Twiddle muffs provide visual, tactile and sensory stimulation for sick elderly patients, or patients with dementia or sight impairments.
The twiddle muff creator’s objective is to attach twiddle items that attract the attention of a patient to keep restless hands busy, and soothe and comfort those who are anxious or agitated. Such items could be a little pocket, buttons, or zip that they can open and close, a range of different textures, for example, wool, cotton, pompom wool, mohair, ribbon yarn, lace– the list is endless. Twiddle muffs are a great way to use yarn from your stash. And remember, hands come in all sizes, it does not matter that there are different sized muffs.
The following information should be seen as a start guide. Once you become confident at making twiddle muffs you will develop your own pattern including the number of stitches and chains, your preferred yarn to use and the type of twiddle items you like to make and attach.
A twiddle muff is roughly 30cm (11 to 12 inches) in length and width when finished. This is one time you don’t have to worry about gauge, tension or accuracy because there will always be a hand and wrist to fit whatever size you produce. Great opportunity to practise different stitches.
Squishy, spongy twiddle muffs really appeal to patients. The easiest way to achieve this is to use 2 strands of double knit yarn together or 1 strand of chunky yarn.
Knitting Guide
Cast on 45 stitches using either 6.00 mm or 6.5 mm knitting needles and 2 strands of double knit yarn or 1 strand of chunky yarn.
Knit in any stitch you prefer, for example, in stocking stitch (knit a row, purl a row) or garter stitch for 30 cm (12 inches). This will be the inside of the muff and will be folded inside.
Continue for another 30 cm or 12 inches. This will be the outside of the muff so I like to change colours and textures as I knit.
Cast off.
Crochet Guide
Chain 30 stitches using 2 strands of double knit yarn and a size 6mm or 6.5 mm hook. I am using a 6.5 mm hook in the photo.
Work in your preferred crochet stitch for approximately 30 cm (12 inches). I like working in half double crochet.
As you crochet you can add in bobble stitches, some twirls or just leave it plain. This will be the inside of the muff.
Keep working with the same yarn or use different types and colour of yarn for the next 30 cm (12 inches). This is the outside.
Now you can decorate the area that will be the outside of the muff with twiddle items. You will find details about the twiddle items on Twiddles page. And if you like, you can add more examples to the piece that will be the inside.
Fold the long piece in half lengthways to make a long tube. Join the long edges together. If you used circular needles skip this step.
Fold the less decorated half inside the decorated half. And sew or crochet the open edges together.
You have completed a twiddle muff!
Happy creating everyone!
Sandra @ Project Twiddles
