Lint all over your bed and floors are a genuine inconvenience. If you’re experiencing this, you’re probably wondering how to stop a blanket from pilling; after all, it’s most likely the blanket’s the source of the mess.

Machine washing is an excellent way to reduce pilling, but you have to know the proper way to do it if you want to reduce the number of pesky fibres lying around. Don’t fret! Keep on reading to learn the process of preparing your blanket for the washer.

How Can I Stop Pilling?

There are a lot of ways to prevent your blankets from pilling; the only catch is if you`re determined enough to do them. Here are a few tips to avoid this nuisance.

Brush down the blanket

Before washing, it’s best to brush off as much as you can so the loose fibres don’t end up in your washer or dryer. You can use a soft brush to get rid of the more extensive patches of lint. Be careful not to ruin your blanket accidentally, though.

If you’re feeling meticulous about tinier pills, you can take the time to scrape them off using a razor. Again, exercise caution to avoid tears.

Know what you should use

Check to make sure the detergent you’re using isn’t too strong, as this can cause more damage to the already shedding material – resulting in more pilling. You’ll want to use mild detergents when dealing with a pilling blanket.

When it comes to other things you’ll need, you’d be surprised at how vinegar can help as a cleaning product. This liquid also applies to getting rid of loose lint from fabrics. Pour about a half cup of white vinegar into the load during the rinse cycle.

UK experts do not recommend using fabric softeners for cotton blankets. Fabric softeners can weaken cotton fibres and make them easier to break, resulting in more loose threads.

Make sure you use cold water during the wash cycle. Hot water can cause more agitation to the material, and you want to avoid this as much as possible.

Be attentive when drying

Hang drying is a more effective method for your blanket. However, if you must use the dryer, make sure not to leave it alone for the entirety of the dry cycle. You want to frequently empty the lint trap throughout the cycle to dispose of the lint as much as possible. A rule of thumb to follow is the newer the blanket, the more often you should empty the lint trap.

If you’re worried about the lint that accumulates while you empty the lint trap, there’s a solution for that too. You can try using dryer balls to attract the lint that could still be stuck on the blanket. If you don’t have one, a scrap of corduroy fabric should suffice.

For an optional tip, you can even throw in clean tennis balls to fluff the blanket while it’s drying.

Take extra precautions

To prevent even further pilling after the blanket has dried, you can use an electric shaver to remove any weak fibres resulting in lint scattered. Alternately, you can rub it gently with a pumice stone.

If your blanket made of polyester, you can get some spray starch and apply it liberally. Wait about 2 minutes for the starch to dry. This time is to help strengthen the fibres without making them too firm. 

Why Is My Blanket Pilling?

Usually, pilling is a result of friction. The shorter fibres of the material tend to rub against each other to the point of weakening and breaking. This tension usually happens to newly purchased blankets as they may have undergone a history of handling before you take one off the racks.

Even after you’ve purchased a blanket, the friction from washing or even regular use can be enough to result in weaker fibres. Don’t worry, though. If you follow the methods above, you won’t expect to see much lint in your surroundings.

Other Things To Remember On How To Stop A Blanket From Pilling

While you now know how properly preparing your blanket for a machine wash also reduces pilling, there’s still a lot of friction involved. Because of this, you should schedule machine washing your blanket wisely.

As a general rule of thumb, blankets should be washed every 1 to 2 weeks (if used frequently) to prevent weakening the material. If you have a blanket that you do not use regularly, you can wash it every few months instead.

You should also note that newer blankets tend to pill more, as stated earlier, and you should wash more frequently until there are little to no pilling signs.

You can compromise by hand washing in a bathtub or basin if that’s the case. Hand washing causes less friction than machine washing. You can still apply some of the above methods in handwashing, such as vinegar.

Conclusion

Pilling and the resulting traces of lint are usually the prices to pay in the UK for a cosy blanket. Luckily for you, the methods covered in this article should be very helpful in preventing excessive pilling.

Whether by hand or with a machine, you’ll still need a lot of patience in dealing with loose fibres. It’ll still be worth it now that you know how to stop a blanket from pilling. When it’s time to wash your blanket, make sure to be thorough for a cleaner sleeping environment.

It can be pretty tricky, but there are a few ways you can do it if you’re wondering how to tell the age of a Pendleton blanket. Wool blankets are a valuable house piece that many people in the UK have loved and adored over the years.

To help you distinguish the worth of your Pendleton blanket, keep reading the article below.

How To Tell The Age Of A Pendleton Blanket Precisely?

Designed through the years, Pendleton blankets have a variety of lines that includes different designs. From 1915 to 1940, the most common designs were fabric banded edges and fringes. 

In 1916, they began making iconic National Parks series blankets. It started as a commission initially, but due to its unique designs and popularity, they continued producing it up until today. 

Determining a Pendleton blanket’s pattern and design will help you decide whether it’s vintage or not. 

• Label

Labels often change as time passes. These modifications are not grandeur and overly different from the previous ones, but you will still see minor differences.

Earlier Pendleton labels, specifically around the 1950s to 1960s, are often located at the bottom right corner. You can also identify slight variations in the wordings used and fonts. 

• Condition

Condition is mainly the easier determiner of a Pendleton blanket`s age. These items are known for their quality material that can last after years. However, it’s still possible to see minor slashes and flaws on older versions, especially if it’s a family treasure handed down for generations.

You can also check the vibrancy of the blanket’s colour. Faded ones are most likely to be old, while rich colours can signify newer versions. 

What Is A Pendleton Blanket?

Pendleton blankets are from a company known today as Pendleton Woolen Mill, owned by Thomas Kay. The production started in 1909 in Oregon, U.S.A., and has been since serving the highest-quality woollen products.

Why Are Pendleton Blankets So Popular?

Pendleton established the highest quality when it comes to blankets. It’s pretty pricey, but it is an investment piece. The designs and patterns in their lines are timeless and will still be considered majestic even after years of production. 

Some people in the UK like to use it as wall decorations, especially on lodges and cabin hotels, rather than utilising it to preserve its quality. The most significant thing about them is they get softer after constant usage. They are incredibly durable and robust.

Just like a classic piece of investment, they get more value than the old. Vintage hunters and designers have a great interest in these branded blankets. 

What Are Pendleton Blankets Made Of?

These high-quality blankets claim only to use the premier hair and wool to ensure the products’ softness and best condition.

• Merino 

Merino wool comes from a sheep native in New Zealand and Australia. They are a lot thinner compared to average wool, making them less itchy, more flexible, and softer.

It is a viral material, and Pendleton makes sure that the consumers will not regret buying blankets in the UK made from this wool. Fine merino fibres are only 19.5 microns in diameter, while ultrafine merino measures less than 15 microns. Merino is considerably thinner compared to most woollen fibres with 25 microns. 

• Lambswool

Lambswool, also called virgin wool, is taken from a lamb during its first sheering age of 6 to 7 months old. The material tends to be more refined and softer while still being durable. This wool is known for its solid yet smooth nature, which is why most blankets, mainly Pendleton’s, use this as the primary material.

Lambswool is hypoallergenic and keeps dust mites away. It can help regulate the body’s temperature due to its breathability, like merino and all sorts of wool. 

• Shetland 

Shetland wools are from a type of sheep native in Shetland Islands, Scotland. Its silk-like texture, strength, and natural whiteness have been praised for over 200 years now. Shetland wool fibres measure 23 microns, which is definitively thicker than merino.

This material is perfect for cold climates, for this can provide sufficient warmth to the body. The only issue about this wool is it can be pretty rough for people in the UK with sensitive skins. 

• Cashmere

Cashmere is a popular type of fibre known for its undeniable softness. Most high-end fashion pieces favour this material because it provides delicateness and luxuriousness effortlessly. 

Cashmere comes from a particular goat found in the Gobi desert that stretches across China and Mongolia. It gives sweaters and blankets extra softness and insulation.

Items made from Cashmere tend to be a lot more expensive than other wools and fibres due to their rarity, and the way it is harvested needs a lot of work. 

• Alpaca 

An Alpaca’s hair is silky, durable, and strong. Most commonly, they found in South America, specifically in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Their hair is 100% hypoallergenic, and that’s why most UK people allergic to wool resort to this fibre. 

• Mohair

Mohair is a fibre that comes from an Angora goat. Its fibres measure 25 to 40 microns thick in diameter. It tends to be more expensive than wool due to its smooth texture and softness, like Cashmere’s. 

An Angora goat’s natural hair is coarse and fluffy, making this fibre quite fuzzy. 

Are Pendleton Blankets Worth It?

Pendleton blankets are a worthy investment. It is a timeless piece that would still be valuable even after 100 years. Most families have these as an heirloom that they pass to the newest families while still looking as beautiful as if it’s unique. 

Pendleton blankets are a classic piece to own in one’s UK beloved home. 

Conclusion

Pendleton blankets are undeniably one of the best products for their material quality and ability to provide comfort. We’ve discussed the types of wool used in these lasting pieces and several ways on how to tell the age of a Pendleton blanket. 

The puff stitch is the best for how to crochet a flower blanket. It`s the most popular design, and people in the UK recognise it right away. 

You can never go wrong with flowers. There are so many types like roses, tulips, or daisies. 

Flowers are great to use for decoration on a blanket. Their bright colours will light up any UK room, and they make great gifts to loved ones! 

These patterns look very intricate, so that they may be intimidating to beginners. Don`t worry, though, and there are many like the tulip or lacy stitch that are very basic! 

So, get your needles ready. Here are some tips about making a flower blanket! 

What Materials Do You Need For A Flower Blanket?

These flowers will need several materials for their intricate design. Well, you`re in for a surprise! You don`t need anything special for this pattern. All you need are:

• Weighted yarn (Best to use two colours)

• G hook

• Yarn needle

• Solid wool

• Scissors

See, it isn`t so much. You will do fine with an H-8 5mm crochet hook. This hook is the standard size, so it`s excellent for beginners. 

Step-By-Step On How To Crochet A Flower Blanket

The puff flower is the most common and highly recognised stitch for a flower blanket. Once you master this pattern, you can try different colour combinations and experiment with different styles. 

Remember to get all your materials ready, like the yarn and the needle. There are two parts of the flower that you need to make. 

Step#1. Make the centre of the flower

• Do a slipknot

• Make a chain from the slipknot

• Close the chain

• Do twelve single crochets (double crochets for the UK)

Step#2. Make the petals of the flower

• Attach new yarn to the centre

• Chain three loops

• Continue making loose stitches for three spaces

• Pull the yarn through the stitches with your needle to form a petal

• Continue this process throughout until you finish the flower

It is a simple process that you can master with practice. The result is a lovely flower measuring two inches in diameter. 

How Do You Attach Crochet Flowers To A Blanket? 

For some flower designs like the rosebud and tulip, you can make them as you go along. For the puff flower, though, it`s better to join them together when you have a group. 

Make sure you have several finished flowers, around six to twelve. Fit them together like a puzzle and check that there aren`t any gaps. 

Use your yarn needle (not the G hook) to connect the ends of the flower. When you finished, knot the yarn, so it doesn`t come loose. 

Continue until you have a big enough blanket that will keep you cosy and warm. 

What Is The Best Yarn For A Flower Blanket?

Wool is always the best option, especially for beginners. It is strong, and in the event of mistakes, it won`t be noticeable. 

If you want to redo your work, then wool is easy to manoeuvre when you are frogging. This action is essential when you unravel the yarn and use it again.

There is no particular type of wool for flower blankets, but you need to consider the weight. Medium-weight yarn like Afghan, Worsted, or Aran is the best for this pattern, and it`s fun to work with. 

When it comes to colour, you are free to choose. However, select colours that bring each other out, like blue and pink, or cream and purple for the best effect. 

What Is The Best Stitch For A Flower Blanket? 

There is an array of stitches you can choose from, but the puff stitch is the most common. It uses a combination of knots and single crochets. It`s lovely and straightforward, and its pattern is unmistakable. 

Is puff stitch the only design you can do? Nope! There are more patterns you can choose from! 

Lace stitches

This pattern usually enclosed in a granny square, and they are great for a summer look! You can use pastel-coloured yarn for this pattern to give it a lightweight feel. 

Structural crochet stitch

This type looks similar to a puff stitch, but the petals have a weaved look. They are easy to put together, and you can make them as you go. That means there`s no need to join them together! 

Tulip stitch

If you`ve ever seen these flowers in full bloom, then you will know how lovely they are. This pattern is simple and brings the yarn to life! Pink and white are the standard colours for this design, but you can also try yellow, orange, and purple. 

Rosebud stitch

The rose is one of the most beautiful flowers! This pattern will spice up any blanket and add texture to it. You can also make them as you go so that it will be less work for you! 

With all these fantastic designs, it`s hard to choose one! Remember to go with whichever makes you comfortable and let your creativity flow.

Conclusion

A flower blanket is a great gift or decoration in your UK home. When you master all the styles of how to crochet a flower blanket, you won`t be able to stop. Your UK home will be full of crafts in no time.

If you’re a new parent in the UK, you might be wondering, what is a receiving blanket?

You`ve probably seen it in movies or TV shows a thousand times already, or perhaps you`ve experienced it first-hand.

Do you know the fabric that nurses use to wrap newborns while handing them over to their mothers? That`s what it is. Now, how is it different from swaddles or muslins?

For a more detailed description, continue to read below.

What Is A Receiving Blanket: Appearance, Composition, Uses

Typically seen in single colors at hospitals, this thin and soft baby accessory is made of plush, cotton, or flannel. The usual size is 30 x 30 inches, but some manufacture it into 30 x 40 inches sheets.

Usually, receiving blankets are smaller than swaddle blankets, but don`t let that fact fool you! This accessory, which generally comes in packs of 2 to 4, is versatile and can be used in more applications.

Aside from the size, another difference between receiving blankets from muslins and swaddles is its primary function. Receiving blankets are initially intended for wrapping newborns, whereas the other two are meant for swaddling.

However, as mentioned above, there are many other uses for receiving blankets, and these are enumerated in the following list.

• Swaddling Although we mentioned that swaddles are recommended for this job, receiving blankets can function well.

• Bathing Since it retains heat very well, receiving blankets are excellent driers after giving your babies a quick wash.

• Changing Mat You don`t want your baby to get cold while waiting for their new diaper, do you? Use these blankets when you don`t have a regular changing mat available, especially in a public area.

• Breastfeeding Speaking of public areas, some moms in the UK still prefer to cover up while feeding their infants in front of other people in the UK. Luckily, receiving blankets fits perfectly for this purpose. You can also use it to clean up spit-ups or dribbles.

• Stroller/Car cover In case of emergency, receiving blankets is convenient for sudden rain showers when you stroll. Likewise, they provide ample warmth when you are inside your car.

• Play Mat When you are out and your child is playing, these sheets are excellent alternative playmats to protect your babies from the elements.

• Burp Cloth This ensures that your child`s beautiful dresses are protected from spills. The smaller burp clothes just can`t seem to catch anything that`s beyond a drop of liquid.

• Giant Bib Connected to the previous item, receiving blankets offers much more security from splatters than the usual small bibs. This is especially true when your children grow up and are messy eaters. 

How to repurpose receiving blankets

While the primary purpose of receiving blankets is to provide warmth to your little ones, this handy piece of cloth does more than that.

It also makes perfect sense to repurpose these infant articles once your babies outgrow them. Below are the many other ways that you can use your receiving blankets.

• Instant spill cleaner

Aside from being warm to the body, receiving blankets are also excellent absorbents for those random spills.

• Keepsake

Whether you like to make it into a quilt, pillowcase, or apron, the idea of having something that reminds you of your child`s younger days is undoubtedly sweet.

• UK room decor

Once they have outgrown these sheets, you can easily cut off some pieces and turn them into UK room decorations for your child`s appreciation.

• Furniture cover

To prevent a disastrous ending to your beloved couch, cover it up with these blankets so your babies won`t draw or puke on it.

• Cuddle buddy

Just as how easy it is for us adults to sleep in a familiar bed, so is for our babies with their blankets. The comfortable texture and warmth it provides make it easier for the children to fall asleep.

• Playtime

No, receiving blankets are not only good as playmats. They can also be used by your children when they start playing pretend with their dolls.

Here are some safety tips before we head on to the summary.

First, do not leave loose blankets anywhere, especially on the crib. Never cover your little ones with a blanket up to 1 year of age.

Also, do not wrap the blankets around the neck or head. Lastly, when your baby starts rolling over, do not swaddle anymore.

Conclusion

Being first-time parents in the UK is one of the most exciting, memorable, and sometimes frightening experiences for adults.

The joy of seeing your flesh and blood smiling back at you with all that innocence is irreplaceable. That`s why we always ensure that we provide only the best the world can offer for our little ones. 

Receiving blankets is one of those baby articles that is indispensable for new parents in the UK. The versatility, comfort, and durability of these items make them ideal to use in various chores.

Then, once our lovely children grow up, these accessories still have their function in our everyday lives.

If you are interested in making pom pom blankets, you must first know how to make a pom pom blanket loom board. The knowledge is essential because the process of making a pom-pom blanket rests heavily on the loom board.

 

There are two ways of making loom boards. One is with nails, and one is without nails. Of course, you can also opt to buy in the United Kingdom store.

 

However, you get to save money by making one. Making one also makes you more invested in the activity, which makes it all the more fun.

 

Read further to find out how to make a loom board!

 

Steps On How To Make A Pom Pom Blanket Loom Board

Below are three steps on how to make a loom board. We will discuss the one that has nails first. Then, we will discuss the one without nails; and use dowels instead.

 

Step #1. Prepare the materials 

First, you need to prepare your materials. It would help if you had batons, nails, a hammer, and angle joints or brackets in making a loom board.

 

We will use two batons measuring 21 ½ inches for the top and bottom parts of the loom board for your reference. Then, we will use two rods measuring 31 inches for the sides of the loom board.

 

You are free to use a longer or shorter baton! The length is just an example as the baton’s sizes determine the number of nails that one needs to use.

 

You would need 14 pieces of nails for the top and bottom parts for this loom board size. As for the sides, you would need 21 pins. All nails should be ½ inch nails for consistency.

 

Naturally, you would also need a hammer. It’s so that you can secure your nails. Be sure to set the pins up at the same height.

 

The last material you need is the angle joint or bracket. You need four of these for the four corners of the loom board.

 

Step #2. Join the batons together

After preparing your materials, you should join the batons together. The joint is essential to the board will be stable before you hammer your nails.

 

What you need to do is place the batons together. Then, at its conjunction, set up the angle joints. You can set it up inside the frame or outside.

 

Install the angle joints properly so they won’t twist out of shape.

 

If you are curious, angle brackets are L-shaped latches that fuse two parts. In this case, you are merging batons for the loom board at a 90-degree angle.

 

They come in metal, wood, or plastic forms. For loom boards, UK experts recommend that you use metal brackets. The use of metal brackets is to be sure that the loom board is well-supported.

 

Step #3. Hammer your nails

After joining the batons, you would need to hammer your nails. However, you need to find your batons’ centre points first for all four of the rods.

 

After that, you make a crossover point from the two conjoined batons’ centre point. From the crossover point, measure 1 ½ in along the frame to hammer your nails in.

 

Mark every 1 ½ of the whole frame from the crossover point to identify where you have to hammer your nails in. Then, you can secure your nails!

 

As mentioned earlier, the nails should be secured and placed evenly. The correct placement is to ensure the evenness of your end product.

 

Can you make loom boards without nails?

The short answer is yes. There are loom boards that have pegs instead of nails. These decrease the risk of getting scratches due to nails.

 

It would help if you had circular wooden dowels for peg loom boards, a wood drill bit, a drill, and a square wood dowel.

 

• Step #1. First, you have to cut the circular dowels to the same length. Sand the ends of the dowels and drill a 2mm hole into each stick.

 

• Step #2. Then, prepare your square dowel and mark for holes. We recommend marking them 3cm apart. You can line them in different lengths; be consistent in your markings.

 

• Step #3. After this, you can use a 6mm drill bit to drill holes about 1cm into the square dowel. Then, stick the circular dowels into the holes.

 

It will be a tight fit, but that’s what we’re precisely going for anyway! It should be a solid fit for it to be stable. After filling all holes with pegs, you’re all done and ready to weave.

 

What are the standard sizes for loom boards?

There are different sizes for pom-pom blanket loom boards. You can get one mentioned earlier or something smaller or larger to accommodate your needs.

 

However, the first distinction you have to know is that 1.5” spaced nails/dowels create numerous small pom poms. On the other hand, 2” spaced pins/dowels make larger but fewer pom poms.

Conclusion

After all this, you now know how to make a pom pom blanket loom board. Not just one type, but two! Now that you can make your loom boards by yourself, you can proceed to make pom-pom blankets.