Blankets

In many areas of the world, blankets aren’t just an extra layer of warmth on your bed – they’re part of history and culture.

USA

Blankets have always played a huge part in the life of Native Americans. They were used for shelter, carrying babies, to pay off debts, to show gratitude and to display status. To this day, blankets are given to celebrate births and marriages. The dead are often buried in their blankets.

Long before white settlers moved in, Native Americans used blankets as a trade for other goods. Most of their early blankets were made from buffalo hides and so when the buffalo were killed in such vast numbers, the Plains Indians had to get their blankets from traders.

The Hudson Bay Company blankets were thick, striped and made in England. In 1896 Pendleton Woolen Mills in Oregon, USA became the only mill founded to produce woollen blankets that were solely for trade. These were very intricately detailed, featuring stripes, blocks, rectangles and crosses.

In 1901, the Jacquard Loom began production and this allowed the mills to create much more intricate designs, including zig-zags.

Witney in Oxfordshire, England was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 (a form of ‘census’) as having two mills – both used for corn. By 1277, there was a cloth mill established. By the end of the Middle Ages (late 1400’s) Witney was a thriving market town with a blanket and glove making industry.

By 1677 Witney blankets were highly esteemed and in 1711 the Blanket makers formed a Guild which was granted a charter by Queen Anne. In 1721 the Blanket Hall was built, which still stands today.

The main choice is between fabrics. Blankets are either natural or synthetic. Both have their pro’s and cons’ and it’s really up to personal choice. Let’s take a look at what’s available:

Natural fibers are able to ‘breathe’. This means that moisture from the body is able to evaporate, which stops the blanket becoming damp – and eventually ‘musty’. They are also very durable which makes them an economical, long-lasting purchase.

Cotton blankets are soft, breathe well and can stand up well to repeated washing. This makes them a good choice for baby blankets. The most gentle for babies is 100% organic cotton, which is hypoallergenic, free from pesticides and chemicals and machine washable.

Most cotton blankets can be washed in the washing machine and dried in a dryer, which helps to fluff them up.

Before storing, wash them and make sure they are completely dry. Moths can be kept away by putting cedar wood blocks inside the storage closet.

Wool is a great insulator and so it gives maximum warmth. Wool blankets both absorb and evaporate moisture quickly. This means that they can offer dry warmth as well as keeping body heat in. Two other big advantages of wool are that it is naturally flame retardant and repels dirt – so less cleaning is required. If your blanket does need cleaning, only machine wash it if the label advises it. Otherwise, get it dry cleaned. Once a blanket is shrunk it won’t ever go back to its’ original size. Store in the same way as cotton.

Synthetic fibers
Man-made materials are cheaper than natural fibers and offer good value for money. Easily washable in a machine – you may wish to use a dryer sheet to stop static cling building up.

Acrylic is soft, hypoallergenic and warm. However, it can’t breathe like natural fibres. A popular blanket (and clothing) material made from acrylic is called Fleece.

Vellux is thick, soft and a good insulator. It’s made by bonding nylon fibres onto foam. Again, the drawback is the lack of breathability.

Thermal – a loosely woven blanket usually made from cotton or acrylic fibers, allowing air to circulate. Some body heat will escape so these are best used during warmer weather or by people who get hot at night.

Conventional blankets are tightly woven. This traps air between the blanket and the body, creating insulating warmth. These are usually made from wool or synthetics.

Throws, comforters and quilts are all sometimes referred to as blanket coverings. A new idea is the ‘Slanket’, which is a big fleece blanket with integral loose sleeves! Perfect for wearing when you’re lying on the couch or bed eating popcorn, reading, or playing video games!

As with all bedding, remember that bed sizes aren’t all standard. It’s advisable to measure your bed, or determine what size you require before you buy.

Blanket Terms – All About Blankets

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