The Sensory Patch is an item created for people with Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD). People with SPD enjoy feeling different textures throughout the day. It helps them develop a stronger tactile sense and promotes neural growth. However, the most popular form of sensory input is from using a sensory board. Sensory boards are usually 2 feet by 3 feet big slabs of wood with accessories attached. Thus, getting sensory input throughout the day, which is a necessity for people with SPD, is very difficult.

So, a sensory patch was created with glue and duct tape. The patch is intended to be attached with the velcro straps to any items that a person would carry. I prefer attaching it to a water bottle or the straps of my backpack. While the sensory patch is a necessity for people with SPD, it can be enjoyed by all people because everyone loves the feeling of these accessories! Children also receive neural growth and development of the senses by feeling these accessories, so a young girl or boy could like a sensory patch as a gift!

Materials include: a variety of accessories (see example, a variety of textures is the goal!) for effectiveness, a felt patch usability, sewing materials (needle, thread) for attachment, and velcro & glue for attachment (I used 3M 77 Spray Adhesive as it works well with various fabrics, including leather, sewing alone works as well).

Step 1: Layout

An important step of creating your perfect sensory patch is the layout. You can draw where accessories will be placed, or place them on the patch without gluing or sewing them down. Make sure to measure and count out the materials you'll need so that everything lines up!

Step 2: Sew a Little

Some items, like pom-poms and buttons, do not attach to the felt well with the spray glue. So, sew these items down first and then glue the rest!

Step 3: Glue

Glue the other accessories onto the patch. I used 3M 77 spray glue. Make sure to follow the directions of the glue so that it is safe. Spray the accessories and attach them to the felt. If you spray the felt and attach the items to that, the felt may have a sticky residue, so watch out!

Step 4: Duct Tape and Velcro

For the attachment part of the patch, duct tape is used. I like to wrap the edges in duct tape for a more finished look.

At the top and bottom of the patch, make longer duct tape pieces. Then, add velcro with an adhesive backing to the patch. I used 1" wide velcro. Make sure that the opposite ends of velcro are on opposite sides of the patch so that it can be attached properly.

Enjoy!