If you want to know what is a throw blanket, it`s simply a smaller item that serves functions not limited to visual appeal. Much like throw pillows, throw blankets are versatile because of their design, size, and materials. This article will discuss this nifty product in more detail below. 

But first, why should you bother with throw blankets? As you will read later on, the throw blanket is more than an aesthetic piece. Furthermore, it can be considered a UK home must-have along with your bedsheets and duvets. 

What Is A Throw Blanket, And How Do You Use It?

Throw blankets are smaller blankets that you put on the sofa as decorative pieces. However, their purpose is not limited to aesthetics because you can also snuggle a throw blanket when you’re hanging out in the UK living room. Therefore, these pieces shouldn’t only look good but also feel good when wrapped around the body.

What are throw blankets used for?

As we have mentioned, these are decorative blankets that you can also use while lounging. You can easily remember their use from the name itself, similar to the purpose of having throw pillows. Throw blankets come in different designs and materials, so you can get creative in how you’ll use them to enhance your sofa. 

1. Use throw blankets as decoration

You don’t have to match the pillows and couch when selecting a throw blanket to add. It can be a different colour or texture as long as it complements the overall theme. You’re also not limited to only draping the throw because some styles work well as tapestry.

2. Use throw blankets for relaxing

Besides the design, be mindful of the material your throw blanket uses. It should be breathable and soft to keep you cosy when used. What’s great with most throw blankets is you can use them year-round because you can layer for winter or use only one for summer.

3. Use throw blankets to protect your furniture

Pieces of furniture are pretty expensive, so it’s only natural that you want to keep them in pristine conditions. Why not keep your UK living room stylish while sneakily using the blanket as a furniture cover? It will keep the sofa clean from dust and other build-ups.

Why Is It Called A Throw?

If you ever wondered why throw blankets are called throw, it`s because of the manner you put them on the sofa. You`ll throw the piece of material over your couch as a decoration or cover, the same way that you`ll throw decorative pillows on it. But regardless if you throw or lay it on the sofa, the throw blanket will retain its name. 

Types of throw blankets

1. Throw blanket sizes

The standard size of a throw blanket is 50 by 60 inches, but you can expect to find variations from these dimensions. Some are even larger, which is excellent if you want to use the blanket more than decor. However, we think this standard size is helpful because it’s enough to cover your lap without spilling on the floor and bothering those in the room.

2. Throw blanket materials

You can also differentiate throw blankets based on the materials they use. Cotton and fleece are the most popular ones because of the many design options without sacrificing the blanket’s feel. Cotton is also cool for use, while the fleece is excellent year-round.

If you live somewhere cold, you can opt for cashmere and faux fur throw blankets because it’s thick. But if you’re aiming to protect the furniture, microfiber is a valuable material that can protect against liquids.

What Is The Difference Between A Throw And A Blanket?

It’s easy to identify a throw blanket from a typical blanket we use for sleep. You’ll notice that it’s smaller and won’t cover more than half of the body. Regular bed blankets also rarely come in various styles and are more monochromatic in designs and colours. A throw blanket will suffice if you want extra warmth, but a proper blanket is ideal for a good night’s sleep.

Can You Sleep With A Throw Blanket?

You can still sleep with a throw blanket, but the size might not suffice to wrap you in bed. Remember that its standard dimensions are only 50 by 60 inches, so it will not reach past your legs or upper body for covering loosely. However, it can serve as a security blanket or something comfortable to touch to help you fall asleep. 

As we have discussed, there are different throw blanket materials, and you can select one that will feel best for sleeping. You can add your throw blanket to the bed along with your primary blanket as well. 

How Do You Use A Throw Blanket On A Bed?

There is no particular rule to follow when placing a throw blanket on the bed. However, a neat way to make your bed is to drape it over one corner of the foot or align the folded blanket horizontally at the end. 

Conclusion

You`ve heard of throw pillows, but there are also throw blankets. What is a throw blanket? It`s a smaller material that you can still snuggle with but comes in more designs and colours for aesthetic purposes. 

It has a good size to put over your legs when lounging on the sofa without becoming a slipping hazard on the floor. You can also use it at night and then place it on the bed as decor along with your pillows. 

If you are curious about what is an afghan blanket, it is a knitted or crocheted blanket. Also, you can use either human-made or natural fibres to make one. 

 

It is yarn art and is primarily decorative. However, it is also helpful as a blanket. 

 

Does this pique your interest? If so, then please do read further. We will talk about what sets an afghan blanket apart from a regular blanket, along with its distinct traits. 

 

After differentiating it from a regular blanket, can it be used as a substitute? Is it as effective? You will find out more as you read on. 

 

What Is An Afghan Blanket And Its Difference To A Regular Blanket?

In reality, labels like throws, afghan blankets, and blankets have interchangeably used over time. They do have differences, though. Here are some of the aspects wherein they are different.

 

• Size – A blanket is bed-sized, be it queen or king-sized. On the other hand, afghan blankets not limited to any size. 

 

They can be in the size of throws or even bed-sized. There are even lap-sized afghan blankets or lapghans that are perfect for your lap.

 

• Materials – Blankets made of one piece of fabric that is bed-sized. Also, their ends are bound as opposed to throws to prevent fraying. 

 

Meanwhile, afghan blankets are knitted or crocheted. They are hand-made, which gives them a distinct texture.

 

Moreover, they are usually colourful, but you can also use one colour to make them.

 

• Construction – Blankets usually made from wool blends or fleece. The most common material used for blankets is cotton.

 

As mentioned repeatedly, Afghan blankets are crocheted or knitted, meaning they made of yarn. 

 

• Use – Both regular blankets and afghan blankets used for warmth. However, afghan blankets also have a decorative use.

 

Sometimes, you can see them draped over sofas or ottomans to give an additional flair to the UK room. 

 

Characteristics Of Afghan Blankets

 

• Complexity – Afghan blankets are human-made and are done through hard work. They require different types and colours of yarns and skills to pull off a design or motif. In short, they require effort. 

 

That’s a good thing because crocheting afghan blankets help with memory. It is also called crochet therapy, and it helps those in the United Kingdom who have dementia issues!

 

• Comfortability – More than personal projects and decor, afghan blankets offer warmth and comfort. Whether you are snuggling during winter or working on a project during summer, there is an afghan blanket for you. 

 

• Sizes – an advantage of the afghan blanket is that it comes in different sizes.

 

A full-size afghan blanket is about 50” by 65”. A lapghan is approximately 35” to 40”. The baby blanket, on the other hand, is about 25” by 30”.

 

These are general measurements, so you can end up with a larger or smaller afghan blanket, depending on your pattern.

 

You can also modify the afghan blankets you made. For example, you can turn a baby blanket into a full-sized afghan.

 

It is effortless to modify them if they are striped afghan blankets. 

 

What makes afghan blankets unique? 

Afghan blankets are different from blankets and throws. That much has been established.

 

However, what makes it appealing to the public? Here are some characteristics of afghan blankets that attract people in the UK to it.

 

Different types and styles of afghan blankets

Considering how afghan blankets used for decor, it is not surprising that there are different crocheting or knitting types and styles to make them. Here are some examples:

 

• Single-piece – This one is a hit among beginners. They are not intimidating and complicated, and it is a good start if you want to dive into crocheting or knitting afghan blankets.

 

• Mile-a-minute – This crochet technique done in separate pieces. You work on different strips and then put them together. 

 

This way, you do not get overwhelmed by the amount of crocheting you need to do. The mile-a-minute technique is also advantageous if you do not like carrying your project around with you since you only need to work on certain pieces. 

 

• Join-as-you-go – This crochet technique is also made up of pieces and is true to its name. You join different sides of the motifs you are working on as you go. It is fun to do, but it is a bit complicated for beginners. 

 

• Motif – Like mile-a-minute, this type of crocheting is done in pieces – or this case, motifs. The motifs can have similar or different designs. They can also done in blocks, also known as granny squares. 

 

The motif is a popular crochet technique because you can take them anywhere and the designs you can pull off are versatile. 

 

• Graphghan – In this crochet technique, you will crochet an image. The image can be a photo of your pet or something as simple as a symbol. It can even be lettering!

Conclusion

People in the United Kingdom who like to keep warm and comfortable are blanket connoisseurs. Again, you might ask, what is an afghan blanket? The answer is that it’s a mix of design and comfort, echoing what has discussed above.

You can learn how to make a weighted blanket with removable weights in two easy steps. It’s always useful that you make a blanket with removable weights so that you can adjust it to your preference. You can even follow this guide and skip the buttons if you want the weights to be permanent. 

We have taught you before how to make a weighted blanket with glass beads. But for this tutorial, we’ll be using plastic beads. Without further ado, let’s get started!

 

How To Make A Weighted Blanket With Removable Weights Easily

 

1. Plan your blanket and prepare the materials

Like making other blankets, you have to cut two fabric pieces according to the size of the finished blanket you want. The blanket’s ideal size should have width and height enough to cover the person who’ll use it. After you have the front and back pieces, you will need to make the weight pockets. 

They can range from three to five inches with four inches allowance for the finished blanket edge. Then, prepare enough plastic beads for filling the blanket later. How heavy should your weighted blanket bed?

A guideline to remember is that the blanket should be as heavy as 10% of the person’s weight using it. Be sure to divide the number between knowing how to distribute the beads for each filler pocket. 

 

2. Sew the fabric pieces

Sew the blanket’s front and back pieces but remember to leave the top open for turning it later. A ⅜ seam allowance should suffice, then you can turn the blanket right side out to open the seams. Topstitch ¼ inches from the edge so that you’ll also end where you start from the gap. 

Stitch two inches from the fabric edge or two inches from the gap to finish sewing the two long sides and bottom. To reinforce the durability of your weighted blanket, you want to backstitch at the beginning and end. Then, sew two inches from the inner topstitching to connect the vertical channels of your blanket. 

Place enough plastic pellets into the channels to reach your desired blanket weight. Sew all the vertical channels and proceed to close the open end you left earlier. Stitch the last row of squares when you’re sewing the channels and start and finish sewing where the topstitching ends on the sides after folding the edges of the open side at half an inch. 

 

How do you make the weights removable?

Since you want to make the weight adjustable by having the option to lessen the pellets, you’ll need to add buttonholes. This way, you can place the blanket into a duvet cover to keep everything in place. 

 

How Do I Make A Washable Weighted Blanket?

Making a washable weighted blanket is as easy as using washable fillers. Use plastic filler beads instead of organic fillers like rice, beans, or even sand. Follow our two-step guide above, and you can ensure that the resulting weighted blanket will be safely washable. 

If you used fillers like sand or rice, you risk damaging the blanket and have it clump up. The blanket will no longer be comfortable because the weight it provides poorly distributed. It may also fail to dry thoroughly, and you risk developing mould. 

 

How to wash a weighted blanket

Proper care of weighted blankets will ensure that they will be comfortable for years to come. However, remember to wash your blanket according to what’s appropriate for its fabric and filler type. While plastic pellets are washable, avoid using hot temperatures as they might melt, unlike glass beads.

Your blanket fabrics might also be safer to hang dry rather than throwing them in the dryer in a tumble setting. The best way to extend your weighted blanket’s lifespan is to remember these washing considerations and try your best to keep it clean. To do this, use a removable cover that you can wash more often. 

The removable blanket we’ve taught you can use a duvet cover. And finally, ventilate your blanket regularly to deodorize, freshen, and disinfect it safely. 

 

What Can I Use To Fill A Weighted Blanket?

The most common fillers for weighted blankets are glass beads and plastic pellets. The former loved because of their durability, but plastic pellets are more low maintenance. Some blankets can also get heavy using sand, rice, beans, or even steel shot beads. 

If you’re making the weighted blanket yourself, be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the material you want to use. Remember that some of them can’t get wet as they might clump up. More so, the resulting deep touch pressure from the blanket’s weight should provide relief and not discomfort. 

 

Is It Bad To Use A Weighted Blanket That Is Too Heavy?

Using a weighted blanket that is too heavy will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, you must only make something as serious as 10% of the person’s weight that will use it. You should also adjust accordingly if a child or elderly used the weighted blanket.

Conclusion

You can take advantage of deep touch pressure by using weighted blankets. But if you want to know how to make a weighted blanket with removable weights for more control, we’ve simplified the process into two steps. You need to make a blanket using two fabric pieces and fill the vertical channels with plastic pellets. 

Remember to finish this project with buttons so you can remove the weights as you like. 

It only takes three steps to understand how to wash an Afghan blanket. Even though an Afghan is considered a throw blanket, you should still keep it clean to ensure that it stays looking good as new. This blanket one treat more commonly as a decoration in the UK, but it doesn’t mean you can skip out on washing it regularly. 

An Afghan blanket is typically knitted or crocheted. Therefore, you can’t wash it randomly, or it may lose its structure. Prepare your washing machine using our three-step guide below:

 

How To Wash An Afghan Blanket Correctly

 

1. Check your blanket

Please check its tag for any possible cleaning indications before putting your Afghan blanket in the washing machine. If you crocheted or knitted the blanket yourself, note the yarn type you used to wash it at the ideal water temperature, setting, and detergent.

Afghan blankets made of wool and some cotton yarns are better to be hand-washed to maintain their integrity. But if you’re using synthetic materials such as acrylic and specific cotton yarns, you should be safe to place the Afghan in cool water and gentle detergent in the washer. 

 

2. Finish the washing cycle

The ideal setting for an Afghan blanket in the washing machine is the delicate cycle. It would also be best to wash it alone because other items may have parts that can snag the yarn. Run the process, and you can proceed to rinsing and drying.

Before anything else, can you use a fabric softener on Afghan blankets? Some synthetic materials are safe with fabric softeners. They are even beneficial for Afghans with tassels because fabric softeners can prevent tangles. 

 

3. Rinse and dry the blanket

After finishing the cycle, you can air-dry the Afghan or put it in the dryer. However, do note that synthetic yarns are the only safe materials to dry in the dryer. Place these types of blankets in a mesh bag before using the dryer at the low heat setting. 

If you can’t use the dryer for your blanket, lay it out somewhere and ensure that you turn it periodically to dry thoroughly. It’s best not to hang the Afghan to keep its shape, so put it over a plastic-covered surface with some towels. And if your Afghan has tassels or fringe, comb through them with your fingers to remove the tangles.  

 

Can You Machine Wash An Afghan?

Much like with other crocheted projects, you must be careful before placing the Afghan in the washing machine. You also want to use a washer without a centre agitator to prevent getting the blanket stretched out. Blankets that use acrylic and synthetic yarn should be compatible in the washing machine, while those that use natural materials are better hand-washed. 

 

How to hand wash an Afghan blanket

1. Fill a basin with cold water mixed with some detergent
2. Submerge the Afghan blanket in the water and swish it around without wringing
3. Drain the liquid from the basin and replace it with cold water
4. Rinse the Afghan blanket and change the water until it turns clear
5. Gently squeeze the blanket to get rid of excess liquid and press a rolled towel onto it to absorb more water
6. Place the blanket over a flat surface with towels and turn the blanket once another side is dry. Replace the blankets if they’re soaked
7. Check if your crochet has loosened up and pushed the yarn together. Reshape the blanket to restore its form and ensure that it has dried thoroughly for 24 hours or more before using

How Do You Get The Musty Smell Out Of An Afghan?

If you noticed that your Afghan blanket smells musty, you could give it a deep cleaning according to our hand-washing and machine-washing guide. Some materials are also safe to be used with vinegar and then baking soda. The baking soda will neutralize the musty smell further and the lingering sour odour from the vinegar. 

 

Why does my Afghan blanket smell musty?

There are many reasons why your crochet or knitted blanket has developed a musty odour. The most common culprit is mould or mildew that can grow if your blanket is damp and didn’t dry thoroughly. You might’ve also spilt liquid on the blanket, and you forgot to treat it immediately. 

Be sure that you also store your Afghan blanket in a place with good air circulation. Regularly ventilating the blanket is a good practice to ensure that the materials are dry and prevent the build-up of nasty stuff on the blanket’s crevices. 

How Do You Wash A Blanket Without Ruining It?

The best way to wash a blanket without accidentally deforming or ruining the texture is by checking the cleaning tag. If you’re using a crochet blanket, different types of yarn have ideal cleaning procedures. You may not even need to wash the blanket often, and shaking it out is enough. 

 

Conclusion

Afghan blankets should always stay clean to retain their shape and colour. You have just learned how to wash an Afghan blanket the best way by hand or with a washer. Be sure to check your material for its ideal washing procedures. 

The key is to use the appropriate detergent and water temperature when cleaning your Afghan. It would be best if you also dried it flat to ensure that it won’t get misshapen. 

 

Owning an electric blanket is relatively cheap. How much to run an electric blanket, you ask? Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect.

 

Is An Electric Blanket Expensive To Run?

An electric blanket can keep you nice and toasty under the sheets when it gets cold. It makes it perfect for snuggling with a companion, a pet, or by yourself!

 

To put things in perspective, an electric blanket, on average, will consume about 400 watts.

 

The price of kilowatts per hour for the United Kingdom is 17.2 pence as of January 2021.

 

The estimated cost will still vary depending on where you live, though.

 

Now let’s do the math. If you use your electric blanket for, say, 8 hours a night, it totals up to an estimated 3200 watts or 3.2 kilowatts.

 

For the average total around the UK, it would cost around 41 pence per night.

 

If you were to estimate how much per year, the total would be £148.22 if used every night.

 

You may want to consider that you’d use the electric blanket only during chilly months.

 

For example, if you use it for only six months, that would bring the average cost to about £74.11 per year.

 

As stated earlier, electricity prices still vary from state to state and how many watts the electric blanket consumes.

 

With this in mind, you can expect the cost per night or per year will be more or less the above amounts.

 

It’s a good deal if you’re considering whether to use an electric blanket or a space heater. Speaking of which, let’s go over which is cheaper.

 

Is An Electric Blanket Cheaper Than A Space Heater?

It’s no doubt that both can provide great comfort during chilly nights.

 

After all, you can save on heating if you use one of them in your bedroom.

 

We discussed earlier that an electric blanket would provide warm comfort under the sheets as you sleep.

 

On the other hand, a space heater is suitable for keeping the whole room comfortably warm. It’ll give your bedroom the perfect atmosphere.

 

To properly compare the two, let’s go over how much a space heater will cost to run. On average, a space heater consumes 1,500 watts or 1.5 kilowatts at most.

 

The wattage is already more than an electric blanket.

 

If you want to get more into detail, using it for 8 hours a night would total around 12 kilowatts and £1.53 per night.

 

Using it every night would be about £558.45 for a year and £274.23 for six months.

 

Compared to an electric blanket, space heaters take up more energy and are pricier in the long run.

 

With this, you can save more if you use an electric blanket during cold nights. It’ll make the warmth in bed more worth it.

 

What You Should Know On How Much To Run An Electric Blanket

Owning an electric blanket does have its benefits. Below is an enumeration of what you should know to keep them in good shape.

 

Don’t overuse

As with any other electrical appliance, you have to remember to turn it off after using it.

 

Some electric blankets have a timer that makes this more convenient for you.

 

You also have to make sure your electric blanket is suitable for overnight use.

 

Doing this will ensure that it doesn’t become a fire hazard while you’re asleep.

 

Here’s an electricity-saving tip: you can leave it on for about 10 minutes and turn it off afterwards.

 

The heat will remain for about an hour which will make it easier to sleep.

 

Some blankets even have timers to make them more convenient to turn off after use.

 

Keep flat

Lay the blanket flat when you lie down. If it’s folded or bunched up when it’s on, it could trap heat between the creases causing it to overheat.

 

If you keep it flat, you’ll stop your electric blanket from becoming a fire hazard.

 

Don’t lay on top

You must stay under the blanket during use. If you lay on top of it, you could end up damaging the inner wires.

 

Using an electric blanket with damaged wires could potentially increase the risk of a fire.

 

Don’t use with heated mattress pads or on waterbeds

Electric blankets are a terrible idea if you have a water bed.

 

A potential leak could cause electrocution and even start a fire if the electric blanket is on.

 

A heated mattress pad could make things hotter and also contribute to a possible fire.

 

Avoid placing anything on top

Pillows, books, or anything you might place on the electric blanket could prevent heat from properly escaping.

 

Of course, this could result in overheating.

 

Make sure to clear up the top of the electric blanket when you use it.

 

If you have a pet, they may also enjoy the comfort the heat the electric blanket could bring.

 

Keep your pet from settling on top of the blanket.

 

If your furry companion wants to snuggle in it, keep their heads sticking out so they can lay comfortably under the electric blanket.

Conclusion

An electric blanket is budget-friendly and can be very comfortable if you can take care of it properly.

 

Perhaps someone you know is still asking, “How much to run an electric blanket?” and is considering getting one.

 

Now you can tell anyone who asks how cost-effective it can be and how worth it is for a toasty night during the cold days.