I’ve had my share of throw blankets. Some I crocheted myself, and others were given to me as gifts. A few covered my king-sized bed while others were just enough to snuggle into on the sofa watching TV. The typical blanket is 50 inches by 60 inches, so throw blankets are just a little smaller than that:
- 36 inches by 50 inches
- 40 inches by 60 inches
- 45 inches by 55 inches
- 45 inches by 60 inches
There are several different types of throw blanket, which affects the size. Snuggle up in your favorite throw blanket, grab a coffee, and let’s talk blankies.
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You’ll Need To Know The Types Of Throw Blankets And Their Typical Sizes
The function of throw blankets is a given, so what you need to consider is the color, textile, and pattern of the blanket. The blanket should keep you warm and wash well. Throws have advanced just like all other aspects of our lives, so you’ll be able to take your blanket from the sofa to the bedroom without missing a beat.
The types of throw blankets are actually the textile of which they’re made. There are nine types of blankets from which to choose.
1. The Most Common Throw Blankets Are Made Of 100 Percent Cotton
There are quite a few weaves from which cotton throw blankets can be made, such as waffle weave, herringbone weave, cable knitted, thermal knit, and more. How the fabric is finished is a consideration as well. The textile can be brushed to look like velvet or made to look like faux fur.
Cotton is soft, breathable, and washes well. It’s warm and hypoallergenic, which makes it a good idea for kids and pets. Cotton throws come in sizes ranging from standard or 50 x 60 inches to a king size or 72 x 80 inches. Throw blankets aren’t intended for bed coverage, but they can enhance the warmth of the bed linens.
2. The Most Coveted Material In Throw Blankets For Cold-Natured Persons Is The Wool Blanket
Ordinarily, wool comes from the merino sheep. It processes into the softest wool ever and is highly sought for fine textiles. A thing that has lately become, well, a thing is alpaca wool. As you can see in the above picture, the blanket looks soft, it’s breathable, and hypoallergenic as well.
In addition to this, you won’t sweat through the night beneath a wool blanket. It wicks moisture away from the sleeper. Bonus: wool is fireproof, so if you fall asleep in front of the fireplace, you’ll be safe. Wool throw blankets come in sizes ranging from those listed above to just smaller than a blanket covering a twin to a king-sized bed.
3. No One Doesn’t Love Fleece. It Makes The Softest, Most Comfy Throw Blankets Ever
You see them in all the stores beginning in September. They come in rolls or flat and are wrapped with a ribbon. They’re fleece throws. They go on sofas and chairs, beds, and in the kids’ rooms or the baby’s crib. They’re soft, warm, and the ultimate cuddly blankie.
Fleece throw blankets wash well, wick moisture away from the snuggler, and are more affordable than cotton and wool. Fleece throw blankets are available in the sizes listed above, in addition to the sizes needed for beds from twin to king-sized.
4. Have You Ever Wanted To Feel Decadent While You Snuggle With A Blanket? Hello, Cashmere
Wool typically comes from merino sheep or alpacas. Cashmere, on the other hand, comes from goats. Specifically, it comes from goats located in Kashmir, India, and has done so since the 13th century. The fiber is finer than wool, which feels incredibly soft against the skin.
Cashmere throws are a tad expensive, but for anyone with sensitive skin, they’re a must. They’re warm, strong, and light. Cashmere throw blankets come in the sizes listed above as well as those needed to cover beds from twin to king-sized.
5. We’ve All Seen Pictures Of Down Pillows And Down Coverlets, But Did You Know Down Throw Blankets Exist?
Down throw blankets are stuffed with fluffy duck or goose feathers. The resulting blanket is thick, fluffy, and unbelievably warm. If you’re cold-natured or just want the ultimate warmth in winter, then this is your blanket. Word to the wise: if you have animal or feather allergies, you might want a fleece throw blanket instead.
Down throw blankets are available in the sizes mentioned above.
6. For Those Not Wishing To Mess Up A Nice Fabric Like Wool Or Cashmere, There Are Alternative Textiles That Mimic These But Cost Considerably Less
Have you seen in stores those rolled up or folded “fur” throw blankets? Just like cotton, silk, and satin can be brushed to make “velvet,” synthetic materials are specially processed to produce “fur.” One of these synthetic textiles is alternative mink. It’s warm, reasonably priced, and comes in all kinds of colors, patterns, and sizes.
Acrylic is a man-made fiber that mirrors real ones so well that not many can tell the difference. They’re soft and warm, keeping their color forever. An extra bonus is that moths can’t damage them. They come in all sizes, patterns, and colors.
Polyester has gone through some bad reputation slanders since the disco era and those – ahem – outfits. The fact is that the textile is strong but soft, long-lasting, and a snap to clean. Polyester is often mixed with natural fibers, so the snuggler gets the best of both worlds. It keeps its color and shape forever and comes in all colors, patterns, and sizes.
Microfiber/microplush has become the newest thing out of which to make everything from swimsuits to towels to throw blankets. Man-made though the textile is, it’s as soft as velvet, so you know it’s warm. This material cleans well, the color and pattern last forever, and you can store it forever, too, without fear of moths, mildew, or staining. These come in all sizes as well.
7. Those Who Crochet And/Or Knit Their Throw Blankets Haven’t Been Forgotten (I Crocheted Mine, Too)
I never learned to knit, but I do know that nothing I’ve crocheted has ever come unraveled. Nor did any crocheted blanket I ever made lose its shape in the washer and dryer. So those who crochet their throw blankets have that going for them. The real difference between crocheted and knitted throw blankets is that one’s stitches are smooth and the other is knobby. It just depends on which you prefer.
Thread for knitting and crocheting comes in wool, cotton, silk, and synthetic fibers. Thus, your throw blanket will feel like the best textiles found in a store. They’ll wash well, wick moisture away from the snuggler, and retain their color for years to come. Additionally, there’s something special about a garment or warm blanket you made yourself. Have you noticed that you use the crocheted pot holders, the scarf, the hat, and the bedroom slippers more than you use the same store-bought items?
Sizes Of Throw Blankets FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A Bed Blanket And A Throw Blanket?
A blanket made for a bed is made to specific lengths and widths to fit a twin, double, queen, or king-sized bed. It lies atop the sheets with a slight overhang. A throw blanket, on the other hand, is smaller than a bed blanket by a few inches. It was never made to cover anything other than a person lying on a sofa, the back of the sofa, or a chair.
Why Are They Called Throw Blankets?
When you “throw” something over a sofa to protect it from dust and grime, then that something becomes a throw blanket. Housewives often “throw” something over furniture to make it “presentable” (this old thing? Aw, I just threw it on, that type of thing.) Pillows are “thrown” onto a sofa, chair, or bed to make them more comfortable and stylish.
For What Is A Throw Blanket Used?
We’ve wrapped our babies in throw blankets when their receiving blanket was in the wash. We’ve stripped the clothes off someone shivering with cold and wrapped them snugly in a throw blanket to get their body temperature back to normal. We’ve thrown them over sofas, chairs, and beds to make a stylish statement when our mother-in-law visits. They make great picnic blankets, they’re a lifesaver in the car when the car’s heater just isn’t up to snuff, and they’re handy when the kids can’t make it to their beds and drop to the floor, sound asleep.
Can You Use A Throw Blanket In Place Of A Comforter?
Of course, you can. They’re warm enough, especially if you knit or crochet your own. However, most people simply throw one over their existing coverlet, thus adding to the warm layers. Remember to choose your colors, patterns, and sizes accordingly. Some throws are just slightly smaller than bed blankets, so pairing them up properly will be important.
