Perhaps, we only know a handful like comforters, fleece blankets, or duvets.
Afghan blankets
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This throw in of blanket is both decorative and will keep you warm.
It is made of wool, cotton, linen, and other organic materials.
It is made through crochet or knitting.
They are versatile coming in sizes in the range of throwblankets to king-sized beds.
They often come in ridged or tasseled edges.
Knitting a blanket is also a good past-time especially as winter approaches.
It is made from Minky fabric which is another name for microfiber.
They are often knit and are made of 100% polyester.
Sherpa blankets
This blanket is unique because it has two differently textured sides.
One side is made of soft fleece and the other side is made of lightweight synthetic material.
They are preferred during winter nights because they are handy and very portable.
Its only downside, however, is that the quality of each side may dwindle down after many washes.
Related:Comforter vs blanket
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They are not really meant to function for warmth.
They are generally decorative in nature made of synthetic fiber.
Nonetheless, when used as bedspread, they are lighter and way shorter than comforters.
In appearance, they resemble quilted blankets because of their similarity in the stitching pattern.
Chunky Knit blankets
This blanket is made through arm knitting using the merino wool yarn.
It is fluffier, more bouncy, and softer than the ordinary knitted blankets.
As such, it provides more warmth and is suitable during long winters.
However, they come as very pricey because the merino wool yarn is a pricey material too.
Chunky knits are often used as blankets or sofa covers.
Quilted blankets
Quilt blankets involve centuries of tradition and one of the exchanged goods in the historical Silk Road.
It is made with three types of fiber including silk and is unique for its artsy patterns.
It is still a preferred winter blanket because it is well-insulated and is more lightweight compared tocomforters or duvets.
They give a more layered look to your bed too.
Beach and Yoga blankets
A beach and yoga blanket are single-layered blankets with a thicker side.
They are not used to give warmth but to as support to yoga posture and body alignment.
Lightweight and easy to fold blankets make the good beach and yoga blankets.
Woven blankets
Different patterns of woven blankets can be found in almost all cultures around the world.
They tend to have embossed pockets of the fabric where the air is trapped making them warm.
They are also lightweight because they are made of a single fabric.
As such, they are used as an added layer to quilt or even in comforters.
Down-filled blankets
They are named as such because they are used as filling for comforters or duvets.
They are fluffy and soft since they are made of quill-free feathers from geese and ducks.
This makes them natural insulators and also lightweight.
In many respects, they are known to be thinner comforters.
They are good for people who take comforters as too warm.
As the name implies, they come in various lengths to cater to different heights of people.
Traditionally, only infants wore snuggies for easier drying after taking a bath.
But now, adult versions of snuggies are already available.
They are mostly made of synthetic fibers like polyester but more pricey ones are made of cotton.
Function-wise, it is used as an added layer to comforters during extreme winter.
It also makes cozy television watching as it can be used to cover your feet for relaxation.
They are typically made of fleece.
They are basically divided between natural fiber and synthetic fiber.
As such, here are the most common materials used for blankets.
It produces blankets that have a wool-like texture and are moth-resistant.
Acrylic blankets are also lightweight and provide enough heat.
Alpaca
This one is taken from alpaca skin and it is called technically as alpaca fleece.
It gives just enough warmth and it is not bulky like down fillers.
The most common alpaca fleece is called the Huacaya fiber which looks like a less fluffy sheeps wool.
Bamboo
Blankets made of bamboo fibers are a thing and they are really good at their insulating properties.
They are also odor-resistant.
Cotton
This is a sought-after material because it is hypoallergenic.
This is the material used in baby essentials, for small kids and for people with sensitive skin.
Cotton offers a cooler feel during summer and is warm during the winter.
It is breathable helping you in regulating your body temperature year-round while at rest or when sleeping.
Cashmere
It is one of the softest and most pricey fabrics in the world.
It is known to be more lightweight and eight times warmer than sheeps wool.
This is because they are extracted from the skin of Asian mountain goats.
Cashmere can also be mixed with other natural fibers or wool-like the Merino.
The most expensive cashmere is the Mongolian and Himalayan cashmere.
It is used as filling for comforters and duvets making them look fluffier and softer.
Down made of feathers and other natural fibers have a fuller look than those made of synthetic fiber.
Faux Mohair
This one is typically used in making throw blankets.
It is made of acrylic and smooth and silky like real mohair.
It is a cheaper alternative to real fur but with the same fluffiness, softness, and warmth level.
Faux fur blankets are only washed in delicate tumble though.
Fleece & Microfiber
They are basically the easiest materials to find.
Microfiber on the other hand is the combination of rayon, nylon, and other synthetic fibers.
It is made of synthetic fibers like polyester and acrylic.
They are sturdy materials and will not wear off easily.
They are also hypoallergenic fitting people with sensitive skin.
Polyester
It is a popular choice because it is highly accessible, cheaper, durable, and soft.
You would find that most types of blankets have polyester materials in them because they are breathable and absorbent.
It also does not wear off easily and will retain its original shape even after multiple washes.
The only downside is that it tends to stick to the skin when wet.
Rayon
It is also known as viscose and it is neither full natural fiber nor full synthetic fiber.
It comes from processed cellulose fiber and is considered to be better than acrylic or polyester.
Nonetheless, it is still chosen as a blanket material because it is breathable and absorbent.
Satin
This material adds a luxurious touch to beds and is also very comfortable to sleep on.
The name satin actually refers to the fabrics weave and not the material used to make it.
It has a unique glossy appearance and soft texture.
The most expensive satin is silk satin.
Shearling
This one is a tanned and processed sheepskin with the wool still unscraped from the skin.
It makes a bundle of fur known to be breathable, warm, and also hypoallergenic.
It is also very unique because the more it ages, the more the fur will get softer.
It is also antibacterial and odor-resistant.
Vellux
It is a durable material for blankets as it includes layers of foam made with nylon fibers.
It does not wear off, shed, or shrink even after many washes.
Wool
As a material, it has been used for many centuries and is well-referenced in history.
It also produces blankets with small air pockets situated inside the fabric itself.
This makes it a breathable material allowing warm air in and cool air out.
What factors should be considered when buying a blanket?
Being prepared in buying the right blanket will not only cost you money but also time and effort.
Here is a rundown of the factors that you have to think of first before buying a blanket.
Weave pattern
Always remember that different weave patterns exude different levels of warmth.
Thermal weaves are loose and breathable meaning, quilted blankets are extra warm and knitted blankets warm but heavier.
Material
Anent to weave patterns, it is not just enough to focus on the weave patterns.
It is more important to look at the material used.
The question here is, would you settle for synthetic fiber blankets or natural fiber blankets?
Dont get me wrong.
Both are good materials but of course, the feel of each would be different than the other.
Knowing how to see the materials used would also save you financially speaking.
Take cashmere and fleece for example.
As such, you need other types of blankets to get you through most nights.
For this, you might need more lightweight and unwoven blankets.
Allergies
If you have sensitive skin, just stick with cotton or polyester.
Do not try experimenting on other types of blanket for your own good.
Some people do not take this seriously.
Also, you have to be wary of authenticity.
Not all blankets tagged with 100% cotton are really made of 100% cotton.
Cost and maintenance
Like other furnishings, blankets also need regular maintenance.
check that that the tones of the blanket you buy complement well the feel of your room.
Never mix and match or else, it will only bring you discomfort.
Choosing the best bang out of blanket is also important in our health and well-being.
Not all blanket materials will give us the desired comfort that we are looking for.
This is particularly important for people with allergies.
When it comes to choosing the best jot down of blanket for us, we have to discern well.
But to conclude, blankets play an important role in experiencing human comfort.
