Make a fidgety blanket: Sensory textile course

A handmade fidgety blanket can offer far more than warmth. Designed with a variety of textures, fastenings, and tactile elements, these comforting sensory blankets help keep hands gently occupied, reduce anxiety, and provide reassurance for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, autism, or sensory processing differences.

In this practical 2-week Make a Fidgety Blanket: Sensory Textile course, you'll learn how to design and sew your own fidgety blanket while exploring the principles behind effective sensory textile design. Guided by an experienced tutor, you'll discover how to choose safe, durable materials, incorporate engaging tactile features, and thoughtfully arrange sensory elements to create a blanket that is both practical and meaningful.

Whether you're supporting a loved one, working in aged care, disability support, healthcare or education, or simply interested in creating purposeful textile projects, you'll leave with a completed sensory blanket, practical sewing skills, and the confidence to create more personalised designs in the future.

Course content

During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

Session 1: Planning and designing your sensory blanket

• Understanding how fidgety blankets support comfort, engagement, and emotional wellbeing

• Exploring the benefits of sensory textiles for people living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, autism, anxiety, and sensory processing differences

• Considering safety and user-centred design principles

• Selecting suitable fabrics, colours, textures, and sensory components

• Planning a balanced sensory layout and feature placement

• Preparing, cutting, and layering the blanket base

• Introduction to the sewing techniques used throughout the project

• Beginning construction of the blanket

Session 2: Construction and finishing techniques

• Continuing construction and reinforcing the blanket

• Securely attaching tactile features such as zips, ribbons, toggles, buttons, beads, and pockets

• Positioning sensory elements for comfort, accessibility, and fine motor engagement

• Completing the blanket with edging and finishing techniques

• Checking durability and safety

• Washing, care, and maintenance guidelines

• Ideas for personalising future sensory blanket projects

By the end of the course, you'll take home a completed fidgety blanket designed with comfort, care, and creativity in mind.