It’s getting cold outside! A lot of people like to buy expensive electric blankets to stay warm, but did you know that you can make your own electric blanket at home for a fraction of the price? Learn how to make an electric blanket in just 5 easy steps. You won’t believe how effortless it is!
What You’ll Need For DIY Electric Blanket:
- 2 pieces of fabric
- 6 feet of flexible wire
- 20 feet of carbon heater tape
- Silver conductive wire glue paste
- Female plug
- Iron-on no-sew hem tape
- An iron
- A power source (such as a laptop or a battery pack)
- Soldering equipment (if using a plug)
- Safety equipment (such as safety glasses and gloves)
Instructions
Step 1: Cut a piece of fabric to the desired length.
You’ll need enough fabric to cover the size of your desired electric blanket, as well as some extra for seam allowances. The fabric length should be at least 5 feet long to cover your body. This will be the top layer of your electric blanket, so choose a fabric that is comfortable and insulating. We would recommend a durable, insulating fabric like fleece or flannel.
Step 2: Place on carbon heater tape
Cut out around 20 feet of carbon heater tape to place it on the fabric. This will act as the heating element for your blanket. Place the tape in a zigzag pattern across the fabric. This pattern will help distribute the heat evenly across the blanket. Cover the carbon tape with iron-on hemming web tape. Next, gently press the tape with an iron to adhere it to the fabric.
Step 3: Glue the electrical wire to the carbon tape
Using silver conductive wire glue, connect the bare end of the wire to the carbon tape on the fabric. This type of glue will help ensure a secure connection between the wire and the carbon tape. To do this, squeeze some glue between two layers of carbon tape and insert the bare wire. Squeeze more glue around the wire until the glue is completely dry.
Step 4: Cover the wire with no-sew hem tape.
Place the strips of no-sew hem tape along the entire length of the wire and fold the edge of the fabric over the tape. Press the iron over the folded edge to adhere the tape to the fabric. This will help protect the wire and prevent it from snagging on anything. Then, place the second piece of fabric on top of the first piece and press the iron over the entire area to adhere the two pieces of fabric together. This will create a sandwich of fabric and heating elements.
Step 5: Connect the blanket to a power source
The final step is to solder the plug to the wire and connect the blanket to a power source. Shenzhen connects his blanket to a laptop AC adaptor. You can use a standard outlet or a battery pack, depending on your preference. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the heating elements and power source to ensure a safe and effective connection.
Your electric blanket is now ready to use!
Safety and Risks to Consider When Making an Electric Blanket
It’s important to consider the safety and risks involved when making an electric blanket. Working with electricity can be dangerous if not handled properly, so it’s important to follow all instructions and guidelines carefully.
- Use electrical wiring that is rated for the wattage of your heating elements and is suitable for use in blankets.
- Place a layer of non-flammable insulation between the heating elements and the fabric of your blanket to prevent fires.
- Use a power source that is suitable for the wattage of your heating elements and is properly grounded.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves while working with electricity and have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
- Test your electric blanket before using it to ensure that it is working properly and that all connections are secure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing and use.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in making your own electric blanket, the 5 steps above can help you get started. You don’t even need many ingredients or experience. Just be sure to take the necessary safety precautions, including using the right kind of electrical wiring and power source and ensuring that your connections are secure.
FAQ
How much electricity does a DIY electric blanket use?
This carbon-heated blanket consumes around 40 to 50 watts of power only. It uses 10x less electricity than a commercially made electric blanket. It is certainly not as powerful or hot as a commercial electric blanket. It can be placed on a bed, in a duvet cover, or used as a standalone blanket. Alternatively, it can be connected to a battery pack for use in a sleeping bag for camping.
Can you wash your DIY electric blanket?
No, you should not wash your DIY electric blanket. This is because you cannot detach the heating elements from the fabric, so washing it could cause damage to both the blanket and your washing machine. Instead, you should spot-clean any spills or stains as needed using a damp cloth and mild detergent.
How do you make a blanket warmer?
You can make your blanket warmer by choosing a more insulating and thicker fabric for your blanket. Adding layers to the top of your blanket, such as a duvet or comforter, can also help keep you warmer at night. Bringing a hot water bottle to bed can help warm your blanket too. Here are 9 alternatives to making your blanket warmer.
Can you sleep with an electric blanket on?
You should not sleep with an electric blanket on. This is because the heat generated by the heating elements can be too hot for your skin and can cause burns. You should always turn off your electric blanket before going to bed and use it only as a source of warmth while you are sitting or lying down.
