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
Karen says
This is really interesting, I've always loved sleeping with heavy blankets on at night and sleep better when I have lots of blankets. I should look into making one of these lovely blankets and adding it to the mix of blankets on my bed! 🙂
Carol Root says
Wonderful information and such a wide variety of blankets to chose from. Thanks so much for sharing.
Genevieve VanLoan says
Jeanne - Enjoyed your page on "weighted blankets" via crochet. One of my (6) granddaughters (who just turned 7 on 10/17/15) is a high-functioning autistic little girl, coupled with ADHD, Celic disease, PICA syndrome, insomnia, wears glasses, has had ear tubes, etc. I am just about finished with an actual "weighted blanket" for her using 6 pounds of poly pellets, and fiber fill for fluffiness of the blanket. I stitched approximately 200 2-1/2" x 3" squares filled with the poly pellets and fiber fill. I then made a cover (the "Frozen" sisters) for this blanket. Just need to add Velcro to the top for closure of the outer cover (which can be removed for washing when needed). But also wanted to let you know that there is a pattern on the internet called the "Beekeeper's Quilt" by "Tiny Owl Knits". However, it is knitted, but it is stuffed with fiber fill. I'm sure it could be crocheted and finished in the same manner as the knitted version.
And lastly, good luck in your endeavors with the Crochet Crowd. I follow them when I can.
Jeanne - The Crochet Crowd says
I learned so much while researching the topic. It's very interesting. I am going to search for the Beekeeper's Quilt. Thank you so much for the kind words. 🙂
Elizabeth says
Poly pellets? Sounds interesting. I'd always thought of weighted blankets as something you'd throw on a child while he was having a tantrum, but I really should know better than assume.