How to make Twiddlemuffs

Twiddlemuffs (or twiddlemitts) are knitted hand-warmers that provide sensory stimulation for people living with dementia. They keep restless hands busy and soothe and comfort those who are anxious or agitated.

Twiddlemuffs are usually made from left-over acrylic wool, however fleece tubes and other recycled wool products are also suitable.

Gather a group of volunteers and start weekly Knitting Club!

Materials

• Acrylic Wool; plain, thick, thin, chunky, mohair, ribbon
• Knitting Needles: 8mm circular or 6.5 straight needles
• Decorations

Instructions

Muff Cuff:

• Cast on 45 stitches using 2 strands of double knitting wool or 1 strand of chunky wool.
• Stock stitch (knit a row, purl a row) for 28 cm or 11 inches.

Muff body:

• Continue in stocking stitch for another 58 cm or 23 inches using different wool colours and textures as you go, (chenille, snuggly, chunky)
• Cast off

Finishing and decorating:

• Sew long edges together with the purl side up
• Turn the muff inside out.
• Push the cuff inside the muff ’s body and neatly sew together the two short ends.

Decorating:

• Ideas: Ribbons, beads, flowers, buttons, loops, zippers, buckles, pompoms, pocket for a hankie
• Very important, all decorating items should be securely attached so that clients cannot pull them out.
• Decorate the inside and the outside of Muff with colourful items in different textures. How many decorations you use is up to you, 3 or 4 items on the inside and 3 or 4 on the outside would suffice.

Note: Clients must be supervised at all times for safety reasons.

The twiddlemuffs in this photo were donated by the lovely ladies from Sewing for Charity Australia