If you’re like me, your weighted blanket is one of your most prized possessions. But what do you do when your beloved blanket rips? Before you go out and buy a new one, learn how to fix a weighted blanket with these easy to follow instructions! No sewing skills are required. So gather up your supplies and let’s get started!
P.S. Sewing is still the gold standard for fixing these heavy blankets but if you’re hopeless with a needle and thread like me, this guide is for you.
Where Does A Weighted Blanket Rip?
A weighted blanket usually rips in between the stitching that holds the two layers of fabric sewn together.
This is because weighted blankets are made of small weighted fillings like plastic pellets, glass beads, or metal balls. They are pretty heavy and are held inside this pocket made of two layers of fabric sewn together.
This is how you fix it!
How To Fix Weighted Blankets:
Method 1: Self Sticking Garment tape
Garment tapes are a type of adhesive tape that is commonly used to mend clothing. They work like scotch tape and do not leave a sticky residue. This tape is usually used as the first step to seal leaks. They come in a variety of colors and widths, and can be purchased at most craft stores or online.
Fix your weighted blanket tear with garment tape:
- Unzip the weight pockets on both sides of your weighted blanket and remove any poly pellets from inside.
- Cut a long piece of garment tape, enough to go around the entire perimeter of your blanket.
- Peel off one side of the protective paper and stick it down on top of the ripped area. Ensure you stretch the area flat while doing this.
- Use scissors to cut off any excess tape.
- Do the same for both sides of your blanket.
- Zip up the weight pockets on both sides of your blanket.
Method 2: Heat Activated Hemming tape
A hemming tape is a quick-drying, heat-activated tape that can be used to make a temporary hem. It is a narrow strip of fabric that is wrapped around the edges of the fabric to prevent them from fraying. It comes in all different colors and can be purchased at your local fabric store.
This is how you use heat-activated hemming tape on a weighted blanket:
- Turn the blanket inside out
- Cut a thin piece of this hemming tape and place it along the hole of the blanket.
- Overlap the tape and the blanket fabric against each other.
- Place a fully heated iron on it for around 20 seconds. The iron usually needs about 5 minutes to heat up properly.
- Keep the blanket aside for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to cool down.
Beware not to overheat the hemming tape as it will melt and stick to the back of the entire blanket.
Method 3: Fabric glue
Fabric glue is a type of adhesive used to fix fabrics together. It is a white, water-based adhesive that dries clear. The glue does not need heat to activate. They can come in a permanent or temporary form. Ensure you find one that is permanent and can go in the washing machine.
How to use a fabric glue on the rip:
- If the rip is quite thin and has not torn along any of the seams, proceed with this method. If there are multiple thin rips or one large rip, abandon this method. Fabric glue will only fix small rips or initial leaks.
- Place a line of glue along the fabric hole. Ensure there is enough fabric surrounding the area where you are going to apply the glue for it not to show when released from its tension state.
- Glue the hole shut. The glue should dry in a couple of seconds and the blanket will be ready to use again.
- If there is excess glue that spills out from how you positioned it, just wait for it to dry and then remove it by cutting it off with a scissor.
Method 4: Fabric repair powder
Fabric repair powder is a substance that is used to mend rips and tears in fabric. It can be used on all types of fabrics, including natural fibers and synthetic materials. The powder comes in a variety of colors, so it can be matched to the color of the fabric being repaired. Once the powder has been applied, it will form a temporary bond that will hold the fabric together until it can be fixed permanently.
How to use a fabric repair powder to fix a hole:
- Sprinkle the powder underneath the area of tear and blow away any excess.
- Cover the area with a grease-proof sheet of paper or thin fabric.
- Apply heat with an iron to melt the powder, gluing the fabric together.
- Your repair fabric should be completely washable.
Method 5: Fabric Patches
Fabric patches are pieces of fabric that are sewn onto other pieces of fabric to cover up holes, rips, or tears. Fabric patches come in a variety of shapes and materials – find one that resembles your weighted blanket.
There are two types of fabric patches- iron-on and normal patches. These patches should be used in the same way to mend a hole. One with heated iron, one with glue, tape or powder.
Using a fabric patch to fix your weighted blanket:
- Simply find a patch that is slightly smaller than your hole, place it right side down onto your blanket.
- For iron-on patches, iron it from the back using a medium high setting on your iron for about 15 seconds or until you can hear it sizzle.
- For patches with no adhesive, glue the patch to your blanket and allow it to dry completely before using.
The final step to fixing a weighted blanket:
If you’ve tried all of the above and still don’t like the appearance of your final product, consider adding a removable cover or a duvet cover!
As mentioned above, weighted blankets are made of individual squares or rectangles filled with fillings. When one square rips, it typically has little effect on the rest of the blanket.
Try removing or vacuuming all the filling from one square and glue the two pieces of fabric together. If you remove one square from your blanket, it will not make a big difference in the overall weight of the blanket.
If all else fails, you can always take it to a tailor to have it professionally repaired.
How Long Do Weighted Blankets Last?
There is no answer on how long these blankets will last; there are no expiration dates on the items. When properly taken care of, weighted blankets can last years and even decades. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your blanket?
The signs are fairly simple.
- Bad wear and tear
- Excessive fading
- Poor weight distribution due to the loss of pellets
- The blanket is no longer weighted
- Irremovable odor
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your blanket it may be time to replace it if they are not easily fixable.
How to Wash a Weighted Blanket
- First, always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash these blankets.
- Rinse out stains as soon as you can with mild detergent and fabric softener. This is dependent on the type of fabric. Do not use fabric softener with polyester covers.
- Wash in the washing machine with cold water using a gentle cycle. Do not use hot water, warm water is fine.
Read here on a comprehensive guide on how to wash your weighted blanket.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have given you five easy ways to fix a weighted blanket without any sewing needed!
The first four methods are easy and do not require any special skills or tools:
The fifth method is best for those who want to make it look new again by adding iron-on patches or another layer of fabric over top!
If your heavy blankets are in need of some TLC, don’t give up hope yet-check out how you can solve them with these simple steps today.
