Requirements
When buying a beach blanket, it must meet the following important requirements:
- Convenience of shape and size.
- The quality of the material from which the beach mat is made.
- Use of natural fabrics.
- Original product design.
- Smooth, strong seams, pattern or ornament without “bald spots”.
- Compact transportation of things.
The beach blanket is practical. Without this, a comfortable summer vacation is hardly possible - it will not be possible to experience pleasure without feeling discomfort.
Specialized companies also produce children's accessories for use on the beach, which must meet mandatory criteria. Common options:
- Polifoam Manga. Hungarian brand. The bedspreads are produced using the latest equipment using special technology. A decorative layer is placed on the surface, covering the existing images and patterns. Because of this, they do not wear off when the item is used repeatedly. Another nuance is the coating with an antibacterial solution. It is completely safe for children;
- Ardinex. Spanish brand. Produces beach blankets for children with beautiful designs. Most often - with characters from various cartoons. All presented lines are exclusive. The bedspreads fold into compact bags. The set includes an inflatable beach pillow;
- Verdani. Ukrainian brand produces children's beach mats. These are lightweight, quick-to-clean products. A special film prevents them from fading or fading;
- Isolon. Russia. Production of soft but strong bedspreads. Cost – from 200 rubles.
Features of the material
Beach blankets can be made from either natural material or 100% artificial material. When the consumer prefers only natural products, it is worth paying attention to cotton models. They won't make you feel hot on the beach, and they are visually very pleasant.
If your eye falls on synthetic beach blankets, the main nuance that you should pay attention to is practicality.
Acrylic and microfiber are good in this regard. These materials clean quickly and then dry instantly.
You need to decide which option is more suitable than the others based on your own needs. Only this will help make the holiday environment on the beach comfortable and cozy.
How to sew the perfect blanket “bag” for the beach and outdoor trips
The most important thing for outdoor trips (for any purpose), besides food and suitable clothes and shoes, is a great blanket. It will simultaneously become a place where a group of people can sit, 1-2 people can lie down and relax, and also a table for a communal lunch in the open air. An ideal homemade blanket for picnics will have a waterproof base (so as not to allow moisture from the ground and greenery to pass through, and also to significantly simplify the process of cleaning the blanket after use), less easily soiled edges (they are most often touched by shoes), sufficient density (so that less wrinkle and provide a good layer between the cold ground and the body), it will not fly away from gusts of wind and can be carried like a regular beach bag. So even the ants will be impressed by your blanket!
1. Cut a square of fleece 122x122 cm. One of the advantages of fleece, besides its density, is that its edges do not fray, i.e. you do not have to process (hem) the edges. If you wish, you can always make a larger blanket if you have a large family or if you yourself dream of greater comfort. You can also always use two of these fleece squares to thicken the blanket and make its layer thicker.
2. To protect the bottom layer of the blanket from moisture, take a vinyl shower curtain of the appropriate shade and with a suitable pattern. You can also use an old (but intact) vinyl tablecloth or a piece of regular oilcloth. Lay out the vinyl base or oilcloth evenly on the floor, and place the cut fleece on top in the same way. Trim the water-repellent material around the perimeter of the fleece, but leave a margin of 5-6 cm on all edges. You can make marks on a ruler and then use scissors, or you can immediately cut with a sharp short knife along the ruler (don’t forget to put something between the floor and the oilcloth/vinyl so as not to damage the covering on the floor).
3. Cut 4 rectangular triangles from fleece - 4 pieces of fabric with the base of the triangle approximately 15-20 cm. These are pockets on the corners of the blanket to place holding pebbles or other weights in place to protect the blanket from gusts of wind.
4. Cut strips of vinyl/oilcloth of similar length (15-20 cm) and approximately 3 cm wide each. Place one such strip on the base of each triangle with a distance of 1.3-1.5 cm from the edge and sew on a machine. Turn the free edge of the strip over to the other side of the triangle (for example, from front to back or vice versa) and machine stitch again. This is necessary so that the opening edges of the “pockets” for stones last longer and do not fray. This edge treatment is not shown in the pictures, but is a critical addition to a good quilt.
Place future pockets with a processed edge exactly in the corners (without indentations from the edges) of a piece of fleece - the future blanket.
5. Fold the edges of the vinyl/oilcloth over the fleece to create a non-marking border for the blanket. The most convenient way to hold all the layers together is to use regular paper clips. Bend the corners decoratively, as shown in the pictures in steps 4 and 5.
6. Sew along the edges - around the entire perimeter - the oilcloth to the fleece using a machine. Due to the size and therefore weight of the quilt, sewing the edges can be difficult. Therefore, it is worth asking someone else to hold the blanket while you sew.
7. When the blanket is stitched and, therefore, almost ready, fold it in half and then in half again to get a rectangle of 30x122 cm, with the fleece inside. Then fold this length in half and in half again to get a square of 30x30 cm. When folding a second time, make sure that the center of the blanket also goes inside the folded one, and does not go like the outer layer: this is important so that you can then sew the handles from the edges, and not to the center.
8. Cut 2 handles approximately 30-36 cm from an old but strong belt, and attach both symmetrically to the edges of the folded blanket - so that when you unfold the blanket, the handles dangle along the edges of the blanket, and do not end up in its center. On the vinyl/oilcloth side, mark the places where you need to sew, lay out the blanket.
9. Fold the ends of the handles to create a double layer of material and thus strengthen the handles. Sew the handles on the machine in rectangles and crosswise inside the latter along the diagonals several times. To prevent the handles from getting in the way even at the edges of the blanket, it is strongly recommended that instead of direct fastening, you sew good Velcro onto the blanket and the ends of the handles, so that you can then completely remove the handles when you use the blanket for its intended purpose. Now you can carry the blanket like a bag.
10. When you lay the blanket in place, pick up 4 pebbles (preferably flat pebbles so as not to prick) and put one at a time into the corner pockets of the blanket. These pockets can also be used for other purposes - to hide something.
Types
There are various types of beach blankets available in the market today. Each of them has a specific structure suitable for use in specific conditions.
Transformable bag
A good solution is a beach mat that transforms into a comfortable bag. This is a model filled with foam rubber. It is comfortable to use. It easily folds into several layers and turns into a small handbag with handles. Almost all transforming models have pockets to store small items. Harnesses of impressive length allow you to carry the beach blanket on your shoulder.
Transformable bedspreads are also produced double-sided. When one surface becomes dirty, the owner turns the item over. Nothing interferes with proper rest.
The products are covered with an isolon layer that repels moisture. This is a useful property, because a sea wave can suddenly reach a vacationer.
What are the benefits of transformable beach blankets:
- The filling is soft and comfortable to lie on.
- External coatings repel water.
- The thing performs several functions.
- It is convenient to carry it from place to place.
The downside of the transformer is that it cannot be used on a pebble beach. The coastal surface must be flat.
Straw
Beach blankets made from Chinese straw are very popular. Another name is mats because the reverse side is made of foil.
A special coating protects the body from discomfort when it comes into contact with pebbles or sand heated under the sun, as well as with water.
Straw blankets also become small bags when folded. They are easy to carry due to the presence of handles.
When choosing this beach mat, it is important to study the dimensions. Often in stores there are folding models assembled from two long strips. They can only be used by a person relaxing alone. When planning a family vacation, it is worth buying a bedspread made of 3-4 elements.
Straw bedding is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, and durable. For pebble beaches, options equipped with an aluminum layer on the outside are suitable.
With inflatable pillow
Many vacationers on the beach like to read books. For them, the best decision is to buy a beach blanket with an inflatable pillow at the head. This element is removable.
Typically, such mats fold compactly, fitting comfortably into any bag or backpack. Made from moisture-repellent materials that are not afraid of machine wash.
With protective visor
Beach blankets with a built-in canopy are new on the market. The main advantage of these products is the constant protection of humans from the negative effects of UV rays.
The rug will protect the vacationer from sunstroke, overheating, and sand flying in the air after the wind blows. These models are quite large, which is not an advantage for everyone. They will take up a lot of space, but will be very useful, especially for those who relax on the beach with children.
Blanket towel
A beach towel is used not only for lying on, but also for wiping the skin after swimming. His main qualities:
- increased hygroscopicity (rapid absorption of liquid);
- soft material, especially if the towel will be used by a child;
- durability of the pattern applied to the fabric. Otherwise, one wash will be enough for a beautiful thing to turn into something unintelligible;
- easy care. The beach blanket will need to be washed frequently and should dry quickly.
Blanket towels are usually made from cotton or bamboo fibers. The first is terry rather than the waffle version, as it is more pleasant to the skin.
Bamboo products absorb moisture faster. The model with short pile dries better.
Sand Free Mat
Another new product is a beach blanket, the surface of which is protected from sand and small debris. It was introduced to the market by USthe CGear.
Company representatives say that sand does not need to be shaken off this mat; it passes right through it. This happens due to the connection of two layers of polymer threads intertwined with each other.
One side of the device is rigid - it is placed down. There may even be sharp shells or tough grass. The beach blanket will withstand such conditions.
The shape is a square with sides of 1.8, 2.5 or 3 meters. The price is quite high - 45 dollars.
Types of blankets for the beach and picnic
There are different types of beach blankets available for sale. Each type of beach mat has its own structure, is made of a specific material and is suitable for a specific type of beach. The latter are pebbly, mixed (small pebbles and sand), grassy and sandy. To choose the right beach blanket, you need to know in advance which type of beach you will go to. Now we will understand what is remarkable about different models of rugs and where their use will be justified. As for ordinary bedspreads, quilted blankets and bedspreads are now very popular.
Transformable bags with soft fillings
The fabric mat with foam filling is compact and comfortable. It is made in the form of a bag with handles with side zippers. An additional side pocket is designed to store small items, such as room keys. The handles are made to the length required to carry the bag on the shoulder.
Beach bag-mat.
You can carry all the things you need for the beach in it, thanks to which you will have your hands free. Which is very convenient, because you don’t have to carry a separate bag and mat to the beach. This multifunctional accessory is suitable for all types of beaches except pebble ones. This is a fairly soft and comfortable blanket, designed for smooth surfaces.
Such transformers are double-sided, which is very advantageous.
- you can put it in a bag with different sides and walk with them alternately;
- If suddenly one side of the rug gets dirty, you can turn it over to the other.
Also, these beddings are made from isolon fabric, which does not absorb moisture. This property will be very useful if waves suddenly appear on the sea or if there is a sharp rise in water level. Then the mat itself will remain dry and protect the things lying on it from getting wet.
A square tablecloth is often trimmed along the edge with lace or braid.
Reviews of the Asonia anatomical pillow: .
Ikea mattress covers measuring 160x200 are in demand.
Straw bedding
Recently, beach mats made from Chinese straw have appeared in many stores. This is an environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic material. When folded, the mat looks like a bag and even has a pocket. The handles make it portable.
Such bedspreads are also called mats because they are made double-sided: on one side, tightly woven straw, and on the other, foil.
This bedding, despite the fragile material, is very wear-resistant. The straws are collected into strips of a certain width and length; the final size of the entire bedspread depends on the number of these strips. Most of them consist of three lanes, which can normally accommodate one person, or an adult and a child. For two people, it is worth purchasing a large rug consisting of four stripes. It is noteworthy that it would be perfect on a pebble beach, by the way. It will even out all the surface unevenness and you will be comfortable sunbathing on it. Its bottom layer, consisting of moisture-repellent and sun-protective foil, will protect its owner from contact with hot stones and unexpected waves.
Handles, pockets and ties can be made on a fabric or oilcloth base. If you have a choice, you must give preference to matter. As practice shows, a fastener with a button on oilcloth quickly stretches and then breaks. And this does not necessarily happen because the rug was folded incorrectly. This is simply a feature of the oilcloth from which these bedspreads are made.
As already mentioned, these rugs are made up of stripes. Each of which is performed separately. It consists of stacked straws trimmed around the perimeter with fabric. Then these strips are stitched together - these places are the folds of the fabric. The litter folds over them and does not break. It is perhaps worth noting that for those who like soft rugs, this may not be suitable, then you can put a soft beach towel or terry cotton sheet on top of it.
Rugs with inflatable cushion
Everyone spends their time on the beach as they please.
If you are someone who loves to read or need to keep an eye on children swimming in the sea. Then rugs with a headrest or an inflatable pillow will become an invaluable acquisition for you.
Buy a model with an inflatable headrest, then if you want to sleep, you can deflate it and ensure a comfortable sleep. You can also adjust the height of the pillow to suit you using less inflation.
The inflatable pillow is made of rubber. Inserted into a special fabric ring at the head of the bedspread.
The headrests are retractable, similar to a clamshell, and contain special aluminum rods. They are made in the form of a bag with one long handle for carrying. Therefore, this design has a lot of weight compared to the option where an inflatable pillow is included. The last type of bedspread is sold in a convenient case - a backpack. They all dry quickly and can be machine washed.
Why do you need an orthopedic cushion for sitting on a chair?
Reviews of bamboo blankets from Ivanovo: blankets from bamboo Ivanovo: reviews.
Blankets and envelopes for discharge in the summer can be sewn from different materials.
Beach mats with canopy
This type of mat is convenient due to its design, which protects the upper body from ultraviolet radiation, wind and dust. They are especially suitable for pebble beaches, where it is sometimes impossible to secure a beach umbrella.
Such bedspreads differ from other models of rugs in their overall dimensions, but for those who take care of their health and do not want to suffer from sunstroke and burns, they are simply necessary.
Children's beach mats their manufacturers
The Spanish company ARDITEX produces bright and colorful rugs depicting favorite characters from Walt Disney cartoons. They also come with an inflatable pillow. They are designed for a comfortable and memorable holiday for little tourists.
These rugs are exclusive designs, made in the form of polyvinyl chloride handbags with small handles.
Polifoam Manga is a Hungarian company that produces children's rugs using modern technologies. The surface of their bedding is covered with laminated decorative film. The pattern is on the base of the mat, and the film protects it on top, so it does not wear out. These fabrics also have an antibacterial coating applied. They are harmless and non-toxic, and have high water-repellent properties. Equipped with special rubber ties. Suitable for both the beach and a picnic.
This is a children's carriage made of polyethylene foam. It is light, convenient and compact.
The Russian company Isolon (Izhevsk) presents similar rugs. With bright solid colors, the child will like them because they are dense and soft. They will create comfortable conditions for him both on the beach and when playing sports. Can be purchased at Sportmaster for a price of 200 rubles. They are made from the same material as the previous model.
They are light, moisture-resistant and able to retain heat, protecting the child from hypothermia on the street.
This mat has a laminated film that preserves colorful images from abrasion and fading.
The Ukrainian company Verdani produces children's mattresses made of polyethylene foam. Hypoallergenic, durable and comfortable. Easy to clean. Suitable for passive relaxation on the beach and various sports activities.
For the whole family
There are beach blankets for large families that can be folded into a convenient carry-on bag. This multifunctional product will be appreciated by people with small children.
It is easy to transport, and small sides constructed from additional elements (laces, zippers, buttons) will allow you to easily carry small things that a family cannot do without on vacation: water bottles, hats, sunscreen.
Even more comfortable models are rug-backpacks. There are straps instead of handles, and the kit includes a headrest.
