the most popular baby gifts, blankets give new mothers something
cuddly to wrap her baby in. Blankets are available in and
unending number of designs, colors, and styles, and can be had
with plush lining and trim. They are also available in many
types of fabrics, which is the subject of this article. Here's a
listing of the ten most popular baby blanket fabrics and what
you can expect to spend on them.
Cotton
Cotton is the most well known fabric in existence today. It can
be washed by machine and is extremely versatile - it can be
woven, knitted, and dye any color you can imagine. Generally
priced in the $10-$40 range, it can become more expensive with
an elaborate design. The packaging may also influence the price.
Flannel
A light- or medium-weight cloth, flannel can be made in several
ways, primarily a blend of wool and cotton or wool and a
synthetic fiber. These blankets are generally available in the
same price range as cotton, $10-$40.
Chenille
Usually made from cotton, this fabric can be distinguished by
its manufacturing process. First the fibers are spun into a
tightly wound core, then piles (short lengths of fabric) are
wrapped around so its edges stand at right angles from the core.
This gives chenille its characteristic look and makes it feel so
soft. A blanket made from chenille is a little more costly than
one made from cotton or flannel, ranging from $25 to $60 in
cost.
Fleece
I bet you think you know what this is made from, but you're
wrong. You're confusing this with the wool of sheep. As used in
a fleece baby blanket, the term describes a polyester fabric.
There's no wool in a fleece baby blanket! Prices can range from
$10 all the way to $70.
Satin
Once very expensive because it was made from silk, satin is
currently produced from nylon, rayon, acetate, and polyester.
This provides a much more affordable way to attain the glossy
finish the fabric is known for. Although still costing $50 or
more, satin baby blankets are much less expensive today than
they were when they were made from silk.
Alpaca
The original source for alpaca wool is the Peruvian alpaca, but
the term now refers to a more generic style of fabric. It can be
made from Icelandic sheep wool, high-quality English wool, or
mohair, and is available in a wide price range. Expect to pay a
minimum of $30 but the cost could go above $120.
Cashmere
Obtained from the cashmere goat, this wool is renowned for its
legendary softness. One of the more expensive fabrics to choose
for a baby blanket, expect to pay from $80 to more than $200 for
a cashmere blanket.
Merino
Merino is a less expensive alternative to cashmere. Originating
in Spain, it comes from a breed of white fine-wooled sheep that
produce an exceptional quality of fleece. It looks and feels
very similar to cashmere, but baby blankets made from merino
will cost significantly less - about $30 to $120.
Velvet
Considered a luxury fabric because it requires multiple steps
to manufacture and more thread per square inch than other
fabrics, velvet can be made from many fibers, including cotton,
silk, and synthetics. Prices for velvet baby blankets range from
$40 to more than $150.
Charmeuse Silk
Charmeuse silk is the most expensive fabric used to make baby
blankets. Shiny and very smooth, a blanket made from the "silk
of the emperors" will make a great impression on the new parents
and show just how much they and the baby mean to you. With a
beautiful drape and an elegant luster, a blanket made from
charmeuse silk will cost about $300. Maybe not the most
practical fabric to catch baby's messes, but it'll definitely
feel nice.
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