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Published: 06/23/2021
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Sheep wool has long been considered the best filling for blankets. But synthetic and artificial analogues are cheaper, are not inferior in thermal protection, and are not affected by pests. A blanket made of sheep wool, as a natural insulation, can relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and have a beneficial effect on the skin. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said about materials made from petroleum products.
- 1 Production and characteristics of wool
- 2 Use as a filler 2.1 Positive aspects
- 2.2 Disadvantages of the material
- 3.1 Pillows
Properties of wool fillings for blankets
Wool options are ideal for winter. The following types of wool are used for filling.
camel
It pricks if it is outside. You can't feel it in the case. Absorbs moisture up to 30% of its weight. Lets air through. Useful for diseases of bones and joints. Due to the prickliness, a light massage of the skin is obtained, rejuvenating and making it elastic. This is a warm and light blanket, cozy and durable.
Camel fluff does not prick, it is soft and gentle. It is collected from the cubs. Used for open blankets.
Sheep
Soft, pleasant, cozy. Wear-resistant. Relaxes tired muscles. Products made from sheep's wool are heavy and will be pleasant to those who love peace. Gives a feeling of reliability. Absorbs and releases moisture well, breathable.
Merino wool - an Australian sheep - is considered the best among sheep wool. Capable of self-cleaning.
Virgin
It is collected from lambs for 4-6 months by hand and is not processed in any way. It is very thin, delicate, soft, shiny. It is considered an elite material.
Cashmere
Cashmere blanket is the lightest, warmest and softest. It calms the nervous and muscular system, removes fatigue. Cashmere is light down from the chest and neck of a goat that lives in the Himalayas. Expensive luxury items are made from cashmere.
What wool is the warmest for blankets: camel or any down-undercoat.
Features of blankets made of natural sheep wool
Modern production offers the consumer several types of sheep wool blankets.
Woven, open wool
They are made from woven sheep's wool. Provide direct contact between the sheepskin and the skin. Pleasant and soft to the touch.
On sale you can find double-sided fur products and single-sided ones, which have one side made of open wool and the other made of textiles - satin or polycotton, and are suitable for use in the summer.
Filled, quilted
The most common type of sheep blanket. During their production, fluffed sheep wool is placed in a textile cover: cotton, satin or polycotton. Models with closed wool are stitched through - quilted in order to evenly distribute and securely secure the filling in the product. These blankets are very warm and perfect for the cold season.
Quilted sheep blankets are divided into:
- Karasteppe. The stitching in such models is done in the form of a figured pattern. Blankets have an elegant and decorative appearance and are often used as a bedspread, without a duvet cover. The filler may be distributed less effectively if the pattern is large. This may lead to uneven distribution. With many years of use, the holes from the stitching may increase and the filler will become visible. This will affect the appearance of the product.
- Cassette. The best type of closed sheepskin quilt. The stitching on them is done in cassettes - uniform squares. It reliably secures the evenly distributed filler inside the case over the entire area of the product. This model is easier to clean and wash, and it is the most durable. The disadvantages of this type include the high price compared to the first option.
Down, feather (down-feather species)
What is the warmest filling for a duvet – down, of course. The following types are used for duvets:
- Eider down is the rarest and most expensive, soft and cozy. It is rare to find. Warms better than other types of down.
- White and gray goose down is common. The products are very soft, warm, durable.
- Duck down is cheaper than others. Not as warm, less durable.
Duvet pros and cons:
- absorbs moisture up to 45% of its own weight;
- allows air to pass through;
- service life 15-20 years;
- causes allergies;
- difficult care;
- It is difficult to remove the resulting moisture outside.
Waterfowl down is considered the warmest material for winter species.
Silk
- It is better to clean silk in a reputable dry cleaner that uses non-aggressive but strong detergents. If cleaned with the wrong product, silk can become stiff.
- You need to whisk it periodically so that the filler is filled with air and warms better.
Main danger
Silk absorbs water, just like down. Unlike a down blanket, when a silk blanket gets wet, it does not begin to deteriorate, but its thermal insulation properties become worse. If you feel like your blanket is no longer keeping you warm, it may be damp and need drying.
Do not place heavy objects on a silk blanket, as a depression will form.
Fillers made from vegetable fibers
There are many types of fillers made from natural fibers. They are extracted from various plants.
Silk
Non-allergenic, absorbs liquid, does not wrinkle, does not electrify, does not accumulate dust. If you need to choose a blanket for the summer, a silk one will do. It cools the skin and takes on body temperature.
Silkworm fibers are used for silk blankets. Protein threads are woven together in a chaotic manner.
Eucalyptus, bamboo
Hypoallergenic antibacterial filler. It makes an airy blanket, light and soft. Good hygroscopicity and breathability.
Eucalyptus fruits are useful for people with lung diseases. Bamboo ones are suitable for those with skin diseases. These are blankets with artificial filling.
Seaweed
Improve blood circulation, rejuvenate the skin. They have an antibacterial effect. Using a special manufacturing technology, it does not smell or crumble.
A good product for skin problems. Helps it retain moisture due to the content of nutrients.
Flax fiber
Blankets made of linen fiber have an antistatic and antibacterial effect. Natural fabric perfectly absorbs moisture. Used for bedding for several thousand years.
Cotton
Hygroscopic, breathable, non-allergenic. Suitable for summer. Do not accumulate static electricity, wear-resistant. The cotton blanket does not pill.
A flannelette soft product is made from cotton with the addition of chemical or artificial fibers. It is cozy and light, easy to care for. It is often taken home for babies or preschools.
Artificial and synthetic
There are different blankets with synthetic filling. They are mainly made from polyester threads.
swansdown
A blanket filled with swan down is a hypoallergenic sleep product that is almost as warm as natural down. The absence of natural fibers makes the item unpleasant for microorganisms and mites.
It is electrified, does not allow or absorb moisture, and does not allow air to pass through.
Polyester
The following materials are available:
- The cheapest padding polyester. Forms clumps, cakes, short-lived.
- The holofiber blanket is elastic, the filler balls prevent it from rolling into lumps. The product made from holofiber is light and warm.
- Siliconized fiber is similar to fluff. These are thin polyester threads coated with silicone.
They make a semi-down blanket, the composition of which is natural down combined with chemical fibers.
Polyester product, pros and cons:
- low hygroscopicity and air permeability;
- electrified;
- inexpensive;
- weighs little;
- easy care;
- average service life.
Polyester fibers have both disadvantages and advantages.
Wool production and characteristics
Sheep wool is a product of animal husbandry. The person’s task is to shear it without harming the sheep. There is no need to slaughter animals for this, that is, the raw material itself is restored while the animal is alive.
Sheep with patchy wool are shorn in the spring. Coarse and semi-coarse-haired breeds 2 times a year. Even lambs can be sheared at the end of the summer season.
The weight and volume of clipping (the amount of clipped raw material) depends on the breed and sex of the animal. The average values of some breeds are presented in the table:
Group name | Cutting weight (kg) |
Merino | 7 |
Edilbaevskaya sheep | 2,5 |
Edilbaevsky ram | 3,5 |
Texel breed (sheep) | 5,5 |
(rams) | 7 |
Altai breed (rams) | 15 |
(sheep) | 13 |
Sheared sheep wool is sorted. It contains a high content of grease, dirt, sand, and plant fibers. After cleaning, 45-50% of pure fiber remains from the initial cutting.
In factories, sheep's wool is combed. Then it is immersed in the mixing chamber. Here, thanks to powerful air flows, different types of raw materials are mixed. In the same chamber, synthetic fibers, such as polyester, are mixed into the wool.
Next comes the turn of the carding machine. Its task is to untangle and separate the hairs to create a thin, even fabric. Next steps:
- division;
- twisting;
- converting raw materials into rovings.
Combed clean sheep wool is twisted. Then it is dyed, spun, and wound onto bobbins or cones.
The quality of wool fiber is influenced by the following characteristics:
- diameter;
- waviness;
- color;
- strength.
The first sign is the most important. The price of the material depends on it. The smaller the diameter and length of the fibers, the softer the raw material, and the longer and coarser, the stronger and less prone to peeling.
Valuable qualities include the crimp of the fibers. It makes the wool strong, fluffy and wrinkle-free. The wool has microscales that interlock the fibers to form a single web.
Fabric for the cover
Fabric for a blanket, which is better:
- Duvet, how to choose fabric: you need a material with a dense weave that does not release down and feathers. It is impregnated with a special solution.
- It is better to choose a thick, cotton cover for the blanket if it is made of wool. Percale, twill, teak are suitable.
- Thin, delicate materials – cambric, satin – are suitable for a down product or one with underfur.
- For silk, a cover made of thick cotton or silk is suitable. These threads go well together. Satin jacquard weave fabric is suitable.
The inner and outer material must be combined for the product to last a long time.
Camel's wool
- Camel hair can usually be washed in the washing machine or by hand using wool products. Gel products are preferable to powder products. The gel dissolves better in water and is easier to rinse.
- Sometimes it’s worth giving it to a chemical specialist. cleaning not only models that cannot be washed, but also those that can. Professional dry cleaning removes stains better than washing at home.
- Dry on a horizontal surface to prevent the product from stretching.
Main danger
If the washing temperature is violated, the blanket may shrink. If you wash it not with a specialized product, but with a regular powder, it will not rinse out and can cause allergies.
With proper care, a camel wool blanket will last more than 10 years. When storing in a closet, line with moth repellents.
Choice
Choosing a blanket, tips and tricks:
- Fiber options - bamboo, eucalyptus, linen - should be reserved for the warm season.
- The blanket is all-season, which means: it is suitable for any season. It comes from any materials. Therefore, you need to find out the types of density of a particular filler and choose the average one. The all-season blanket is collapsible. There is a thin summer half and a thicker demi-season half. They are fastened with buttons and it turns out winter. Thermal conductivity is important. The product should warm in winter and cool in summer.
- If you want a blanket that is warm and light, you should choose down or swan's down.
- We choose a duvet: it should be light, without an unpleasant odor. Shape stability - if you crumple a piece of a thing and let it go, after 20 minutes it will become the same. If the composition contains feathers, they should be small and not prickly.
- How to choose a blanket based on filling: synthetic, bamboo or eucalyptus are suitable for allergy sufferers. For hot climates, they are recommended from natural fibers. In the cold, down or wool is better.
- How to choose blankets and pillows. The pillow should follow the shape of your neck. When purchasing at the same time, it is worth purchasing both products from the same trusted manufacturer, this will make it easier to care for them.
- For a patchwork blanket, padding polyester is usually chosen. If you want naturalness, it would be right to pay attention to the cotton version.
- What is the warmest blanket made of: down. Wool ones are also quite warm. Depending on the density, they can sometimes be warmer than down ones. Warm blanket filling can be synthetic if the density is high and the material allows air to circulate.
What is the best material to buy from: camel or merino wool is suitable for durability, down is suitable for warmth. For lightness - bamboo, eucalyptus, synthetics.
On a note
Interesting: horse products are not made from horse hair. This is the name given to a thin blanket that gets tangled in the legs.
How to choose a sheep wool blanket
The right choice depends on the purpose and further use. The size of the product is taken into account, which correlates with the dimensions of the sleeping place, as well as the height of the person who will sleep under it.
Three common sizes of blankets for adults, for which it is easy to choose the right duvet cover:
- one and a half -140x205 cm, as a rule, designed for one person. In the one and a half ruler there are also sizes 150x200 and 160x210 cm;
- double - with classic parameters 175x205 cm and possible options: 170x200 cm; 180x210 cm, suitable for a married couple;
- large size double blanket, so-called Euro standard – 200x220 cm. Spacious and comfortable, suitable for tall couples.
The children's version measures 110x140 cm and is suitable for children up to 120 cm in height.
Photo: Belashoff Kids blanket for children, sheep wool 110x140
The density of the model is selected taking into account the season and place of residence. Lightweight summer models have a density of about 100 g/m2. All-season 200-300 g/m2. For the cold season and cool rooms, products with a density of 400 g/m2 are suitable. This data must be indicated on the branded packaging of the model.
In this case, it is necessary to take into account the following features of the product:
- weight. If a sheep wool blanket is very light and weightless, most likely it is made with the addition of synthetic fillers;
- quality of finishing (stitching). From a high-quality quilted new product, lint of wool does not come out, and from an open product, hairs do not fall off;
- The smell of high-quality sheepskin is the natural smell of wool, which will disappear in two to three weeks. If the new product has a pronounced synthetic smell, it is better to refuse the purchase.
The packaging of the selected model must contain information about the manufacturer (address, contact numbers), and the label must also contain information about the features of caring for the product.
Some manufacturers include detailed instructions for caring for the blanket. A thorough visual inspection is also important:
- In closed copies, the fabric of the cover should be evenly colored, smooth and even. The seams are smooth, evenly dense, without protruding threads or gaps.
- A high-quality model feels soft, elastic and smooth to the touch. It also does not have internal lumps or irregularities.
Manufacturers
Rating of companies making blankets:
- The ranking is topped by the well-known Shchigrov down and feather factory, Belashoff. She produces a variety of bed textiles.
- One of the popular brands is CLEO. The types of blankets and other bedding items are constantly being updated. All products comply with international quality standards and have all the necessary certificates.
- Medium-priced ComfortLine textiles are made from a good cotton base. Imported materials.
- Primavelle - the best eco-friendly products with beautiful designs.
- Silk varieties of Chinese origin are represented in Russia by the company Southern Path. They have all the necessary certificates.
- Average prices from the manufacturer Verossa. There are options with a variety of fillings - bamboo, algae, swan fluff, camel hair.
These are the best blanket manufacturers with a large assortment and good quality.
Reviews:
Valeria, 53 years old: I have had a camel blanket for almost 20 years. It is thick and warms well in winter. When I lie under it, my back stops hurting.
Anton, 27 years old: I sleep under down all year round. It’s cold at home, even in summer I can’t stay warm without my favorite blanket. But in the summer I sweat a lot under it.
Karina, 31 years old: constant allergies prevent me from using anything other than synthetics. But I’m thinking of trying bamboo, they say it helps with allergies.
Vasily, 48 years old: I sleep like in childhood, under a flannelette blanket. I have a thin one, so in winter I tuck two into the duvet cover at once. But I don’t like synthetics, it’s hot and uncomfortable.
For a comfortable sleep, you need to choose the right bedding. The bedspread will give you a pleasant sleep or prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.
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