Craft for a Cause: Crochet and Knit Twiddlemuffs for Sensory Comfort
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Twiddlemuffs to Comfort Those in Need
Hi folks! This month's craft for a cause feature is crochet and knit twiddlemuffs (also spelled twiddle muffs). Let me guess, you're thinking, "what the heck are twiddlemuffs"? I know this because I can read your mind. Kidding. Kidding folks. Stop panicking. ?
For real though, I know what you're thinking because I thought it too. Twiddlemuffs, huh? What exactly are these and how are they related to a charity cause?
Well, let me fill you in folks. Twiddlemuffs are sensory comfort aids for people of all ages who suffer from sensory-related conditions, such as dementia, autism, and even arthritis.
Twiddlemuffs are basically crochet or knit hand muffs with multiple sensory stimulating attachments like bows, buttons, beads, and ribbons.
People with sensory conditions and impaired memory often have restless hands. They need to twiddle, fiddle, and feel different textures. Keeping their hands occupied tends to have a calming effect. For this reason I have even heard that these muffs are soothing for people with anxiety and ADHD.
So how can you help? First, crochet or knit some twiddlemuffs.
Here are links to free twiddlemuff crochet patterns:
Twiddlemuff pattern by Shirley MacDonald
Twiddle muff by Sari Suvanto
Twiddle muff by Sari Suvanto (2nd pattern)
Note:
Twiddlemuff patterns by Sari Suvanto are in Finnish, but she can be contacted at Ravelry via the links I provided and has expressed her willingness to help anyone who contacts her. Additionally, per Sari, there is a Facebook group called Twiddle muffs Finland that would love to have new international members join and share their ideas. If you are interested, simply click on Twiddle muffs Finland.
Here are links to free twiddlemuff knitting patterns:
knitforpeace.org.uk
Royal Devon and Exeter
The second step is to donate them! Don't know where to send them? Try these places.
1. Hospitals.
2. Dementia/Alzheimer care facilities.
3. Assisted living or retirement centers.
4. Local schools. Many schools have students with developmental issues or can direct you to schools for children in need of your donation.
5. Contact the people or hospitals via the pattern links for where to donate.
Twiddlemuffs are a great scrap buster project. If you are anything like me then you have balls and balls of yarn remnants stuffed in almost every crevice of your house. Put all that scrap yarn to use!
I wish I had known about twiddlemuffs a long time ago. Not only would my house be less cluttered with yarn, but for me, making twiddlemuffs would be a nice neighborly deed. You see, my home is surrounded by a dementia care center and I am sure some of the patrons would love these comforting gifts.
On a more personal note, I also have a special family member with autism and I've seen his restlessness first hand. I will make a special effort to whip up a few of these comforting muffs just for him!
Where will you give your twiddlemuffs?
Until next time... Happy Crocheting & Knitting!
I've been making twiddle muffs since 2018 when my Father-in-law had very restless hands. I have made them for the Memory Care unit where he lived and to a Hospice Center. I have also just posted them on my Facebook profile and friends and neighbors have asked for them and I usually get yarn donations that way too!
Hi Carol,
Oh I loved reading this! It's amazing what a help twiddlemuffs really can be. 🙂
Best wishes,
RaeLynn
Somente agora tomo conhecimento desses projetos maravilhosos, estou encantada e até emocionada!
Parabéns por participar e muito obrigada por compartilhar.
Um abraço de oração
Oi Mirian,
Muito obrigado pelo seu comentário. Estou tão feliz que você finalmente descobriu Twiddlemuffs. Na verdade, eles funcionam muito bem! Eu faço para meu filho que tem autismo.
Desejo a você tudo de melhor,
RaeLynn.
I made one but made it flat, like a lap rug, but not as big. The husband of the recipient was thrilled to get it for his wife as she picked at everything. He said it helped her a lot.
Hi JoAnne,
I've seen ones like you are describe, like a lap blanket. Autism runs in my family and both Twiddlemuffs and the sensory blankets really do help!
Sincerely,
RaeLynn
I just found your site ... this is very encouraging since I am about to lose my mind. I have been taking care of my 83 yrs old father-in-law who now has dementia. His busy hands had caused so many problems (dirty diapers, especially, spread all over himself and bedding). I didn't know anything about this until I read about busy hands in dementia patients and oh my, how do I obtain this twiddlemuff? I don't crochet sadly - his wife did but we lost her last year. Please , help!!
- desperate daughter-in-law!
Hi Grace,
I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Dementia can be so hard for everyone involved. The Twiddle muffs here are patterns and not actual products, but I believe you can find them on Etsy (aff link). I hope you can find one that he will love and will help reduce the stress of his care.
Best wishes,
RaeLynn
Gracee mail me I will send you one
Hi Denise,
So kind of you!
Sincerely,
RaeLynn
Thank you so much!!! I have 4 (diagnosed on the spectrum) family members & they all are involved in different school & social programs etc. I see a lot of projects in my future to share with other families in our communities!
Love, Love, Love!!!
Hi,
You are so very welcome! My nephew has Autism and twiddlemuffs really do help!
Best,
RaeLynn
I have made about 15 of them so far and given them away. They are amazing and really do help! I have a picture of mine on my instagram mycrochetfun. I hope they spread in the USA as much as they are in Europe..
Hi Pamela,
They do help! I have a nephew with Autism who can attest to that!
Hey, I found you on Instagram - you have just received a new follower. 🙂
Looking forward to your projects!
Best,
RaeLynn
what a fab idea! We crochet and sew items for Newborns in Need each month and hats for some other charities but it does get repetitive. This will be something new to make and benefit someone in need. Thanks so much for sharing the twiddlemuffs with us all!
Of course! Newborns in need is one of the charities I have on my list to feature. I am so pleased to find other crafters out there who feel the call to craft for a cause!
How wonderful! I admit, I had no idea what twiddlemuffs were either, but I love the idea. Wish I could knit or crochet so I could help!
Well, if you ever decide to learn keep these in mind for your first project! ?
So excited to find this post because I'm planning a round-up of things people can make to donate as part of a campaign I'm launching in September. I will be including your link and idea as one of them!
If you have any other posts like this, please feel free to get in touch so I can promote those as well.
Cheers,
Dana
Dana, I am so happy to hear this! Yes, I have more for you. In fact each month I highlight a different craft for a cause. I'd like to know more about your campaign. Please email me at [email protected]
Thanks so much,
RaeLynn
I would love to discuss the campaign with you and, if you're open to it, how we might collaborate! I will send you an email to the address you provide above this weekend.
I look forward to corresponding.
Dana
That sounds great! Looking toward to hearing from you. Enjoy the rest of your week! ?
Best wishes, RaeLynn
This is such a great idea. Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
Of course! If you decide to make any please come back & share your creations. I'd love to see them. ?