Crochet Weighted Blanket Benefits

There have been numerous studies on the effect of these weighted blankets, and it’s been shown that these blankets, by pushing your body down with their weight, or “grounding” your body, reduce levels of stress hormones in your body, similarly to being held or hugged.

When used at night, a lower level of stress will help a restless sleeper or an insomniac fall asleep easier and have a more restful night’s sleep as well.

Weighted blankets also simulate a type of hands-on therapy called deep pressure touch (DPT) that is used to help reduce high levels of anxiety and stress. This process increases the release of serotonin, which can help counter depression. 

Plus, the fact that it's weighted can be subtle. Using a heavy yarn for a weighted blanket doesn't have to dramatically change the look. Take this gorgeous Modern Granny Crochet Weighted Blanket by The Crochet Crowd (pictured below). It looks like a classic granny square blanket but it's much thicker than most.
 

To DIY a weighted blanket, you’re going to have to get creative with ways to make it heavier. According to numerous manufacturers, the blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. All of that extra weight introduces another consideration - heat!

Try and avoid synthetic fibers and fabrics as all that extra weight will also add extra heat. You want your blanket to breath a little, and you don’t want to be uncomfortably hot under all that weight so try and pick natural fibers, such as cotton, that are able to breathe.
 

How can you make your own weighted blanket? Well, there’s no specific pattern for a crochet weighted blanket, you just have to create a very heavy blanket. Just a fair warning that you’ll most likely need a LOT of yarn, unless you play on lining your afghan to help create weight.

Ways to DIY a weighted blanket include:

1. Use varieties of heavier blanket yarn, a smaller hook, and a tight, dense stitch
2. Use “heavier” stitches like front post or back post crochet stitches
3. Use t-shirt yarn (or denim yarn)
4. Crochet with multiple strands
5. Sew two blankets together

Have you ever tried hand crochet? No tools needed and guaranteed to result in a luxuriously thick blanket. It's a unique and exciting option for crochet weighted blankets. Learn more about this uncommon crochet technique with our guide, Hand Crochet: Everything You Need to Know, and decide if you'd rather go that route with your stress-relieving project.
 

These free patterns for weighted blankets, along with a few heavy afghan blankets make it fun to make a DIY gravity blanket of your own or for someone you know.

1. Sunshine on a Cloudy Day DIY Weighted Blanket (pictured in main image)
    
2. Crochet Tricolor Sand Stitch Afghan
    
3. Big Man's Weighted Blankie (pictured below)
    

4. The Aspen Throw
    
5. Patriotic Chunky Crochet Weighted Blanket (pictured below)
    

6. Aran Hearts Throw
    
7. Autism Awareness Jigsaw Puzzle Afghan
    
8. Crochet Corner to Corner Throw (pictured below)
    

Did you know that your crochet hobby may be helping you to reduce stress and anxiety? Learn more about the health benefits of yarn crafts and the habits of your fellow crocheters with this downloadable PDF infographic: 
 

1. Weighted Blankets Can Help More Than Just Sleep Problems
    
2. How Weighted Blanket Therapy Can Help Those With Anxiety, Autism, And More