Best Fabrics for Woven Throw Blankets: Cotton, Wool, and Synthetic

Sitting on the deck of your house, an evening breeze hits, and you wrap yourself in the warmth of a cozy throw blanket. But have you ever wondered why some woven throw blankets feel cozy in the summers while others do in the winters? It is because of the material of the fabric that is used in making it. Ranging from classic cotton to organic wool and modern synthetics, the fabric of your blanket determines its breathability, coziness, and cooling properties, ensuring comfort all year long.

In this blog, we will discuss the various materials used for making blankets, the qualities they come with, and the ways in which you can easily maintain them.

Throw Blankets Materials & Their Maintenance Guide

When to Choose a Cotton Throw Blanket

Cotton throw blankets are a versatile choice, right from basic solids to woven tapestry blankets, that suits every lifestyle, but they are specifically beneficial if: 

• You require year-round comfort, as cotton is a highly breathable fabric that keeps you warm in winter while allowing airflow to prevent overheating in summer.

• Your skin is very sensitive because cotton is naturally hypoallergenic and a nonirritable fabric, which also ensures that it is safe to be used with babies.

• You are a supporter of organically obtained products. Cotton is 100% biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals.

• You prefer soft, lightweight warmth without the heaviness of other fabrics.

Care Tips to Keep Cotton Fresh & Soft

Spot Clean Stains: If your cotton blanket has some spots of spilled food or anything else, first deal with them. Blot the stain immediately and rinse it with cold water. You can also use mild detergent or vinegar for tough stains.

Use Mild Detergent: Harsh chemicals can take away the softness of your blanket, making it stiff and faded. Always use a small amount of mild detergent that is free from fragrances and is water-based so that there is no soap residue. 

Wash Separately and Avoid Overloading: If you overload the washer with heavy fabrics like towels, it can cause pilling. Always wash your cotton throw with similar lightweight fabrics.

Shake & Fluff Regularly: To prevent the fibers of cotton from matting and to keep it feeling fresh, you have to fluff them regularly.

Best Suited Use of Wool Throw Blanket

One of the best features of a woolen throw blanket is that even when it is wet, it retains warmth, unlike cotton and synthetic fabric, which makes it ideal for locations where temperatures suddenly drop. Here is why you should get it:

• Self-Cleaning & Odor-Resistant: The fibers of wool contain keratin, which naturally breaks down most kinds of bacteria and odors. It requires less cleaning and washing compared to others.

• Naturally Flame Resistant: The ignition temperature of wool is about 570-600°F, and it extinguishes itself when exposed to fire.

• Wrinkle-Resistant: Woolen fibers have the tendency to bend up to 20,000 times without even breaking, and because of their wider woven patterns, they don't form wrinkles. 

Naturally Water-Repellent: Unlike other materials that absorb water and other liquids, causing them to stain, woolen throw blankets tent to resist water and light spills.

Wool Maintenance: Keeping It Cozy & Clean

Avoid Excessive Washing: Frequent or excessive washing can strip away the natural oils and make the blanket dry and brittle over time. You should only wash it once in a while, air it out, or clean the stains if there are any.

Use Wool-Safe Detergent: Wool is made of the same protein that is in human hair, making it highly sensitive to harsh chemicals, which is why you should always use a detergent that has a neutral pH level. It will preserve the colors, softness, and elasticity of your normal or tapestry throw blanket.

Use a Wool Brush: Over time, woolen fibers can collect dust particles and slight matting. Use a soft brush designed for woolen articles to restore their brand-new look in no time.

Best Suited Use of Synthetic Throw Blankets

Synthetic throw blankets are the first choice for many people who look for a budget-friendly, sustainable option that will last for years. Here’s why you should go for it:

• Highly Affordable & Versatile: These woven blankets are made from materials like polyester, acrylic, and microfiber, which are affordable as compared to naturally obtained options. Also, they are mass produced, which reduces the costs and offers a variety of textures, thicknesses, and designs, like floral or tapestry throw blankets.

• Fade & Shrink Resistance: These blankets do not shrink or fade over time. Even after multiple washes, they tend to stay the same as they resist stretching, shrinking, and fading.

• Quick-Drying & Mold Resistant: Synthetic fibers are hydrophobic, making them highly resistant to water. That means instead of absorbing water and becoming a powerhouse for mold and mildew, it will stay clean and fresh.

Easy Care Tips for Long-Lasting Synthetic Throws

Wash Separately to Prevent Static Buildup: When you wash your synthetic throw blankets with cotton or woolen blankets, they create excessive static, which attracts lint and hair. To minimize this, you need to wash them separately or with other synthetic fabrics in a gentle wash cycle.

Skip Fabric Softener: Fabric softeners tend to stick to the fabric and get absorbed or form a waxy layer, which eventually reduces its breathability. Instead of using a softener, add ½ cup of white vinegar when you rinse them.

Use a Low-Heat or No-Heat Dryer Setting: These fabrics tend to melt or wrap when they are kept at high temperatures, as most of them are petroleum-based. You should use low heat on them and avoid drying them in the machine to make sure they last for a long time.

Conclusion

There’s no denying that the best choice depends on your personal preferences, climatic conditions, and also your intent in using it. Whether you prefer a warm and soft throw, one with beautiful art and thread works on them, or one that is easy to maintain. There is a perfect match for your needs. 

Need help finding the right one? We’ve got just what you need. At Quality Tapestry, we offer a variety of throw blankets that offer you comfort all year long and come in numerous designs. On our website, you can also find similar home decor pieces like wall hangings, small or big tapestries, and other woven items made from different superior quality fabrics.

So, what are you waiting for? Browse through our collections to choose the ones that speak your heart!