Weighted Blanket Fabric Types
If you’re serious about choosing a high quality yet affordable weighted blanket, and you don’t know much about fabrics, read on. After long hours of deep research, comparison, and thinking, I’ve come with a list of the most relevant heavy blanket fabric types and their pros and cons.
The next guide will give you some insight on all the different types of fabric you may find when buying a weighted blanket, and also if you want to choose the perfect fabric to use for a DIY comforter.
Read slowly, choose smartly, and invest in the best quilt for you or someone you love and care about.
Cotton
One of the most popular and widely used fibers worldwide, cotton is often used in weighted blankets’ manufacturing. There are conventional and organic types of cotton. While weighted blankets made from organic cotton can be highly expensive, conventional variety is a lot more affordable.
The difference is conventional cotton can, in some rare cases, cause severe health problems -even going as far as cancer- because of its high content of chemical pesticides.
If you can’t afford organic, look for a mix of conventional and organic varieties. It isn’t something that usually happens, but it’s still good to know it.
The pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural and biodegradable
- High breathability level
- Easy to wash and get rid of stains
- It doesn’t require dry cleaning
- It doesn’t pill
- It can help to control your temperature, keeping you cool during hot summer nights
The cons:
- Cotton fabric tends to absorb and retain water, so if you experience hot flashes, a cotton quilt isn’t for you
- It shrinks, especially after drying on a high or medium heat
- It wrinkles. Though it’s not a big deal for blankets, yet your cotton quilt can look unattractive in a few months.
- Non-organic cotton can cause health problems
Satin-cotton
If you suffer from heat sensitivities, I recommend you to try a satin-cotton heavy quilt. Some people like the tactile input of the satin as it helps them relax and treat mental disorders. Satin-cotton is often combined with conventional cotton or minky to achieve the high quality on a minimal price.
The pros:
- Smooth texture and no wrinkles
- Luxurious look
- High comfort
- Perfect for colder months
The cons:
- It’s prone to show water spots
- Dry-cleaning only
- Can easily be damaged by regular wash and/or detergent wash
- Price that depends on the quality of cotton
- It doesn’t absorb the sweat
Flannel
Unlike other weighted blanket fabrics – like fleece – flannel doesn’t get snagged on your bedding. This fabric has excellent breathability and will let your body breathe without sweating too much. However, it’s best to use these comforters during the cold months due to their warm nature. Flannel also comes in a wide variety of thicknesses.
The pros:
- Can be washed or dried at very high temperatures
- It requires low maintenance
- It doesn’t require ironing (in case you like your weighted blankets looking sharp)
The cons:
- When too thick, flannel fabric can cause some discomfort
- It’s highly flammable
Fleece
One of the biggest reasons why people choose fleece blankets is because of its cozy warm feeling. If you love wool fabric but are sensitive to it, fleece is the perfect alternative. There are several various types of fleece fabric like coral fleece, micro fleece, and polar fleece to consider.
Made from synthetic materials, fleece is lightweight, unlike wool. Plus, it’s affordable. However, if you have any texture sensitivities, it’s best to choose minky fabric.
The pros:
- Inexpensive and durable
- Dry fast and easy
- Less allergenic
- Perfect for fall and winter seasons
The cons:
- It leaves a lingering smell, so if you think that sweating can be an issue, choose another fabric.
- High maintenance: hard to wash
- It catches the small dust particles and pieces of hair or pollen
Minky
Love those super soft baby blankets? The great news is, you can get a soft weighted quilt as well. When it comes to blankets, minky is a star fabric that comes in a smooth, sleek, low-pile or a plush high-pile. It’s usually 100% polyester and is considered the best selling fabric worldwide.
The pros:
- Durable
- Stays soft for years if washed correctly
- Stain resistant
- It doesn’t shrink
- Comes in a variety of designs
The cons:
- It’s super warm, not great for summer
- It can stretch over time
Acrylic
Made from petroleum, acrylic can also be used for manufacturing weighted blankets. It’s slightly translucent and wavy and is a great alternative to cotton. Despite having a synthetic construction, acrylic imitates the feeling of the natural fibers. Plus, it tends to be much cheaper than natural fibers.
The pros:
- Machine washable
- Easy to care for
- Moth resistant
- It doesn’t fade over time
- Hypoallergenic
- Warm
- Excellent wickability
- Quick drying
- Ideal for the cold months
The cons:
- It can be too warm during the summer season
- Price
- Quality
Bamboo fabric
Generally made of bamboo rayon, polyester, and organic cotton, bamboo fabric requires minimum cleaning and is quite durable. Most importantly, it feels soft and soft like velour and is wallet-friendly. The biggest drawback is that bamboo quilts are boring due to a lack of printing options.
The pros:
- Undyed and organic
- Baby soft
- It can be used almost any season of the year
- Allergy resistant
- High level of breathability
- Machine washable
The cons:
- It can quickly lose its softness
- If not treated, it may stain
- It can encourage microbial growth
Chenille
The last but not the least, chenille is a fabulous fabric that ensures the softest hug any other weighted blanket fabric type can offer. Unlike minky, chenille gives amazingly plush feel thanks to its longer fiber. It’s easy to wash and store, but pricey.
The pros:
- Ultra soft
- Machine washable
- It helps to calm down faster than other fabrics
- Good stain resistance
The cons:
- Air drying
- Price
Here you have it some of the most popular weighted blanket fabric types to consider. Of course, there are many others and especially combos of several fabrics. Choose the blanket that will make you feel better and won’t drain your family budget.