How to Make a Sensory Blanket for Babies

Baby blankets often give babies a sense of security.

A baby blanket may become a child's favorite item, accompanying the child throughout childhood. In a study conducted by Hood and Bloom (2007), children who have a special blanket or other security item believe their item has a special "essence" that makes the item unique. A handmade sensory blanket is an excellent gift for a baby because it entertains and comforts babies. Sensory blankets can be easily customized and made with minimal sewing experience.

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of fabric, cut to equal sizes
• Sewing needle and thread
• Various scrap ribbon, string, yarn, rope and fabric swatches
• Scissors
• Lighter or other flame source

Instructions

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.

Tips & Warnings

• Customize the blanket further by decorating the blanket with additional sensory detail. For example, quilt several different textured fabrics together to make one of the sides of the blanket, write the baby's name with textured letters on the blanket, put a couple of jingle bells inside the blanket or add items like a zipper or Velcro to the blanket.

References

• The Sewing Dork: How to Make a Baby Sensory Blanket
• Mama's Little Monkeys: Sensory Tag Blankets, Impatient Craftaholic Series
• Hungry Heffy Crafts: Handmade Sensory Blanket
• Chica and Jo: Ribbon-Embellished Blankets
• Science Daily: Why Children Love Their Security Blankets