Who Invented Blankets? Historical Development Of The Blanket

Use blankets for warmth or to decorate but do you know who invented blankets? The origin of blankets is from prehistoric times with rough animal skins. From the development of medieval to modern times, it is used diversely and as a symbol of many cultures. In this blog, let’s find out the process of birth and development as well as who invented blankets.

Who Invented Blankets? Appearance Of The Word “Blanket”

It’s hard to indicate the identity of who invented blankets. There have been many studies on this issue but there is still no accurate conclusion. We can just confirm that the idea of using coverings for warmth for people has ancient, maybe prehistoric origins recorded.

We don’t know who invented blankets but if you want to find out the appearance of the word “blanket” in history, indeed, it is associated with a person – Thomas Blanket. There is an exciting connection between this man in the 14th century and the word “blanket”. See the next section to find out what it is!

No One Knows Who Invented Blankets. We Just Know That They Have Existed Since Prehistoric Times

Historical Development Of The Blanket

1. Prehistoric Origins Of The Blanket

The origins of using blankets to cover people for warmth are recorded from prehistoric human existence. Early people used various types of animal skins for warmth. They are easily recognized for their strong anti-cold features. When early humans completely migrated and adapted to various climates, they explored other natural sources for coverings.

Over time, they advanced weaving techniques to make coverings from plant fibers. Those rough textiles marked a step in human technological innovation and development, laying the basis for destiny fabric improvement. From there, blankets were not only used for warmth but also as decorative items (like hanging blankets on the wall!) for people in history.

The Origin Of Blankets Are Connected With The Prehistoric Human Existence

2. Thomas Blanket And The Name “Blanket” From The 14th Century

In 14th-century Bristol, England, a person named Thomas Blanket founded a weaving workshop, and almost all people believed that he became related to the fabric produced. While he was not the man who invented blankets, his production of woolen clothes still contributed to the popularization of what we now call blankets.

The word “blanket” was starting to know from his surname. It can be said that the concept of using coverings for warmth is ancient, but the specific “blanket” received prominence via Thomas Blanket’s commercial activities.

The Word “Blanket” Was Known From Thomas Blanket’s Surname From 14th Century (Source: Look And Learn – https://www.lookandlearn.com/)

3. Find Out The Modern Blanket

Modern blankets are made from synthetic fibers such as microfiber and fleece blankets, supplying lightweight warm temperatures and surprising durability. Now, we also have electric-powered blankets and upgraded to adjust heating. This diversification expands consolation options besides conventional wool and cotton.

Modern blankets include many features like increased warmth, decorated beautifully, and weighted blankets for therapy. No matter the range or the way to be used, blankets remain culturally great-rolled and are iconic in many different cultures in the world.

The Modern Blanket Is Used For Warmth And To Decorate Your Space

Blankets In Different Cultures?

1. Native American Cultures

Navajo blankets are the iconic of blankets in the Native American cultures. They are well-known for their complex geometric patterns, colorful colorings, and of course, the high-quality craftsmanship. These types of blankets are woven from sheep’s wool.

Navajo blankets served as the best warm coverings and particularly as symbols of repute, wealth, and inventive expression. The patterns on these blankets frequently have symbolic meanings, showing the connection among the craftsman, nature, and spirituality. Different tribes had their specific patterns such as cedar bark or various plant fibers.

Navajo Blankets Are Well-Known In The Native American Cultures

2. Andean Cultures

In the Andean cultures, especially the Andean areas of South The US, blankets made from llama wool and alpaca are important components of lifestyles. The blankets’ colors and patterns have symbolic meanings, expressing the weaver’s network and history. These blankets are used for warmth & clothing for local people and are showcased at ceremonies.

Blankets In The Andean Cultures Are Made From Llama Wool And Alpaca

3. African Cultures

Throughout history, African cultures have 2 highlight types of blankets:

• Kente blankets (also called Ghana): Talk about the technical aspect of a woven fabric, local people frequently used Kente as a blanket or wrap. It is regarded for its dynamic colors and difficult patterns, that bring symbolic meanings. Historically, Kente blankets were connected with royalty and they were used for special activities.
• Basotho blankets (also called Lesotho): Those blankets are an indispensable part of the Basotho subculture in African cultures. They have bold ambitious designs and are used as traditional clothing in some important activities of local people.

Kente Blankets (Also Called Ghana) And Basotho Blankets (Also Called Lesotho) Are Iconic Of The African Cultures

4. Asian Cultures

Like African cultures, Asian cultures also have 2 well-known types of blankets in their history:

• Futon and Kotatsu blankets: The Futon is a conventional bedding system of Japanese for warmth, while the Kotatsu is a small heated table with a warm blanket draped over it. Both types of blankets emphasize minimalism and the green-use method of this country.
• Indian quilts (also called Razai): Indian quilts are regularly made from layers of cotton cloth with many complex stitching and patterns. Local people used them for warmth and sometimes as ornamental objects, showing family traditions and memories.

Futon And Kotatsu Blankets Of Japan And Indian Quilts (Also Called Razai) Are Symbol Of The Asian Cultures

European Cultures

In European Cultures, they have the Scottish Tartans that are created with woolen cloths with special patterns associated with each Scottish clan. These blankets are used to put on a couch, for kilts, and also different conventional garments. They are iconic for extended family identity and the history of Europe.

Moreover, quilting has a long record in lots of European nations. Those quilts often brought tales or have been given as presents of love.

Blankets In The European Cultures Are Created Of Woolen Clothes With Special Patterns Associated With Each Scottish Clan

Globalization In Blankets

Globalization has brought about a mix and match of cultural styles in today’s blanket designs. Nowadays, blankets are used as decorative objects in indoor layouts, showing personal fashion and expressing cultural impacts.

Blankets In Modern Times Are Showing Personal Fashion And Expressing Cultural Impact

FAQs

1. When Were Blankets First Applied For Decoration?

Like the question “Who invented blankets?“, it is really difficult to identify the exact time when blankets were first used for decoration. Because the transition process from purely functional to decorative blankets was likely gradual and varied across cultures.

2. Are There Any Other Historical Figures Associated With Blankets?

Besides Thomas Blanket, Joseph Marie Jacquard had a connection with blankets in history. Jacquard and many other loom inventors in the early 19th century contributed much to creating more complicated blanket designs.

3. Where Should We Buy Beautiful Blankets To Decorate?

At Yes That Blanket, we offer you various collections of blankets with unique and brilliant designs, as well as at the best price. Click on our website to view the best models and buy one now!

Bottom Line

The answer to the question “Who invented blankets?” is still a mystery but their origin and development are great! Blankets have been together with humanity, adapting perfectly to our needs and expressing our culture. So, when wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket or using it to decorate your space, let’s take a moment to appreciate the role and the long journey of it.