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DEMENTIA PATIENTS GET BUSY
WITH TWIDDLEMUFF
By: Carolyn Hanson
Carolyn Hanson is a local knitting and crochet designer, teacher and fiber artist. She can be contacted at
cchanson3@gmail.com
.
Have you ever heard of a Twiddlemuff? Also
known at twiddle mitt or hand mitt, a
Twiddlemuff is a textural activity muff found to
be beneficial to dementia patients. It’s used as
a distraction from pulling on bandages and
tubes by giving the patient something to do
with their hands. It’s covered both inside and
out with different interesting objects that can be manipulated. Not sur-
prisingly, a twiddlemuff also provides warmth to cold hands, and can be
easily knitted, crocheted or sewn from materials you already have in
your stash. Design is not critical; it’s all about texture and keeping busy.
Start by making a flat textural rectangle 12” x 24”. [Note: This rectan-
gle is later folded in half to form a 12” x 12” square that is sewn
together.] Use different stitches and different yarns or fabric. For yarn,
try chenille, wool, fun fur, cotton, mohair, and boucle. Mix them up.
Any stitch size will do. Use a gauge that matches the yarn. If using
fabric, try, chenille, brocade, satin, taffeta, faux fur, wool, corduroy and
cotton.
Next, make it fun. Add patches or appliques, buttons, pockets, bobbles,
large beads, pom-poms, tassels, ribbons, knots, fringe, and embellish-
ments that will provide interest. Free your imagination. Think of it as an
activity muff; similar to a toy used by a toddler. [Note: Leave the mid-
section unembellished for an inch or so. This is where the muff will be
folded in half and stitched to the loose ends.]
Last step is to fold in half so that the unembellished sides are facing
each other and the embellished sides are on the outside.Sew up the 3
open ends and then fold in half again and sew the bottom seam to the
fold line. No need to weave in ends. [When was the last time you heard
that! ] These small strings add to the texture.
Another option is to create a lap
quilt with different activities in each
block.
If your group is looking to do chari-
ty work, contact your local senior
living facility with dementia units.
Most are happy to accept donations
into their program.
For simple knit and crochet patterns go to Pinterest or Ravelry and
search for Twiddlemuff. The pattern referenced here is by Knit for
Peace. www.knitforpeace.org.uk.
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