Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
These beanbags by Thomas from Way Cool Kid are made with seriously kid play in mind. The beans are actually sewn up into a removable insert, which makes them washable. And they’re made from upcycled materials, which is both cost effective and eco-friendly. He shares a tutorial on his blog showing how to make them. Get the tute.
[photo from Way Cool Kid]
As a caregiver to an elderly parent navigating the challenges of aging and dementia, I’ve found myself on a mission to create thoughtful, practical items that assist in everyday care while maintaining a sense of dignity and comfort. Over the years, my sewing projects have shifted from creating cute clothes for my children to sewing things that support my parents through their later years. It’s not always easy, and it can be heartbreaking at times, but crafting these items has brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
If you’re in a similar situation and looking for sewing patterns and tutorials to support your loved one, whether they are in a wheelchair, dealing with dementia, or simply needing adaptive clothing, this roundup is for you. These patterns offer solutions to daily challenges, from sensory stimulation to maintaining dignity and comfort.
When caring for someone with dementia, eating can often become a messy experience. An adult dignity bib offers a simple but effective way to help prevent spills and ensure that your loved one remains comfortable and clean during mealtime. This pattern provides a great way to create a stylish and practical solution for dignity and comfort.
How to Turn a Plush into a Weighted Toy
Weighted toys can be a calming and comforting tool for seniors, especially those experiencing anxiety or agitation. This tutorial shows you how to transform a soft plush toy into a weighted sensory item, offering soothing pressure and comfort to help relax your loved one. It’s a great way to create a personalized, comforting toy that provides sensory input.
Special Needs Bib Pattern — CraftBits.com
Fidget quilts are fantastic tools for dementia patients, offering tactile stimulation and promoting calmness. In this video tutorial, Rob guides you through the process of making a fidget quilt, showing you how to add various textures, buttons, zippers, and other engaging features to keep your loved one’s hands busy and focused
Making Fidget Quilts for Dementia Patients | Madam Sew – MadamSew
How to Make a DIY Lycra Sensory Bed Sheet | And Next Comes L – Hyperlexia Resources
Lycra sensory bed sheets are an excellent choice for providing calming pressure during sleep. This pattern from And Next Comes L explains how to make a DIY Lycra sensory bed sheet that can help your loved one feel secure and relaxed while they sleep, which is especially useful for those with sensory processing issues.
Wheelchair And Walker Carry Bag Sewing Pattern
Tutorial: No-sew adaptive sweatshirt for wheelchair users
Tutorial: Adult-sized bib – Sewing
Sewing pattern: How to Make a Fidget Quilt
How to Make an Adult Pocket Diaper
For individuals who need additional care in maintaining hygiene, adult pocket diapers can be a game-changer. This pattern teaches you how to create a comfortable, functional pocket diaper, ensuring your loved one stays dry and comfortable throughout the day.
How to Sew an Adult Front Closure Swim Diaper
How to Sew a Fitted Adult Cloth Diaper
For those looking for an eco-friendly and budget-conscious option, sewing a fitted adult cloth diaper can be a great solution. This pattern offers detailed instructions for creating a well-fitting, reusable cloth diaper for adults who need additional support.
The Linda Pants – Free Adaptive Sewing Pattern
Adapting Creatively: Wheelchair Rain Poncho Tutorial
This wheelchair rain poncho is a practical and thoughtful accessory for wheelchair users. This tutorial shows you how to make a poncho that will keep your loved one dry while they’re out and about, ensuring they stay comfortable in all weather conditions.
Adapting Creatively: Split-back Wheelchair Jacket
For those who need a little extra calming weight throughout the day, a weighted lap pad is an ideal choice. This simple but effective pattern helps you create a lap pad that can be placed on your loved one’s lap for a soothing, calming effect that promotes relaxation and comfort.
Oh my, I have been wanting to make something like this for AGES! I sooooo wanted to make beanbags for my little one. But as he eats everything I did not feel it was such a great idea as you can not wash the bean bags. I was thinking of making covers … but somehow was not sure whether it would work. When I read the title of this post I could not believe it! Off to check out the tutorial … 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
I think washable bean bag is the good choice for the kids bean bag because kids room bean bags often need to wash.
Not looking for covers. I was hoping more to hear of some fillings that are washable and what people had already tried and liked. Beads? I tried fish tank rocks- it worked but they were a bit too heavy and hurt if you got “beaned”!