Want to learn how to make a sensory mat? Follow this easy, step by step guide to create your own!
Step One: Choosing a Fabric
Any fabric can be used for sensory mats, they're super customizable! Solid, patterned, and textured fabric are all great choices for this type of project. You can use the same fabric for the whole mat, or mix and match different patterns and material.
Step Two: Cutting the Materials
Now that your fabric is chosen, cut two squares of fabric out to the size you desire. Size is customizable, the mats featured in this tutorial are 12 by 12 inches, which is the smallest I would recommend. You can definitely go larger than this, even turn it into a lap blanket! To make sure your fabric doesn't have any wrinkles, iron the fabric squares before continuing.
Step Three: Sewing the Mats
Place one fabric square face up on a table, then place the second square face down. The "right side" (or side that will be visible) should not be showing. Place your batting on top of these two pieces.
Using a sewing machine, sew these layers together nearly all the way around. Stop about three inches before where you began. This should leave a hole. Trim off any excess batting or fabric with scissors.
Pull the layers through the hole and close the hole with your machine. Stitch all the way around again, this time about 1/2 inch inside the mat. This will make the mat stay flat and more stable.
Step Four: Attaching Sensory Items
The base of the mat is done! Now it's time to add sensory items! This step varies, you can add zippers, ribbon, bells, buttons, or beads. You attach these by using your machine, hand stitching, or even fabric gluing them! Fabric glue works well with young children, making this a fun and easy project for everyone! All sensory mats look different, here are a few examples:
Want a clean back? You can sew your items to the front piece of fabric and batting before flipping and attaching. These leaves all the stitches inside the mat, where they aren't visible, creating a seamless finish. Some people find it easier to attach these items after the mats are sewn, which is okay! Do whatever you feel comfortable with!
You are done! Wasn't that easy? These are great items to donate to nursing homes, occupational therapists, hospitals, or caregivers for people with dementia. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and will make some yourself!
Step One: Choosing a Fabric
Any fabric can be used for sensory mats, they're super customizable! Solid, patterned, and textured fabric are all great choices for this type of project. You can use the same fabric for the whole mat, or mix and match different patterns and material.
Step Two: Cutting the Materials
Now that your fabric is chosen, cut two squares of fabric out to the size you desire. Size is customizable, the mats featured in this tutorial are 12 by 12 inches, which is the smallest I would recommend. You can definitely go larger than this, even turn it into a lap blanket! To make sure your fabric doesn't have any wrinkles, iron the fabric squares before continuing.
Step Three: Sewing the Mats
Place one fabric square face up on a table, then place the second square face down. The "right side" (or side that will be visible) should not be showing. Place your batting on top of these two pieces.
Pull the layers through the hole and close the hole with your machine. Stitch all the way around again, this time about 1/2 inch inside the mat. This will make the mat stay flat and more stable.
Step Four: Attaching Sensory Items
The base of the mat is done! Now it's time to add sensory items! This step varies, you can add zippers, ribbon, bells, buttons, or beads. You attach these by using your machine, hand stitching, or even fabric gluing them! Fabric glue works well with young children, making this a fun and easy project for everyone! All sensory mats look different, here are a few examples:
Want a clean back? You can sew your items to the front piece of fabric and batting before flipping and attaching. These leaves all the stitches inside the mat, where they aren't visible, creating a seamless finish. Some people find it easier to attach these items after the mats are sewn, which is okay! Do whatever you feel comfortable with!
You are done! Wasn't that easy? These are great items to donate to nursing homes, occupational therapists, hospitals, or caregivers for people with dementia. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and will make some yourself!
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