Handwoven blankets are made by skilled weavers who incorporate their individual style into their creations. These blankets come in a variety of patterns and fabrics, but each one is one of a kind, unlike machine-made blankets.
Due to their unique character, handwoven blankets can make your home feel more cozy. The care and attention that goes into their creation stays within the fabric and radiates comfort to whoever is using it.
If you have invested in a quality couch or bed and take pride in your home decor, a handwoven blanket will accentuate your home. It is quite the finishing touch. On the other hand, a machine-made blanket can detract from your furniture.
To help you understand more about these unique works of art, we will explain how they are made, how they can be used to decorate, and best practices for maintenance.
By the end of this article, you should see why handwoven blankets are so desirable for any home and how to get the most out of them.
How Are Handwoven Throw Blankets Made?
Artisans begin the weaving process by wrapping the yarn through the loom and onto an apron rod at the bottom. There are a wide variety of materials that can be used, such as premium cotton, merino wool, and mohair.
The artisan practices extreme precision to control the tension and spacing of their yarn on the back beam. This is called “warping.” This human aspect is what makes the blanket come to life; a machine could never be so intentional.
As the artisan weaves the blanket, they consistently build the fabric up row by row. This is where the artistic element comes in, as they can add unique patterns or designs.
Finally, the loom is cut off the blanket, and edges are hemmed or a fringe is added. The blanket may be washed to remove any sizing or dirt, and then it is shaped to its final size.
How to Decorate with a Throw Blanket
A couch is the most common piece of furniture to decorate with a handwoven throw blanket. Draping it over the back of your couch can create a cozy and inviting look — kind of like your sofa is wearing a casual scarf! A nice chair is also a good place to drape a handwoven blanket.
Using it as a bed throw blanket and layering it over bedding is another beautiful look. Fold it and place it at the foot of the bed to create a comforting place to sleep — this is our personal favorite.
Some people have found some really creative ways to showcase the beauty of handwoven throw blankets. Using them as table cloths for a dinner table is particularly impressive (just be careful not to stain them with anything too strong). Others like to hang the blankets on the wall like a traditional artifact.
The possibilities are endless. You could even create your own trend for throws and blankets. Get creative!
Pro Tips and Care Instructions for Handwoven Throw Blankets
The natural fibers require special care to preserve their beauty and durability.
Firstly, always hand-wash or dry-clean a handwoven throw blanket; never put it in the machine, as this can destroy the delicate designs. Cold water, mild detergent, and gentle movements are recommended (no twisting or wringing).
Spot cleaning is a smart method to remove a minor stain. After being cleaned, the blanket should be left to air-dry.
Store your blanket carefully and away from moisture, which could lead to mildew. Ideally, the blanket should be kept away from pets or children who could pull and potentially damage the fibers.
Now you know everything there is to know to buy and care for your handwoven throw blanket!