What is Twiddlemuff?
A twiddle muff is a hand muff that can give comfort to dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. You can purchase machine sewn muffs, but as crocheters, we know that we have no limits to express our creativity by making these thoughtful items. These patients often have restless hands and the muffs can offer comfort. Twiddlemuffs provide a source of stimulation to the senses by sight and touch.
A few years back, I worked briefly in a dementia ward and remember how the patients would want to hold my hands and fidget their fingers over mine. I can definitely see how these twiddle muffs could bring pleasure and comfort to them.
One of the Crochet Crowders, Kristine Boss has shared with us her method for making these useful items and photos. She doesn't use a pattern but basically starts with a wrister shape. You can follow Mikey's Wrister Video Tutorial to help you get started making your own twiddle muff. Then she adds random chain loops here and there. She also incorporates different types of fibres as you can see in her photos. You will also notice in her photos all the vibrant and happy colours. This is an opportunity to really have fun by playing with interesting, textured stitches and would be a great use of extra yarn you might have in your stash. Go wild and go random.... and bring a bit of comfort to someone special!
If you don't know anyone personally that would enjoy these, then consider just donating them to a local elderly care facility in your area. I'm sure they will be greatly appreciated. We also get asked all the time for a good selling crocheted item at a craft fair. Well, while I don't have any experience with this one, I would think these interesting items might be something to consider next time you are looking for a creative crocheted piece on your table.
Pattern Suggestions
- Crochet Stroller Blanket Pattern
- Texture Throw + Tutorial
- Crochet Coffee Mug Pot Holder Pattern + Tutorial
- Crochet Hot Air Balloon Granny Blanket Pattern
- Crochet Marled Modern Granny Afghan
Be creative! 🙂 – Jeanne – The Crochet Crowd
Terrie Faria says
Yes, my Mom suffers I did not realize this issue, so thorough . Thank You.
rena says
So I have a BIG question. But first let me explain a bit. I have a wonderful sweet niece, who suffered an injury when she was younger. She is disabled but has a tendency to bite her hand hard. An as of now she uses a towel around her hand to take some of the bite I guess to say. Would this be something that she could wear to protect her hand a bit an if so what type of yarn do you recommend?? I was thinking sugar an cream or peaches an cream but two stranding it to make it thinker, or maybe t-shirt yarn or such I'm not sure . Plz help. Would love feed back. Truely love this lil girl.
kristine says
Possibly it is fast to make.doesn't hurt to try. I would do two strands to make it stronger or thicker yarn
Lisa says
I’d use two strands of the cotton yarn in pretty colors and I’d use a long wrist warmer pattern and do a thumb loop, like you would for a mitten to help hold it in place. I’d make two so that one can be in the wash while she’s wearing the other. Hope this helps. Blessings always xoxo
Jacquie Mozloom says
I am a retired nurse who worked with elderly patients with dementia and the twiddle mitts are a wonderful idea. I plan on making a couple and donating them to some of our area Nursing Homes.