Have you ever wondered what is a muslin blanket? Why does it matter whether we use it or not? One of the first items to prepare when expecting a child is the blanket they’ll spend most of their time with, and in the UK, one of the most popular fabrics to use is muslin.

To know more about this blanket and why most moms love it, you should continue reading.

What Is A Muslin Blanket Primarily Used For?

A muslin blanket uses muslin fabric, which is a lightweight and breathable material. It has finely woven, allowing it to get even softer with further usage. It is a type of cotton fabric often seen on baby blankets and swaddles. 

Mothers love using it to wrap around their babies, for it is one of the softest and gentlest fabrics out there. It also allows adequate airflow, which reduces the risk of overheating among infants. It is an ordinary gift during baby showers and for first-time moms. 

What’s even more incredible about this material is the more you wash it, the softer it gets. One of the main issues with baby blankets is getting rough and developing fluffs when used too much. With muslin, you won’t have to worry about it. 

Muslin Blankets VS Swaddles And Receiving Blankets

Muslin blankets, receiving blankets, and swaddles often used interchangeably. All of them are for infants, and they have very little difference from each other.

Both receiving and muslin blankets are loose clothes often used to cover babies. The only distinction of muslin is the fabric quality that makes it more preferable by most moms. It also tends to be somewhat larger, making it easier to use in swaddling.

Receiving blankets are the ones used for newborns because it is smaller. It lessens the possibility of suffocating and helps the baby to remain calm. 

Swaddle blankets are the primary type of cloth used in baby swaddling. The practise dates back to the 17th century and is used to reduce the infant’s natural reflexes. Newborn babies are sensitive to loud noises, and they tend to get startled a lot. 

Swaddling also reduces their anxiety and improves sleep at night by imitating a mother’s hug. It keeps their hands from scratching their delicate skin. It is safe as long as the cloth is tight enough because loose clothing can contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. 

What are the advantages of using muslin as a baby blanket?

Using muslin as a baby blanket provides a lot of advantages. Newborn babies are not always easy to handle, but blankets are one way to make the whole process relatively manageable. 

• Breathable and organic

Uncomfortable fabric material that traps your baby’s body heat is the last thing you want them to have. Aside from being breathable, muslin is also organic and came from natural fibres. It allows air to circulate freely, giving that extra comfort.

• Mimics a mother’s touch

Swaddles most often used to provide relaxation to the infant. The soft texture of the muslin gives the baby a sensation the same as their mother’s touch. It makes them feel safe and secured while still being gentle. 

• Promotes better sleep

One of the reasons why a baby cannot fall asleep during the night is discomfort. A lot of things can contribute to this, but the very thing is their blanket. Some clothes can be harsh to the skin. If you want them to sleep peacefully at night, it’s best to provide them with a nice blanket to the skin.

• They are multifunctional

Muslin blankets aren’t only for swaddling. They have multiple uses depending on your baby’s current needs. They can act as a sun shield when you’re walking your baby outside or a changing mat if you need extra support.

What are the other uses of a muslin blanket?

Aside from being a sun shield and changing cover, there are other things you can use muslin blankets as an alternative.

• Muslin blanket as a breastfeeding cover

When breastfeeding in public, you don’t want others peeking at your chest. Muslin blankets can provide excellent coverage without compromising your baby’s comfort. It is also large enough so that it won’t squeeze your infant’s body.

• Muslin blanket as a safety blanket

Babies are sentimental when it comes to items that feel familiar to them. Muslin blankets are durable, so it is most likely to still be in good condition even after ages of usage. It can also be a great reminder of their childhood in their later years. 

• Muslin blanket as a burp cloth

Spitting is a normal thing for babies, especially when burping after consuming too much milk. Muslin blankets can be used as burp cloths as it is not harmful to the skin. At the same time, it is also highly absorbent, so you won’t have to worry about staining your clothes all the time.

Conclusion

Now that you’re aware of what is a muslin blanket and why it is so prevalent in the UK, you’d probably want one for your baby. Stop hesitating now so you and your baby both can have a better bonding time. 

Like other delicates, wool takes time to clean. If you’re asking how to wash a wool blanket without shrinking it, you’ve come to the right place!

Dry cleaning is one way to go about it, but if you`re short on cash, follow these tips to get your blanket nice and clean.

How To Wash A Wool Blanket Without Shrinking It?

You don’t need to wash wool blankets too frequently as the material is naturally stainless and odour-resistant. However, it’s a good idea to have it cleaned now and then if used for more than a few months.

Here`s how to do it.

Step #1. Shake, hang, and brush

Shake the blanket before you start washing. Doing this will help fluff and refresh the material.

Next, hang the blanket for a few minutes in a well-ventilated area. The clean air will help get rid of any dirt that has settled on it.

If you`ve done this and there’s still some dirt left, lay the blanket on a clean surface and brush the blanket with a soft brush. Make sure each stroke goes in the same direction.

Step #2. Treat spots

If there are visible stains, deal with those first before washing the entire blanket. Vinegar can be beneficial when it comes to cleaning.

Soak the area first, then apply a vinegar solution consisting of one part vinegar and two parts water to a clean cloth. Wipe the affected area until it is clean. 

Step #3. Soak the blanket

Let your washing machine fill up with cold water, and let the blanket soak for about 15 minutes. Pour mild, neutral detergent in with the water.

The water temperature and type of detergent used are essential in soaking and washing. Warm or hot water can cause the blanket to shrink, and stronger detergents can wear out the material.

Step #4. Set up the washing cycle

After soaking, you can turn on the washer and set it to the wool setting. If your washing machine doesn’t have that setting, put it on a gentle or delicate cycle.

Leave it running for only two minutes, then cancel the cycle. If there are still suds, run the blanket through one more cycle until the bubbles are completely gone.

Step #5. Use a towel

Lay down a few clean bath towels and put the washed blanket on top. Gently roll them up so the towels can absorb any excess moisture.

Avoid wringing the blanket to maintain the shape of the material.

Step #6. Air-dry the blanket

Allow the blanket to air dry outside. Make sure not to leave it under direct sunlight as the radiation can affect the blanket’s softness.

Flat drying the blanket is preferable to hang drying. If you hang it to dry, the moisture’s weight can sink to the lower sides, causing it to stretch and lose its original shape.

Is Hand Washing Also Effective?

Hand washing can be an excellent alternative to machine washing because machine washing increases the likeliness of shrinkage. If you choose to machine wash, it’s crucial to follow the procedure above carefully.

If you decide on hand washing the blanket, you can still follow the above steps. For soaking, you can do this in a bathtub or a large basin.

In place of a gentle or delicate spin cycle, you can gently swish the blanket around the water when both washing and rinsing. Don`t rub the fabric together to prevent any strain on the material.

You can use the same method of drying as stated above.

Things to remember

As stated earlier, wool blankets don’t warrant frequent washing, so you should space out how often you want to wash your blanket. Doing this is preferable if you choose to machine wash it.

Always remember to use cold water and mild detergent. These will help maintain the quality of the blanket and keep it from shrinking too much.

You won’t need to iron the blanket, but if you decide to, set the iron on the wool (setting roughly 300°F or 149.89°C) after it dries. Be sure to use a pressing cloth underneath the iron to prevent damage.

If you need to store the blanket and replace it with a new one, you can keep it in a large plastic bag or tightly sealed bin. 

To ward against pests, don’t use mothballs. They release strong odours that can seep into the blanket. Instead, use cedar chips or wood blocks.

These act as natural repellents to protect your blanket from unwanted insects and don`t come with the disadvantages of mothballs.

Conclusion

Wool is a good blanket material that doesn’t warrant excessive cleaning, making it more convenient to use. When you do decide to wash it, it’s essential to do so meticulously and carefully.

That said, being patient is worth it if you have a wool blanket and want to keep it feeling clean and fresh.

Knowing how to wash a wool blanket without shrinking it means, you can properly schedule your next laundry day and prepare everything correctly.

The result is definitely worth the wait!

Colder months in the UK will soon be upon us. As this season draws nearer, you might find yourself wondering: what is a thermal blanket? 

Fret not, because this article will talk about all there is to know about this handy piece of fabric! It will tackle what a thermal blanket is, its uses, and other important information.

What Is A Thermal Blanket?

If you live in a colder climate, thermal blankets might be your next best friend. 

Thermal blankets are specially engineered pieces of fabric designed to keep heat trapped inside the blanket. They also meant to deflect harsh weather like wind and rain.

They manufactured plastic sheeting that is both thin, waterproof, and heat-reflective.

Some other names for this invention are emergency thermal blanket, space blanket, first aid blanket, safety blanket, heat sheet, shock blanket, and Mylar blanket. 

Thermal blankets are small and lightweight. They are also easy to pack and unfurl, which is excellent for space and weight efficiency situations.

These characteristics make them easy to bring during trips outdoors and even to outer space!

What Are The Uses Of Thermal Blankets?

As mentioned previously, thermal blankets are small and very portable. This size makes them ideal for outdoor trips in colder areas. 

UK experts always advise campers to have a thermal kit in their packs should they face any dangers in the wild. Aside from providing warmth, they are also reflective, making them great improvised distress beacons. Lastly, their reflective surface also helps them provide coverage from harsh sunlight.

More importantly, they are also an essential addition to first-aid kits. They are a staple to emergency response workers, forest rangers, search and rescue teams, and the like.

Thermal blankets are also commonly used in hospital settings where a person can lose body heat quickly and fatally. They help a patient retain heat more effectively. This blanket can and has saved lives.

Another name for this blanket is the space blanket. Why? Because even astronauts use this nifty blanket in the harsh and cold temperatures of space.

Additionally, scientists also use the material of thermal blankets as insulation lining for spacecraft.

Do They Work?

The short answer: yes, thermal blankets work.

The long answer: these blankets utilise the power of science and physics to ensure that heat remains where it should stay. They designed with the principles of thermodynamics in mind. 

Thermal blankets are impenetrable sheets of metalised plastic. They designed to trap up to ninety per cent of your body heat in the blanket. This body heat, if not trapped, would otherwise disperse into the air. 

Additionally, the airtight foil reduces heat loss caused by convection and evaporation of sweat. The reflective surface also reduces heat loss caused by thermal radiation.

These blankets prevent your body temperature from dropping without the bulk that comes with heavy and uncomfortable linens.

What Is The Difference Between A Thermal Blanket And A Non-Thermal Blanket?

Both these blankets do their job in keeping a person warm. So what`s the difference between a thermal blanket and a non-thermal blanket? Below is a list of their fundamental differences.

• Space

Thermal blankets are noticeably less bulky than traditional, non-thermal blankets. Non-thermal blankets keep a person warm through many thick layers of cloth, whereas thermal blankets do this with one thin layer of plastic.

A thermal blanket`s compactness is also very useful in emergencies where space placed at a premium.

• Weight

Traditional, non-thermal blankets are heavy. They use layers upon layers of fabric to keep a person warm. These layers can add up to one heavy blanket. 

While heavy blankets do keep you warm, they aren`t always the most comfortable. The lightweight characteristics of thermal blankets also make them ideal for newborns, children, and adults.

• Maintenance

Believe it or not, thermal blankets are extremely easy to clean. Because they designed for space, emergencies, and even military operations, these blankets have to be low-maintenance to be helpful. You don`t exactly have a lot of dry cleaning options in space, after all.

• Cosiness

Even though non-thermal blankets are more commonly associated with warm, cosy nights, thermal blankets are just as comfortable. They might seem unassuming, but they provide enough warmth to help you sleep through a cold night. 

Yes, they made of plastic. But some thermal blankets look and feel like regular blankets, with the bonus of thermal warmth.

How Do You Find The Perfect Thermal Blanket?

Despite these blankets used by astronauts, they are relatively easy to find and purchase for non-space-related use. 

You can find these nifty blankets online at retailers like Amazon. If you`d prefer to see and inspect the product before purchasing, you can look for them in local UK medical supplies stores.

Outdoor recreation UK stores might also have these blankets on their shelves.

Conclusion

So, what is a thermal blanket?

This article tackled everything you need to know about thermal blankets. These are blankets made of a unique material that is both lightweight, waterproof, and heat-reflective.

These characteristics make thermal blankets the best choice for everything — camping trips, emergencies, space exploration, and even just everyday use.

The possibilities are endless!

Blankets are relatively easy to make. If you want to take it to the next level, you can even learn how to sew a double sided fleece blanket to keep you warm during the cold months.

While many people in the UK may think of this as a daunting task, you don`t need high-level sewing skills to complete this job.

Ensure that you have gathered all the tools and materials you need, such as your sewing machine, threads, scissors, pins, and measuring tape.

Find fleece in the colours and designs that you want so that you can stitch them together to form your double-sided blanket.

To make sure the blanket looks coherent, choose colours and designs that complement each other. Fleece is available in many colours, so you can even match your blanket to your overall aesthetic.

Step-By-Step Guide On How To Sew A Double Sided Fleece Blanket

Step #1. Cut the fabric and round the corners

Fleece does not shrink, so there is usually no need to pre-wash the fabric. You also have to remember that while it does not have natural grain, fleece does have direction.

To determine which direction to cut, rub your hand over the fabric. The fleece will lay flatter and smoother if the trend is going downward.

Cut your fleece to size using a pair of sharp scissors or a rotary cutter for an excellent, clean cut. Sometimes, the fleece can be very thick, so you can choose to cut one layer at a time.

There are standard sizes for blankets, from 45 inches by 60 inches for crib blankets to 100 inches by 108 inches for king-sized beds.

Cut two fleece fabrics into equal lengths and pin them in place with the right sides facing each other.

You can cut the edges into round corners as well to make your blanket look more professional.

Step #2. Sew layers together

Before you sew the layers together, make sure that the right sides face each other and the wrong sides facing out. Start with a backstitch to make the stitching firmer.

After your backstitch, you can sew the sides of the blanket with a half-inch seam allowance.

Sew around the material slowly and steadily, removing the pins and clips as you go. If you decide to round the corners, take extra care as you approach the rounded edges.

Leave about five to ten inches unstitched to give you an opening to turn the blanket inside-out later on.

Step #3. Cut the seam allowance and turn the blanket

Go back to your working table to cut the seam allowance as near to the seam as possible. Press down or iron the blanket in low heat to flatten the edges.

You can then turn the blanket inside out through the opening. If you chose to round the corners, you could use your fingers to push the seams in the fold.

Step #4. Turn the right sides out and sew the gap

Secure the edges of the blanket with pins, and make sure that they are correctly aligned before you sew the rest of the opening. Make the stitches as neat as possible because they will be visible.

Once this is done, you can make a top stitch around the blanket, giving it a half-inch allowance to close the gap.

You can also opt to sew a cross in the middle of the blanket to hold the two fabric pieces together, making it easier for you to wash and dry it later on.

Step #5. Decorate your blanket (optional)

With the sewing done, you can decorate your double-sided fleece blanket. You can machine or hand-stitch the blanket, add embroidery, or sew in ribbons if you`re up for it.

Your only limit is your imagination. If you are giving the blanket away, you can even personalise it to make the gift more meaningful.

Benefits Of Using Fleece Blankets

Fleece offers various benefits, so it is a viral material to use for UK home use or as clothing. Here are some of them.

• It is comfortable and durable so that you can use it for a long time.
• It is a temperature regulator, keeping you warm in the winter but cool enough in the summer.
• It is machine-washable and fast-drying, so it is easy to keep and maintain.
• It made of versatile, synthetic fabric that you can decorate and personalise, making it an excellent gift for your friends or yourself.
• It is hypoallergenic and breathable, so it does not irritate the skin or cause any rashes.

Conclusion

Blankets you can make using a variety of materials. However, fleece blankets are trendy because of the comfort and cosiness it gives.

If you think you don`t know how to sew a double sided fleece blanket, you`re wrong. Sewing a blanket is foolproof: literally, anyone can do it.

Blankets traditionally used to keep someone in the UK warm while sleeping or resting, but today, you can use them purely for aesthetic purposes.

This fashionable aspect should encourage you to sew and decorate the double-sided fleece blanket that you could show off to your friends and visitors.

If you want to know how big is a throw blanket, you can expect it to be around 50 by 36 inches. This dimension is typical for standard throw blankets, but you can expect variations like other blanket types. Furthermore, you want to familiarise yourself with the sizing of throw blankets. 

The knowledge of size will help you buy the right one for your intended use. This article will also teach you some main differences between a throw blanket and a typical blanket. So without further ado, here is everything you need to know about throw sizes.

What Is The Average Size Of A Throw Blanket?

Much like with other blankets, UK manufacturers may have variations with their throw blanket sizes. However, the average length of a throw blanket typically is around 50 by 36 inches. The length is different from your traditional blankets that use twin, king, and queen bed dimensions. 

Besides the dimensions mentioned, you can also expect throw blankets to measure 50 by 60 inches, 54 by 60 inches, or 54 by 72 inches. Some brands prefer their throws to not be in a perfect square shape. But to help you know if your blanket is considered a throw, it should only have a maximum of 54 inches in width. 

What is a throw blanket?

Why do throw blankets don’t have the exact dimensions as your typical bedding blankets? Remember that the smaller size meant for the expected usage of throw blankets. One can use it to decorate the bed or couch, but it’s also not too small as it will still be comfortable to lounge with. 

What Is A Good Size For A Throw?

All of the dimensions mentioned are suitable sizes for a throw blanket. But to get the most of your throw, always consider how you would want to use it. For example, you can get away with the standard size of 50 by 36 inches if you wish to have additional material for sleeping. 

You may also want a 50 by 60-inch throw if you want more material to cuddle with when watching the TV on the sofa. These dimensions are still not too big to fold the blanket and place on the bed foot or drape over the couch. A helpful tip to keep in mind is that you also need to consider the material your throw blanket uses to affect its look for decoration or feel for usage. 

Is A Throw Blanket Big Enough?

A throw blanket is big enough if you understand that it will not cover you as extensively as traditional blankets that come in twin, queen, or king sizes. You can still sleep with a throw blanket because of the materials it uses, but it won’t wrap you as satisfyingly as with bed blankets. More so, the size of a throw blanket only makes it ideal for one person, so those in the United Kingdom who look forward to sharing the cosiness with a friend or partner should use a proper blanket. 

Still, throw blankets are big enough for various uses. One, it’s easy to pack for picnics and car trips. Second, the size is ideal not to overwhelm your setting and still improve its looks. And third, you can hang the throw blanket as a tapestry without looking too awkward and massive. 

What Size Is A Large Throw Blanket?

The enormous throw blanket available in the market measures 54 by 72 inches. This size would be helpful for those in the United Kingdom who plan on layering the throw blanket in bed. More so, remember that throw blankets are more than just decorations on your furniture. 

You can use the material to protect your sofa from dust and other build-ups. And because throws look stylish, you’ll still keep the theme of your UK living room.  You can even place the throw blanket over your cabinet or floor temporarily. 

Best materials for throw blankets

It’s also worth discussing what material to choose for a throw blanket. If you’re going with the more little throws, then it’s likely that you will only use them as decors. On the other hand, more oversized throw blankets for beds or furniture protection should use easy to clean materials and resist spills.

Knit is an excellent material for decorative throw blankets because you have many textures and patterns to choose from. If you want something that will clean quickly, cotton throw blankets are your best pick. There are also wool throw blankets, which will feel comfortable, especially for snuggling during cold weather. 

If you want something soft, you can opt for fleece, faux fur, or even polyester throw blankets. While during summer, you must choose bamboo or linen because these materials are breathable. Selecting your throw blanket from these materials we cited will then depend on its size and colour. 

Conclusion

So you’re shopping for a throw? Do you know how big is a throw blanket? The standard dimensions of a throw are 50 by 36 inches.

However, there are other variations in throw blanket sizes. The key to remember is no throw blanket will be broader than 54 inches. When selecting a blanket, always consider what you will use to know the best size to buy in the UK.