How to take care of your woven cotton blanket: Best wash tips + how to fix a snag or broken thread!

Fine woven blankets can offer some of the most gorgeous designs and an unmatched level of coziness. But if you've ever owned one you also know they can quickly fall victim to pet nails, watch bands, and other household items that love to snag and pull a thread. So if you own a woven blanket or you're interested in purchasing one of our Heritage Blankets (proudly Made in Maine) you'll want to keep reading for our best tips on fixing a snag, broken thread and how to properly wash your blanket. 

Fixing a Snag

A snag is created when a sharp or rough object pulls, plucks, or drags a yarn segment from its normal pattern. This will usually look like a little loop or extra thread that's out of place. While unpleasant to look at, a snag doesn't compromise the integrity of the weave. However, if left alone that snag can quickly turn into a broken thread, which will impact the strength of the weave.

To fix a snag in a woven blanket you'll want to work the blanket in a manner that will pull the thread back into place. This is easier said than done, but after a few tries you'll get the hang of it. Just follow these easy steps below to fix your blanket snag!

1. Locate Your Area: Find the area of the woven blanket that has the snag, this is the area you're going to be working in.
2. Grasp Opposite Ends: Using both hands gently grasp two opposite ends of the woven blanket that are closest to the snag. If the snag isn't close to an edge, just grasp enough fabric that is about 6-12 inches away from the snag.
3. Tug the Weave Gently: While holding the opposite ends in each hand, gently start to pull the ends away from each other. Tug on it gently a few times. Then stop.
4. Rotate, Tug Some More: Rotate your hands around to two different, opposite ends of the blanket and gently tug several more times. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the snag starts to recede. 
5. Good as New: While you are doing this back and forth tugging, the weave is pulling its yarns tighter which brings that snag right back into place, making your blanket goods as new! Watch the video below to see these steps in action.
6. One Snag at a Time: If you have multiple snags, just focus on one snag at a time. Chances are fixing the first one will help the others. But feel free to repeat these steps for each snag if necessary.

 

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Fixing a Broken Thread

A broken thread is the result of a snag that actually causes the thread to fray apart and break, leaving you with two ends of a thread. If you noticed a broken thread on your blanket, stop using it until you've had a chance to fix it.

Depending on the extent of the damage, your best bet may be to sew the thread back together. If you're not familiar with sewing, we'd recommend checking with a local seamstress or alterations shop to see if they can help. A pro can have you fixed up in just a few minutes.

The easiest way to fix a broken thread on a woven blanket is to carefully tie the threads back together. We put together these tips to walk you through it.

1. Prepare the Blanket: Lay the blanket flat on a clean surface and smooth out the area around the broken thread. Make sure the fabric is not stretched or puckered.
2. Locate the Broken Thread: Find the thread on your blanket that is broken. If the thread ends are frayed, it will help if you moisten them with a little bit of water. Hold the thread ends together.
3. Tie a Knot: Tie a simple knot by making a loop with one end of the thread and passing the other end through the loop. Pull both ends tight to secure the knot. You can repeat this process to create a double or triple knot for added security.
4. Trim Excess: Use scissors to trim any excess thread. Be careful not to cut the new knot. Reposition the thread if necessary to help hide the repair.
5. Almost Good as New: Once the broken thread is retied, your blanket will be ready for use again. The fixed thread may be noticeable on your blanket, but it helps maintain a secure weave, giving you more use and longevity with your blanket.

Best Wash Tips for Your Woven Cotton Blanket

• We recommend always washing your woven cotton blanket on ‘cool’ followed by tumble dry on the lowest setting. 
• Use your regular detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach.
• For the first several laundry cycles, be sure to check the lint trap several times while drying to remove as much fluff as possible. This will help prevent pilling and encourage the weave to tighten up a bit. 
• During the warmer months, air drying your woven blanket can really freshen it up!
• Use care when removing your blanket from the washing machine, especially if you have a top-loader. Your woven blanket can get wrapped around the agitator fins, and removing it too quickly can snag and pull the weave.
• Do not wash your blanket with clothing or other items. Zippers, hooks and buttons can get caught on your Heritage Blanket during the washing cycle and create snags. We recommend washing your woven blanket by itself for optimal longevity.

Are you looking for a beautiful, 100% cotton blanket you can pass on to the next generation one day? Check out our Made in USA Heritage Blankets. Available in 5, bold colors. We are so confident you're going to love this blanket we let you sleep on it risk-free during our 100 Night Sleep Trial.