Double Cloth Weaving: The Art Behind Traditional Authentic Welsh Blankets

Welsh Double Cloth Weaving

Why are Welsh Blankets Reversible?

Double cloth weaving is a time-honoured technique at the heart of classic, authentic Welsh blankets, often called carthenni or tapestry blankets. These cherished textiles are recognised for their bold, fully reversible geometric patterns and vivid use of colour.

• Double cloth weaving means two distinct layers of fabric are woven at the same time on a loom. Depending on the pattern, these layers may remain separate or become interconnected at specific points.
• Where the layers are joined, a single, thicker textile is formed, resulting in exceptional warmth and durability.
• The outcome is a fully reversible blanket, each side reveals a striking, complementary pattern, often featuring inverted colours.

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Double Cloth Patterns and Colours

• Pattern Formation: In traditional Welsh blanket weaving, both layers of fabric swap yarns at calculated intervals. This exchange creates classic, reversible designs. The front of the blanket displays one arrangement of motifs, such as stars, crosses, or checks, while the back presents their inverse.
• Colour Effects: Each layer may use a different colour palette. This allows weavers to create dramatic contrasts and bold visual statements. Popular combinations include dark and light shades, for example, black and cream or indigo and red.
• Structure and Warmth: The double-layered construction makes these blankets thicker, warmer, and far sturdier than single-layer weaves—providing ideal comfort through chilly Welsh winters.
• Heritage Craft: This weaving method flourished in 18th and 19th-century Welsh woollen mills, especially throughout West Wales (Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire). While every region developed distinct motifs and colourways, the double cloth technique was the defining feature unifying all Welsh tapestry blankets. Welsh double-cloth weaving was historically woven on handlooms. Later in the 19th century, the introduction of power looms led to greater consistency and wider distribution.

Why is Double Cloth Special for Welsh Blankets?

• Full Reversibility: Each side of the blanket boasts its own “face,” offering versatility for home décor and highlighting the weaver’s mastery.
• Tradition and Identity: Double cloth tapestry blankets stand as proud symbols of Welsh cultural heritage, blending artistry and practicality in everyday life.
• Distinctly Welsh: While double cloth weaving can be found worldwide, the motifs, colours, and traditional finishing touches of Welsh blankets set them apart as icons of regional craft.

TirGlas Modern Day Double Cloth Welsh Blankets

We have a large collection of double cloth Welsh blankets in the iconic Welsh tapestry style of the Caernarfon Portcullis pattern. Our beautiful, soft and cosy blankets are woven from 100% new UK wool. They are a fantastic source of warmth and comfort and all our blankets for sale are not vintage or used or second-hand blankets.

Over the years, new colours have been introduced which have become almost as popular as the traditional colours.

• 'Traditional' colours - Moss Green, Red Dragon Red, Navy Blue and Slate Grey.
• 'New' colours - Burnt Orange, Heather, Gold and Pink

Of course, taste in colours is a matter for individual preference and long may that continue!

The images of each blanket below show the front and reverse sides which is the result of the double cloth weaving technique.

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Summary

Double cloth weaving is the foundation of authentic Welsh tapestry blankets. It creates richly patterned, reversible, and warm textiles, blending functional excellence with visual artistry. This technique is a hallmark of Welsh textile heritage, embodying centuries of skill, creativity, and tradition.

Browse The Ultimate Guide to Welsh Blankets
Have a look around