Crochet Weighted Blankets
Blankets and calm and soothe a person. These blankets have weight to them which can create relaxed sleep and comfort.
I didn’t give it too much thought that I was enjoying better sleep until I stumbled across an article on the internet about weighted blankets. It was the first time that I had ever heard that term, so it caught my eye. What I learned is that heavy weighted blankets can help people with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). This is a condition that can be associated with autism and learning disabilities. The weighted blanket has a soothing and calming effect that can possibly help people with this disorder.
Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true this can be. My son has ADHD, his foot never stops moving, and yet he cannot sleep unless he is wrapped from head to toe in a heavy blanket, no matter the time of year.
Then I remembered being young myself and piling blankets 6 deep on my bed each night. Not because I was cold, because it just made me feel secure. It was only recently in life when those dreaded hot flashes began that I started not sleeping with extra blankets. Maybe I’ll keep piling on the blankets and just turn that thermostat down more in the summer.
To me, nothing says love more than a hand-crocheted blanket. I am currently working on two made with the Bernat Big Blanket yarn. The teal one above is a simple single crochet in the back loops only (an idea inspired by another Crochet Crowder). The other blue one is the Tunisian Honeycomb blanket.
Who needs a weighted blanket in your life?
- Big Colorful Throw this one could be backed and lightly stuffed like a quilt between each motif.
- Tunisian Honeycomb Blanket a beautiful stitch that creates a dense fabric.
- Bavarian Stitch Square Afghan condensed and creates weight.
- Corner 2 Corner but make it even heavier by using a double strand with the smallest hook you can manage.
- Apiary Puff Blanket - really amazing to look at.
- Aran Hearts Heavy throw, yet very pretty in design.
- Basketweave Afghan this texture is very popular as a heavy blanket.
- 24 Day Log Cabin Afghan a square a day will get this heavy afghan done in time for the cold weather.
- Kaleidoscope beautiful, colourful and dense. another blanket that would be great to be lined and quilted for extra weight.
Be creative! 🙂 - Jeanne - The Crochet Crowd
Ronda says
Hello!
In researching weighted blankets for kids there are guidelines for the weight. OT's recommend 10% of their body weight plus 1-2 lbs. Do you know the weight of any of the blankets and do you have some designs for kids?
Thanks so much!
Ronda
Dr Lori Rivera ND says
Hello...I'm trying to find the pattern for the deep red square patterned afghan you have shown peeking out of the wooden chest....I cannot find the instructions on here anywhere, and it is exactly what I am looking for! Please, can you send me an instructional video or pattern to my email: loririvera27@gmail.com
Thank you!
Jeanne - The Crochet Crowd says
That one is #7 on the list. Here is the link: http://www.yarnspirations.com/basketweave-afghan-5.html
Kim says
How many did you chain for the single crochet blanket and what size hook did you use?
Jeanne - The Crochet Crowd says
Kim, I used a size L - 8.0mm hook and 100 chains. I single crocheted into the back loops only. ~ Jeanne 🙂
Kim says
Thank you Jeanne for replying back so soon. 🙂
Melody Lawson says
thank you I was looking for the same info - also did you actually use the Bernat Big Blanket yarn or just Bernat Blanket yarn.....although I suppose any would work but I was wondering specifically the weight yarn you used bc I wanted ot try a "weighted" blanket! Appreciate you all
Jeanne - The Crochet Crowd says
I just used Blanket yarn. I've not tried Big Blanket yet.