Traditional Welsh Blankets

Summary - Traditional Welsh Blanket Patterns

This Article explains the patterns, colours and weaving in authentic Welsh Blankets.

• Colours   - most popular are green welsh blankets.
• Patterns  - most popular is the Caernarfon Portcullis pattern.
• Weaving - double cloth weaving produces fully reversible blankets. 

Nothing says 'Hiraeth' more than iconic Welsh blankets.

Welsh Blanket Colours

Welsh tapestry blankets are very popular, and the demand is greater than can be woven. As a result, there are a number of smaller tapestry style blankets available all with the iconic Welsh blanket patterns. In our online store we have a range of these Welsh blankets for sale, all woven in Wales in a truncated version of the Caernarfon pattern. All are approximately 175 x 145 cms [70 x 55 inches] and are generally softer to touch and smaller than the traditional Welsh tapestry blankets.

Top Five Most Popular Colours

Here are the most popular colours in our range of Welsh blankets - all available in our online shop.

1. Green Welsh blankets
2. Heather
3. Light Green
4. Red 
5. Grey 

Welsh Blanket Pattern Names - Caernarfon, Dyffryn Pennsylvania and Penmachno

The Caernarfon (or Portcullis) pattern is in many of our blankets and is among the most iconic of all Welsh blanket patterns names. If you think of a Welsh tapestry pattern, then this Caernarfon pattern is likely to be the most familiar thanks to its increased production in the 1950s and ‘60s. There are some experts that believe the classic Welsh patterns were the precursor of many of the North American folk art textile traditions, largely as a result of widespread Welsh emigration during the 1790s onward. In areas such as Pennsylvania, where the Welsh settled in significant numbers, the quilts and blankets of the neighbouring Amish are almost identical to Welsh tapestry blankets.

The other classic patterns are the Dyffryn (also Anglicised as Duffryn), Pennsylvania and Penmachno patterns which are much rarer than the Caernarfon pattern. In addition, each mill would often have their own patterns, many of which are no longer available.

  

Waffle Blankets - A Different Type of Blanket Pattern

A waffle blanket or honeycomb weave blanket is a woollen blanket woven with a textured, grid-like pattern. They actually do look like a honeycomb or a waffle!!

Waffle blankets creates small square pockets that trap air, making the blankets warm yet breathable. Our waffle blanket are woven with wool and are positively sumptuous. Waffle blankets are versatile for layering on beds or sofas and add a stylish, textured look to home décor. They are popular for their comfort, practicality, and aesthetic appeal.

Double Cloth Weaving

Double cloth weaving is a time-honoured technique at the heart of classic, authentic Welsh blankets. 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. The outcome is a fully reversible blanket, each side reveals a striking, complementary pattern, often featuring inverted colours.

Conclusion

Traditional Welsh blankets are distinctive for their colours, patterns and double cloth weaving techniques. The most popular colours in our online shop are Green Welsh Blankets, woven in the double cloth style in the Caernarfon portcullis pattern.