Woven vs. Knitted Blankets: Understanding the Differences and Why Woven Blankets can be a Better Choice

Blankets are a must-have in any home—they provide warmth, comfort, and even style. When choosing a blanket, you might come across two common types: woven blankets and knitted blankets. While both serve the same purpose, they are made using very different techniques, which affect their quality, durability, and versatility.

At FiberArt, we specialize in woven blankets because they offer more customization, better resilience, and access to high-quality, sustainable materials—all at a lower manufacturing cost. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of blankets and discuss why woven blankets are the better option.

How Woven and Knitted Blankets Are Made

Woven and knitted blankets are two of the most common types of blankets. However, each one is created using different techniques that affect their overall durability, texture, and function. Here's how each blanket is made:

Knitted Blankets

Knitted blankets are created by looping yarn together using needles or machines. This process creates a stretchy fabric with loops that interlock with each other. If you've ever seen a hand-knit sweater, you've already seen how knitting works—blankets follow the same process but on a larger scale.

Since knitted fabrics rely on interlocked loops, they have more stretch and flexibility but are less structured, which means that over time, they can lose their shape, stretch out too much, or even snag easily.

Pros of Knitted Blankets:

• Soft and stretchy

• Suitable for lightweight, breathable designs

• Can provide a cozy, handmade feel

Cons of Knitted Blankets:

• Can stretch out of shape over time

• More prone to snagging and damage

• Not as structured or durable

Woven Blankets

Conversely, woven blankets are made by interlacing yarns together on a loom. This process creates a strong and stable fabric that maintains its shape and durability over time. Unlike knitted blankets, which rely on loops, woven blankets use a crisscross pattern that strengthens the fabric.

Additionally, woven textiles allow for highly detailed designs to be incorporated directly into the fabric, making them ideal for custom artwork, intricate patterns, or decorative pieces. They also have a rich texture and defined structure, giving them a more premium and high-quality feel compared to knitted options.

Pros of Woven Blankets:

• Durable and long-lasting

• Breathable

• Holds its shape better over time

• Can feature intricate, detailed designs

• Less likely to snag or stretch

• Feels luxurious and structured

Cons of Woven Blankets:

• Less stretch compared to knitted fabrics

• It may be slightly heavier depending on the materials used

Versatility & Accessibility: Why Woven Blankets Win

One of the biggest reasons woven blankets stand out is their versatility. They can be used in a variety of ways—from cozy home throws to artistic statement pieces.

Numerous Customization Options

Woven blankets can be fully customized with different patterns, artwork, and colors. At FiberArt, we specialize in transforming digital designs into high-quality, woven blankets, enabling artists and businesses to create unique products that reflect their creativity. Knitted blankets, on the other hand, typically come in a limited number of designs because of their complex details, which are usually harder to achieve with loops rather than woven threads.

Highly Durable for Everyday Use

Furthermore, knitted blankets tend to wear out more quickly, especially in high-traffic situations. Since woven blankets have interlaced yarns, they don't stretch out over time. Hence, they hold up better with washing and everyday use. Whether it's a decorative throw or a cozy piece for winter, woven blankets provide longer-lasting quality.

Ideal for Home Decor & Art

Artists and designers love woven blankets because they can turn artwork into functional and stylish decor. The woven technique makes it easy to incorporate detailed illustrations, patterns, and custom designs that are impossible to achieve with knitted fabrics. This makes woven blankets a great alternative to traditional wall tapestries or art prints.

Lower Cost & Sustainable Materials

Woven blankets not only offer better quality, but they also come at a lower cost to manufacture compared to knitted options. Here's why:

Efficiency in Production

The weaving process is more structured and automated, making it easier to produce blankets on a large scale with high precision. Knitted blankets require more manual effort to ensure loops are formed correctly, often leading to higher production costs.

Higher-Quality Sustainable Materials

At FiberArt, our woven blankets are made from 100% cotton and recycled fibers, making them an eco-friendly option. Since weaving allows for stronger fabric construction, we can use sustainably sourced materials without compromising durability or texture.

However, knitted blankets often rely on synthetic yarns, such as acrylic or polyester. Unfortunately, these are less sustainable and contribute more to plastic waste. If you care about reducing your environmental footprint, choosing woven blankets made from sustainable materials is the more responsible option.

Final Thoughts: Woven Blankets Are the Better Choice for Your Needs

While both woven and knitted blankets serve the same basic function, woven blankets offer more versatility, durability, and customization options, making them the ideal choice for artists, businesses, and everyday users.

At FiberArt, we specialize in high-quality woven blankets that allow you to transform designs into beautifully crafted textile pieces. Whether you're looking for artistic home decor, custom branding opportunities, or cozy, long-lasting blankets, our custom woven products deliver better results at a lower cost using sustainable materials. 

Contact us today at FiberArt for a simple consultation and discover more about the quality, design, and durability of our custom woven blankets.