Wool blankets are a beautiful and practical addition to any home. They help to keep you cosy during the colder months and provide an aesthetic touch to any sofa or bed. However, wool blankets are susceptible to damage from moths, mildew and exposure to sunlight. It is therefore vital that they are stored correctly when packing them away for the warmer weather.
Storage
The correct storage of woollen blankets helps to preserve their long lifespan and keeps them looking and smelling new.
They should be stored clean, in a suitable container that prevents moisture and pests. Acid-free tissue paper is a great way of preventing discolouration or damage. Placing a sheet between the folds acts as a barrier and helps to maintain the natural pH of the fabric.
For long-term storage, items should be rotated regularly, and they should be kept away from direct sunlight. Hanger storage should also be avoided, with woollen items holding their form and shape better when stored flat. Vacuum packing, whilst great for space-saving, should also be avoided as it compresses the wool’s natural fibres.
A large plastic container with a lid is ideal for storing woollen blankets. The non-porous plastic will prevent moisture. A container with a tight and secure sealed lid ensures that pests and dust cannot enter and maintains a stable environment for your blanket.
Handmade Blankets
Many blankets are lovingly handcrafted, making them hugely sentimental. When these items are stored correctly, they can last for generations and be passed down as a beautiful heirloom piece.
The arm-knitted blanket was the third most searched-for knitting topic online between the years 2010 and 2020. This was sparked by an arm knitting video tutorial that went viral, leading to a frenzy and a spate of new interest in knitting.
Aran yarn is the perfect yarn to craft wool blankets or sweaters. For a full range of beautiful Aran yarn, visit a specialist such as Wool Couture.
Handmade knitted blankets are a great starting project for any beginner, and there are a range of resources, materials, patterns and tutorials available online.