The best blankets are made from the best materials that dictate the quality, softness, and strength of the fabric. But the way in which the yarn or thread is weaved together is what makes each piece stand out.
A weave is the pattern for manufacturing a piece of fabric. The yarns are used in different ways in order to produce various effects, styles, or patterns. These patterns can be plain and simple or sophisticated and artistic.
Flat Weave Blanket
Flat weaves typically make use of colorful strings or pieces of yarn and tension to create different designs. This is one of the simplest weaves to make. From its name, this particular weave produces a flat surface with no pile and is often employed to create rugs, carpets, and blankets. The final surface of the weave can either be smooth or textured depending on the degree of tightness of the weave and the density of the thread used.
Satin/Sateen Weave Blanket
Although more complicated, a satin weave is a flexible type of weave than the plain flat weave. The weave is called “satin” when filament fibers such as silk or nylon are used and “sateen” when short-staple yarns like cotton is used. The horizontal weft threads cross over the vertical warp threads more often than it passes under. The weft is then more visible than the warp. This weave is lustrous with a smooth surface ad it drapes in an excellent manner.
Twill Weave Blanket
The twill weave is somewhat similar to the flat weave. However, it is more durable, heavier, more wrinkle and soil-resistant, and is more flexible.
Basket Weave Blanket
The basket weave is one of the most widely used techniques for weaving, not only baskets, but also for blankets due to its beautiful interwoven pattern. It is a variation of the plain flat weave in that it has a loose construction as well as a flat look. It is more flexible and stronger but is less stable. The pattern is simple but has a striking effect, particularly when different colors are used to highlight the contrasting pattern.
Jacquard Weave Blanket
The Jacquard weave is named after the French weaver Joseph M. Jacquard. It uses a special jacquard loom to create complex and intricate patterns. From sophisticated diamonds to detailed paisley, the jacquard looms make these patterns possible. Fabrics made through this weave have floats, luster, and are generally more stable and stretchy than basic weaves.
Knowing Your Weaves
Aside from knowing the material used to create the blanket, it can also be important to identify the type of weave used not only for aesthetic reasons but also for a deeper understanding of the strength and overall quality of the blanket since studies have shown that different weaving techniques contribute differently to a fabric’s elasticity and lifespan.