it and I am including a picture of myself on fabric and different fabrics and craft items because those are the things I love.

Anything 'touchy feely' - different textures - fake fur, ruffles. A pocket with a small stuffed animal - I attached the animal to the quilt with elastic so they can't lose it. Buttons with buttonholes so they can button and unbutton - Make sure the button as sewed on securely. Large beads stung on heavy cord or ribbon and fastened securely to the quilt.