DIY Hand Contracture Cushion in 2 sizes / Palm Protector with Elastic Strap for Stroke recovery

Sewing has the power to provide real comfort and healing. This hand contracture cushion is a simple yet essential project designed to prevent skin breakdown and stop fingers from digging into the palm. The cushion also acts as a gentle diversionary tool, keeping hands occupied and helping to prevent patients from inadvertently pulling at IV lines or feeding tubes.

Crafted with super-soft, skin-friendly cloth and plush microfiber filling, this cushion is ideal for the elderly, stroke or hemiplegia patients, or anyone in the early stages of hand rehabilitation. It features a secure, non-latex elastic strap to keep it comfortably in place and is fully machine washable for easy care—making it as practical for caregivers as it is comforting for patients.

A small sew, with a truly big impact.

Below you will find my step by step written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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Table of Contents

1 How to make the Palm Protector
2 Supplies and tools
3 How to Sew a hand contracture cushion

How to make the Palm Protector

Supplies and tools

fabric – woven cotton, soft home decor fabric, terry cloth
polyester stuffing
matching thread
scissors (or rotary cutter and a cutting mat)
ruler or measuring tape
iron and ironing board
sewing clips or pins

2cm (3/4″) wide elastic

DOWNLOAD: Hand contracture cushion pattern [Free pdf file]

Link not working? Try this one instead

How to Sew a hand contracture cushion

Watch the diy Palm grip video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
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Palm protector VIDEO TUTORIAL

Finished size:

Regular – 13 x 6.5cm (5 x 2.5″)

Larger – 15 x 7.5cm (6 x 3″)

MATERIALS:

Regular size:

fabric 14.5 x 14.5 cm (5 3/4″ x 5 3/4″)
elastic – 2 x 16 cm (3/4″ x 6 1/4″)

Large size:

fabric 17 x 17 cm (6 3/4″ x 6 3/4″)
elastic – 2 x 18.5 cm (3/4″ x 7 1/4″)

What are these palm grips for?

These Palm Grips do more than just protect—they heal, soothe, and support. They are designed to:

Stimulate hand muscles and ligaments to prevent contractures
Shield sensitive skin with soft, gentle terry fabric
Act as a protective barrier against nail-related skin damage
Serve as a diversionary aid for individuals prone to pulling at IV or feeding tubes

Simple, effective, and thoughtfully designed for those who need it most.

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1:

Download and print the pattern at 100% (no sizing). Decide which size you are going to make. I recommend using the regular size for regular and small hands and the large size for large hands. If you prefer to cut your fabric without a pattern use the measurements above.

Cut a square of fabric depending on the chosen size. Cut your elastic 1.3cm(1/2″) longer than the fabric.

STEP 2:

Place the fabric with the pretty side facing you. Fold it in half and mark the middle of both sides.

STEP 3:

Pin the middle of each end of the elastic to each of the marks on the fabric

STEP 4:

Stitch the sides of the elastic using a 1/8″(3mm) seam allowance.

STEP 5:

Fold the fabric in half again and pin the raw edges together.

STEP 6:

Stitch along the top leaving a gap in the middle. Backstitch at the beginning and the end of each seam and use 1/4″ seam allowance.

STEP 7:

Press the seam open and match the seam with the marks in the opposite side of the fabric. Pin both short ends

STEP 8:

Stitch both short ends. Backstitch at the beginning and the end. Make sure to stitch back and forth over the elastic for extra durability.

STEP 9:

Clip the corners to reduce the bulk.

STEP 10:

Turn the fabric right side out and push out the corners.

STEP 11:

Fill the cushion with polyfil until firm. Make sure to stuff the corners well first and then fill in the middle.

STEP 12:

Handstitch the gap closed using either a ladder stitch or a whipstich.

Flip the elastic over the side with the middle seam and your hand contracture pillow is ready!

Palm Grips / Hand contracture cushions are a gentle and practical solution for hand care. They help keep hand muscles and ligaments active, reducing the risk of contractures. The soft terry fabric feels comfortable against sensitive or irritated skin, while also protecting the skin from nail scratching and damage. For caregivers managing patients with IV lines or feeding tubes, Palm Grips offer a simple and effective way to help redirect attention and prevent accidental pulling. Ready to sew yours now?

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