My fear is leaving a pin or needle in a twiddle creation!
Assessing each twiddle muff, cuff, mat and blanket is an important aspect of the making, collecting and distributing of twiddle creations for recipients.
We want to prevent an agitated and confused patient pulling on a twiddle item and breaking the thread that secures the twiddle item to the muff, cuff, mat and blanket, or finding that drat pin or needle. The twiddle creation should be a simple and safe gift to calm the patient, not to cause harm.
So what to do? The creator should:
- Make sure that everything is sewn on tight so they cannot be pulled off, and that there are no loose threads or hazardous parts like sharp objects.
- Use unwaxed, non-perfumed dental floss which is very strong, or embroidery thread, to attach items like buttons to the twiddle creation. Finish off with coloured cotton or wool.
- Have someone to do the final check by twisting and pulling the items, and checking thoroughly for pins and needles before any twiddle creations are handed over to the hospital.
I don’t like a lot of dos and don’ts, however overtime I have accumulated a lot of learnings to improve the safety of my twiddle creations.
I avoid using any item that could restrict a recipient’s fingers or hands. I like trying out new crochet stitches but once again I keep clear of lace work or stitches that promote gaps where finger or cannulas could become trapped.
I have found that some wool textures are unsuitable, particularly those with loose fibres that can be easily pulled out, as these can be a choking hazard.
While it is lovely to use any large pieces of ribbon, lace or velvet the material should be secured well to ensure that it stays attached to the twiddle creation.
Some creators incorporate old keys, key rings, nuts and washers. These should be assessed to see if they can harm the patient or even the medical staff. Nothing sharp or potentially sharp should be on the twiddle creation.
For safety reasons check that the following items are not used or present: sharp edges or points, pins, safety pins or badges, brittle items or items that might snap easily, items that have been attached with glue or adhesive backing or glue surfaces, items with screw-on backs, items which contain liquid, like glow-sticks, or water sealed in beads.
I love pompoms. They can be quite engaging but most of them fall apart. So check carefully if you use them to see if the strands can be pulled out.
I recommend that you don’t use any items that can be pulled to bits, such as plastic or paper flowers, feathers, paper and foam items.
Lastly, if you know where your creations are going, check with the place or organisation what they require. I have found that each place or organisation has its own set of rules. During Covid-19 many ask that you pack each creation in a plastic bag with your name and date of packing on it. It’s up to the organisation to remove the plastic bag prior to giving the recipient your twiddle creation.
At the Royal Melbourne Hospital these twiddle creations are gifted to the recipient and they take them with them when they leave the ward.
Happy creating!
Sandra @ Projet Twiddles