What to Look for in a Blanket or Quilt

First, you might want to know the difference between a blanket and a quilt.   There is no uniform definition or standards for these items and many of the terms are used interchangeably, which makes it that much more confusing.  Generally speaking, a blanket is has some weight and thickness  to it.  Again, there is no uniformity, so it can be  thick , thin, or in between, but it is usually thicker than a sheet. A quilt is generally a thick embroidered blanket.  More times than not, it will have a checkered pattern and because of the embroidery, it will have raised designs.  Also, many times quilts are handmade.  In our opinion, a quilt is just a style of blanket.

With that in mind, let's turn to what you should look for in purchasing these items.  In purchasing a blanket, fabric is the most important consideration.    Because fabrics have different characteristics, your choice of fabric will mean that your blanket will have those fabric's attributes.   Very simply put, some fabrics are softer, breathe easier, or are more durable than others.  For example, cotton is widely regarded as being durable and tends to breathe better than most synthetic fabrics.  Conversely, other fabrics have their own unique characteristics, some fabrics are usually regarded as being softer than cotton, some are lighter, and some are warmer.  Which fabric to chose depends on the fabric qualities you want.