How to Make a Sensory Blanket for Babies
- 1). Select fabric for your sensory blanket. Consider purchasing two colorful fabrics with varied texture. Faux fur, microfiber, silk or satin, smooth vinyl, boucle fabric or fleece are examples of different textures. Select fabric that can be laundered easily, that is attractive and that matches other materials you will use.
- 2). Cut the fabric into two equal squares or rectangles, using dimensions based on the size you want the blanket to be (anywhere from a small lovey to a full size crib blanket). Cut ribbon, yarn, rope, string or additional fabric swatches for the blanket. Cut pieces so that they are different lengths and use items with different widths for increased sensory stimulation (usually a few inches in length) and make a few knots in some of the pieces.
- 3). Pin the cut pieces of ribbon, yarn, rope or string to one side of the blanket, on the side of the fabric that will be visible on the completed blanket. Loop the ribbons and add several pieces of cut yarn, looping them if you like, together in some areas. Allow the non-lopped side to extend beyond the border of the fabric.
- 4). Stitch around the edge of the fabric, sewing each item to the fabric in the process. Place the other equal piece of fabric over this one, with the right-side or outer sides facing each other. Sew the two pieces of the blanket together, following along the outer edge and leaving enough room to turn the blanket inside out.
- 5). Turn the blanket right-side out and stitch the opening closed. Tug on all the ribbons or anything else sewn to the blanket to make sure nothing is loose. Cut ribbon loops and seal the edges with a lighter or other flame. The edges will quickly melt and harden, stopping any unraveling that might otherwise occur.
Source...