Wool blankets

by snuggleb on December 19, 2010

The Benefits of Wool Blankets

Wool blankets are among the top classic choices for gifting during weddings and are also some of the most wanted bedding accessories today. These woven blankets will help you stay warm and cozy during the cold winter nights, as they are made of the softest fibers, which can absorb about one third of their own weight. So, they easily insulate and retain excess moisture while still staying breathable. We have information on the different types of wool blankets plus where to buy them and how to care for them.

Merino wool blankets

One of the most famous wool products is the merino wool blanket, made exclusively with wool obtained from white sheep raised around Merino, Spain. Did you know that exporting Merino sheep from Spain was actually illegal until somewhere during the 1700s? That’s how valuable the merino wool was.

The merino wool blanket is made of the finest quality wool in the world and is usually loom woven. It has very small scales in it that make the air pass harder, ensuring strong insulation. Plus, the merino wool has air spaces in it, which makes is incredibly lightweight. The merino wool blanket is also very silky and itch-free, great for babies and people with eczema, allergies or sensitive skin. Despite its price it is one of the most popular style of wool blanket today.

Alpaca Wool Blankets

Alpaca is a relative of the camel that lives in the South American highlands. Since there are only 3 million alpacas worldwide, alpaca wool is exclusive, never sold in retail stores. These blankets are known for being extremely dirt and stain resistant. Unlike wool, cashmere or mohair, the Alpaca wool blankets are much lighter, being perfectly suitable for baby throws.

Woven Wool Blankets vs. Non-Woven Wool Blankets

A woven wool blanket is formed by weaving the yarn from two directions. The result is a resistant and warm wool blanket, which can be machine washed and dried. Non-woven wool blankets are made of wool and synthetic fibers blended with thousands of stitches above and below, creating a less durable blanket usually used in cases of emergency. These are not machine washable.

How do you clean a wool blanket?

You can also buy washable wool blankets that can be washed by hand in cold water or even in a washing machine, making the cleaning process a breeze. But always read the care tag first. If you have a washable wool blanket, let it air dry, as a dryer will shrink it. If you are shopping for a wool baby blanket, make sure that it is made from resistant, hypoallergenic materials and can be tossed into the washing machine.

As winter came, wool blankets are more and more in demand. Whether you’re at home on your couch or sitting in the car, you can enjoy the benefits of having a warm wool throw to put around your legs or shoulders.

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