Join this six-hour textiles course in Sydney and learn to design and create a fidgety blanket — a tactile, soothing tool widely used to support individuals living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, anxiety, or sensory processing needs. These blankets combine warmth and comfort with sensory-rich features such as zips, buttons, textured fabrics, beads, and ribbons to help ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and keep hands gently engaged.
This hands-on course blends thoughtful design with practical sewing skills. You’ll explore how sensory elements can support emotional wellbeing, discover how to choose safe and calming materials, and learn step-by-step construction techniques. Guided by your tutor, you will create your own personalised fidgety blanket to take home — a meaningful item designed with comfort, care, and creativity in mind.
Who is this course for?
- Carers, aged-care workers, disability support workers, and community support staff
- Family members supporting someone with dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, or sensory needs
- Teachers, therapists, activity coordinators, and craft enthusiasts interested in purposeful textile design
No previous sewing experience is required.
Course Content
- Understanding the therapeutic benefits and safety considerations of sensory blankets
- Planning a balanced sensory layout using suitable fabrics, textures, and components
- Machine-sewing construction techniques and secure attachment of features such as zips, ribbons, toggles, buttons, beads, and pockets
- Final assembly, durability checks, and care guidelines
Schedule & Pricing
- 6-hour course delivered over two evening sessions
- Price: $179 (materials kit available for $20)
Materials
- Optional $20 materials kit with curated fabrics and tactile elements
- Students may bring personal fabrics, trims, buttons, or textured items to personalise their blanket
- All sewing machines and basic tools are provided
Details
You will learn
- Understand the therapeutic benefits of fidgety blankets
- Select safe fabrics and sensory components for different needs
- Construct and securely assemble a durable sensory blanket
You will get
- A completed personalised fidgety blanket
- Hands-on sewing and design guidance
- All sewing machines and basic tools provided
Appropriate for
Carers, support workers, family members, teachers, therapists, and craft enthusiasts
Preparation
What to bring
- Optional $20 materials kit or your own fabrics and trims
- Textured items such as buttons, ribbons, or zips for personalisation
- Your creativity and design ideas
What to wear
Casual
Your Teacher
Sydney Community College
Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors.
The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.
We do this by:
- Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
- Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
- Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
- Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
- Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.
Terms & Conditions
At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.
At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.
That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably. Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:
Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College.
Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued. If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.
Have more questions about this class?
Tags:
Fidgety Blanket Making Course
Coming Soon: More classes in the works!
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