DIY No-Sew Weighted Blanket

I am taking a break from sharing recipes today to share this wonderful and pretty easy weighted blanket instructions. My son on the Autism Spectrum really likes to have a weighted blanket when he feels anxiety. It has been such a blessing for him and for me for him to have one of these charms { weighted blankets] that he can cuddle up with and use to help him calm down.  I am sharing the step by step instructions today to make one that is no-sew. I honest to goodness can not sew worth a darn so this was a major blessing for me :) If you have made or make one after reading this blog, please feel free to share with me via email and I will share it on a future blog. Please feel free to email me with questions/ concerns, or just to say hey at barbgadway@live.com.  Without further ado....... Here is .........

DIY Weighted Blanket No Sew

No Sew Weighted Blanket Materials

You will need the following materials to construct your blanket

1. Fabric of your choice (generally fleece works best – dimensions depending on size)
2. Duct Tape
3. Heavy Ziploc Bag or cloth pouches
4. Filling (Rice, Beans, or poly-beads)                                                       Step 1: Prepare your filling: You will need to distribute your filling evenly into bags according to the anticipated dimensions of your blanket and your desired weight. The recommended weight is generally 10% of body weight +/- 1 pounds. 
   
   
   Step 2: Align your pouches: Align your pouches of filling according to the desired dimensions of your blanket so all pouches will be evenly spaced and cover the full size of the blanket.
   
   
   Step 3: Tape each row of bags: Add tape to top and bottom of bags:  Be sure you are evenly spacing your bags and folding the top over to ensure that the filling will not spill out.
   
   
    Step 4: Using the same line of tape, repeat step 3 adding additional rows of pouches until you have reached your desired size
   
   
   Step 5: Add duct tape across all rows and columns so all sides are covered and sealed
   
   
   
   
   Step 6: Cover Bags completely with large strips of tape on both sides: When you are done, you should no longer see the bag. It should be completely covered and secured by the duct tape.
   
   
   Step 7: Add to inside of no-sew blanket construct.                               Weighted blankets have long been popular for calming individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Typically the blankets contain metal or plastic beads sewn into quilted layers. The idea is that the weight provides gentle, deep pressure that addresses the sensory-integration issues often associated with ASD. These sensory issues, in turn, may add to the sleep disturbances that are likewise common among those who have autism. Studies suggest that 40 to 80 percent of individuals with ASD have significant sleep problems – in particular difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.    HUGS!!!!! 💓