I made two of these blankets for Pete’s mum before she passed away in 2011. This wasn’t a post I’d intended to write, but just before my sister-in-law arrived to pick up the blanket, I quickly took a few photos in case I needed to replicate it. As I hadn’t been able to find anything on the internet about these, I thought it might be useful to others, so I wrote it up. It makes me happy (and sad) that the original post continues to get dozens of hits every week.
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This is a sensory blanket.
We have a family member suffering from advanced dementia, and this is the second blanket I’ve made for her. The first one was the size of a cot blanket, whereas this one is lap sized, and will hopefully provide both warmth and distraction.
Dementia, particularly as it advances, is an incredibly tragic and heartbreaking disease. For some sufferers, one of the later symptoms is an almost constant need to touch and fiddle with things, which is where these blankets, also known as fidget blankets, can help. The ones I’ve made aren’t particularly pretty, but as there isn’t a lot written about them on the internet, I wanted to share mine with you in case others with loved ones with a similar condition might find the idea useful.
In this larger piece, I’ve sewn bits and pieces (found in my sewing room) onto the upper edge of the blanket. The base is made of red polarfleece, which is both warm and lightweight. I’ve tried to work in a combination of elements that allow “doing” with some that are designed just for “touching”.
There is a long zip pocket for opening and closing, as well as a button flap (the button is sewn on with dental floss for security)…
A small drawstring bag is half-stitched in, enabling it to be opened and closed…
On the tactile front, I’ve sewn in a patch of non-slip fabric, originally bought for the soles of baby shoes (which goes to show how long it’s been in my sewing room), and a patch of embossed velvet. For added interest, I’ve sewn a small triangle into the velvet, and trapuntoed it from the back to create a little raised pillow…
A scrap of fur salvaged from Reverse Garbage…
…and some stiff braid add textural interest…
This old snap-lock came from Big Boy’s baby sling! I’ve also added little pieces of suede fringing…
As I mentioned, this is the second blanket – the first, smaller one was filled with many of the same components, and has been very successful.
I’m hoping this one will provide some comfort as well.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Hi Celia, I remember reading the original post and being very impressed with it. It is such a lovely idea.
What a brilliant idea my Mother in law is in the advanced phase of dementia and spends hours fiddling around in her handbag or walking the corridors of the residential home I might make a lap version to see if we can get her to stay put.
As you say it’s a horrific condition I have watched a clever intelligent woman (who had a corporate career back in the day when women didn’t) slip away and it’s really sad that she doesn’t know who we are any more although I am thankful she recognises us in person when we visit and take her out
I wish I had seen this when my best friends husband was suffering advanced dementia. I made something similar for my handicapped daughter when she was very small to roll/play on but hadn’t thought about its application to an older person. Thank you Celia
My mother passed from Alzheimer’s a year ago. As you said, it is a terrible, heartbreaking affliction. No one suggested a blanket such as this.
[…] wish someone had suggested this for my Mom, whom passed away from Alzheimer’s a year […]
You are an amazing woman Celia.
What a wonderful idea! I will share this with a friend who’s mother has dementia.
this is lovely – reminds me of a doll we had that had zips and buttons as well as other toys that have different feels for kids – I can imagine my grandmother who had alzheimers would have liked this.
Fantastic idea Celia.
Such a touching story. I had one of these for my daughter who was disabled. They have many uses.
Celia, you are a very kind and thoughtful person – this is a wonderful idea that I am sure many will use.
What a great idea, Celia! You performed a great service sharing this with us all. May it no longer be needed one day soon.
Thank you very much for sharing! I have not heard of sensory blankets before. My father-in-law suffers from dementia and wanders around the home. I will make one of these for him, maybe it will help him to rest.
i learnt something today. Didn’t know dementia patients have a need to touch and move things as well. Thank you.
I’ve not heard of these but what a wonderful idea. Yes, dementia is an incredibly sad thing to watch a loved one go through.
Thanks for sharing this. I have an aunt who is 94 with dementia. I believe she’s had it for about 10 years. Also, have an aunt on the other side with Alzheimer’s, also had it over 10 years. I wonder if they would use something like this.