The Ultimate Guide to Welsh Blankets

Introduction: Why Welsh Blankets Are Truly Special?

Nothing says 'Hiraeth' more than iconic Welsh blankets. Welsh blankets are more than home décor, they are a living link to Welsh heritage, centuries-old craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of pure wool. Known for their warmth, durability, and iconic geometric patterns, these blankets represent the tradition of weaving that has shaped rural communities across Wales for centuries.

In this ultimate guide, you'll discover everything about Welsh blankets:

• where they come from.
• how they're made.
• how patterns developed.
• how to choose the right one, and,
• how to care for them so they last a lifetime.

Browse Welsh Blankets for sale in on-line shop
Have a look around

What Is a Welsh Blanket?

Welsh blankets are traditionally woven wool blankets woven in mills across Wales using time-honoured weaving techniques and in many cases on dobcross looms that are almost 100 years old. Known as a Carthen in Welsh (Carthenni plural) they are renowned for:

• 100% pure wool with no synthetic wool additives.
• double-cloth weaving that creates reversible tapestry designs.
• high durability and natural warmth.
• iconic geometric patterns unlike anything produced elsewhere.

A true Welsh blanket is both functional and deeply cultural. It is a reflection of Welsh identity, community, and craftsmanship.

A Brief History of Welsh Blankets

From rural homes to global heritage

Weaving in Wales dates back hundreds of years, forming a central part of domestic and rural Welsh life. The introduction of water-powered mills in the 18th and 19th centuries transformed local weaving into a thriving industry.

Key moments in Welsh blanket history:

• Early Weaving Traditions - Local families spun fleece from native sheep breeds, producing cloth for clothing, bedding, and trading.
• The Rise of Welsh Wool Mills - During the Industrial Revolution, Welsh mills, particularly in river Teifi valley, Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and North Wales, became known for their skill and production quality.
• The Tapestry Blanket Boom - Reversible tapestry blankets, often given as wedding gifts, became a symbol of prosperity and craftsmanship.
• Decline and Revival - Although weaving declined in the mid-20th century, a revival of interest in heritage crafts and sustainable fibres has brought Welsh blankets back into prominence.

Today, authentic Welsh blankets are sought after around the world for their beauty, heritage, and longevity. Read more on the history of Welsh Blankets...

How Welsh Blankets Are Made

From fleece to finished blanket: a craft perfected over centuries

Welsh blanket production still follows the core principles of traditional weaving, even in modern mills. Here's how each blanket comes to life:

• Sourcing the Wool - Most Welsh blankets use British wool, prized for its strength and natural resilience. The fleece is sheared, sorted, scoured, and prepared for spinning.
• Spinning the Yarn - The cleaned wool is carded and spun into yarn. This may include natural-coloured yarns, plant-dyed yarns, or richer modern dye colours.
• Weaving on the Loom - This is where the magic happens. Welsh blankets are typically woven using Double-cloth weaving (for tapestry blankets) or Waffle/honeycomb weaving (for lightweight blankets). Double-cloth weaving allows two layers of fabric to be woven at the same time, which creates the reversible patterns that Welsh blankets are famous for.
• Finishing the Blanket - Once woven, the cloth undergoes finishing steps such as washing, pressing, brushing, or fulling. These processes soften and stabilise the wool. The result is a blanket strong enough to last for generations. Learn more about Double Cloth Weaving...

Types of Welsh Blankets

Explore the different styles and their unique qualities

• Tapestry Blankets (Double Cloth) - The most iconic of all Welsh blankets. They feature:
  • bold geometric shapes.
  • reversible patterns.
  • thicker, structured feel.
  • heirloom-level craftsmanship.
• Waffle / Honeycomb Blankets - Lightweight and breathable with a textured weave. Ideal for:
  • layering on beds.
  • sofa styling.
  • all-season use
• Throws & Knee Rugs
  • Smaller and more versatile — perfect for gifting, travel, or cosy evenings.
• Contemporary Welsh Blankets

Modern mills sometimes introduce fresh colour palettes or simplified designs inspired by traditional patterns.

Welsh Blanket Patterns & Their Meanings

Welsh blanket patterns are instantly recognisable for their structure and symmetry. Although modern designers reinterpret them, many patterns have deep roots. Discover more on the Welsh Blanket Patterns...

Here are some of the most prominent traditional Welsh blanket patterns:

• Caernarfon (or Portcullis)
  • This is arguably the most famous and iconic Welsh tapestry pattern. It features a bold, repeating geometric design often described as a series of interlocking portcullises (a heraldic symbol). It has a stepped, pixilated appearance.
  • Significance: It's a very old design, with origins potentially dating back to the 18th century, but it became especially widespread and popular in the mid-20th century.
• Dyffryn (or sometime miss-spelt as Duffryn)
  • A classic pattern that is considered much rarer than the Caernarfon design. Like other tapestry patterns, it is a complex, all-over geometric design.
• Pennsylvania
  • Another classic, less common tapestry pattern. Some experts believe that the Welsh weaving traditions, including this pattern, influenced the folk art textiles (like quilts and blankets) of communities in North America, particularly the Welsh settlements in Pennsylvania**, which is where the design gets its name.
• Penmachno
  • This is another traditional geometric tapestry design, originating from the village of Penmachno in North Wales. It often incorporates structured motifs like a combination of squares, crosses, and stepped elements with a slightly more compact layout than the Caernarfon.

Choosing a Welsh blanket depends on how and where you plan to use it.

• Choose by Weave
  • Tapestry: Warm, heavy, heirloom quality.
  • Waffle: Lighter, breathable, great for daily use.
• Choose by Size
  • Full blankets: Beds, large sofas.
  • Throws: Sofas, armchairs, décor.
  • Knee rugs: Reading nooks, travel, gifting.
• Choose by Colour & Pattern
  • Traditional colours (slate, deep red, mustard, forest green).
  • Contemporary palettes for modern interiors.
• Authenticity Checklist - A genuine Welsh blanket should:
  • be woven in Wales
  • be 100% wool
  • display traditional weaving techniques
  • come from a reputable mill or producer
  • Choosing an authentic blanket supports heritage crafts and ensures exceptional quality.

How to Care for a Welsh Blanket

Protecting Welsh blankets from Moths

You can keep moths away naturally without relying on harsh chemicals. Some of the most effective natural moth deterrents include cedarwood blocks or pellets and lavender sachets, both known for their pleasant scents and repelling properties. Other aromatic herbs like rosemary, mint, and thyme can also help protect your home and wardrobe.

Moths are especially drawn to natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cashmere, which are rich in keratin — a protein their larvae love to feed on. While these fibres are durable and luxurious, they can unfortunately attract clothing moths (Tineola bisselliella). In nature, moths help break down wool, but indoors, they can damage clothing, carpets, furs, blankets, upholstery, and even our beautiful wool throws. Read more on how to protect Welsh Blankets from months...

Cleaning

Wool is incredibly durable and with the right care, your blanket can last a lifetime.

• Washing
  • Only wash when necessary
  • Hand wash or use a cold, gentle wool cycle
  • Use mild wool-safe detergent
• Drying
  • Lay flat to air dry
  • Avoid tumble dryers (they cause shrinkage)
• Stain Removal
  • Spot clean immediately
  • Avoid hot water
• Storage Tips
  • Store folded in a cool, dry place
  • Use natural moth repellents like cedar or lavender
  • Avoid long-term compression

Proper care preserves the wool's structure and maintains softness. Learn more on How to Clean a Welsh Blanket...

How Welsh Blankets Are Used Today

• Home Décor - Welsh blankets suit both traditional and contemporary homes. Use them for bed layering, draping over sofas and adding warmth to reading corners
• Outdoor Use - Great for picnics, camping, and cool evenings outdoors.
• Gifts & Celebrations including weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings and of course, Christmas. Many customers buy Welsh blankets as heirloom gifts.

Where to Buy Authentic Welsh Blankets

When choosing a Welsh blanket, ensure the maker:

• weaves in Wales.
• uses quality wool.
• maintains traditional techniques.
• supports sustainable production.

Look for transparency in how and where the blankets are produced. You can explore a curated range of authentic, traditionally woven Welsh blankets here in our TirGlas online shop. All blankets are woven with 100% British wool. Here is a small selection of all the available blankets.

Browse Welsh Blankets for sale in on-line shop
Have a look around

Blankets and Throws - Are they the same or different?

There is no dictionary definition of the terms Blankets and or Throws and confusingly these terms seem to be used interchangeably. It not as easy as saying, larger items are blankets and smaller ones throws - some of our throws are larger than our blankets! If there is one 'definition', blankets tend to be thicker and more sumptuous whereas as throws tend to have finer weaving and can be more decorative. The long and short of it - there is no hard and fast rule or definition!!! Read more about the difference between blankets and throws...

Conclusion: Welsh Blankets - A Tradition Worth Preserving

Welsh blankets are timeless, warm, sustainable, beautifully made, and rich with cultural meaning. Whether you are decorating your home, gifting a loved one, or collecting a special piece of heritage, a Welsh blanket brings beauty and story into everyday life.
Explore the history. Appreciate the craft. Choose a blanket that will be treasured for years to come. Nothing says 'Hiraeth' more than iconic Welsh blankets.

Browse Welsh Blankets for sale in on-line shop
Have a look around