Create a Sensory Fidgety Blanket Course

What you'll learn

Learn to create comforting sensory blankets with our textiles & sewing short courses in Sydney!

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

In this practical, hands-on course, you'll learn how to design and sew your own personalised sensory fidgety blanket while exploring the principles behind effective sensory textile design. Guided by an experienced tutor, you'll discover how to select suitable fabrics, combine engaging tactile features, and thoughtfully arrange sensory elements to create a blanket that is both beautiful and functional.

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 personalised designs for a range of users.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Create a Sensory Fidgety Blanket course, you should be able to:

• Understand how sensory fidgety blankets can support comfort, engagement and emotional wellbeing
• Select suitable fabrics, textures, colours and tactile components for different users
• Plan balanced sensory layouts that encourage tactile exploration and engagement
• Construct a durable sensory fidgety blanket using practical sewing techniques
• Securely attach tactile features such as ribbons, buttons, zips, pockets and textured materials
• Adapt designs to suit different ages, abilities and sensory preferences
• Confidently create future sensory textile projects

Course content

What will be covered in this Create a Sensory Fidgety Blanket course?

During the course, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

Session 1: Planning and designing your sensory blanket

• Understanding how sensory fidgety blankets can 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 tactile components
• Planning a balanced sensory layout and feature placement
• Preparing, cutting and layering the blanket base
• Learning 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 including zips, ribbons, toggles, buttons, beads and pockets
• Positioning sensory elements to encourage 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 adapting and personalising future sensory blanket projects

By the end of the course, you'll take home your completed sensory fidgety blanket, ready to provide comfort, engagement and reassurance.

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Create a Sensory Fidgety Blanket course for?

This course is suitable for anyone interested in creating meaningful handmade sensory resources that provide comfort, engagement and reassurance.

It is ideal for:

• Carers and family members supporting someone living with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, autism or sensory processing differences
• Aged care and disability support workers
• Teachers, diversional therapists and lifestyle coordinators
• Allied health professionals
• Sewing enthusiasts interested in creating purposeful textile projects

No previous sewing experience is required.

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Course materials

What to bring to class

A carefully curated materials kit is available for $20 and can be added at checkout. The kit includes all the core materials needed to create your sensory fidgety blanket. Each kit will vary slightly depending on stock and contains a selection of fabrics, trims and tactile components.

If you'd prefer to use your own materials, simply untick the kit option at checkout.

Whether you use the kit or bring your own materials, you're encouraged to personalise your blanket by bringing along additional tactile items from home. Almost anything that is interesting to touch and can be attached securely may be incorporated into your design.

You might like to bring:

• Fabric pieces (cotton, canvas or textured fabrics)
• Ribbons, lace, trims or braids
• Buttons, beads, bells or small charms
• Zips, elastic, D-rings or belt clasps
• Small patches, soft toys or other safe tactile objects

Every blanket is unique. Whether you use the materials kit or bring your own special items, your tutor will help you create a personalised design that is both engaging and practical.

All sewing machines and basic sewing equipment are provided.