Specialty Throw Blankets: Waffle, Knitted, Flannel, and More

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There is a difference between a blanket you sleep under and a blanket that makes your living room feel like home. Throw blankets do both, but not all throws are created equal. The texture, weave pattern, and fibre content determine whether a blanket keeps you warm in January or cool in July, whether it drapes nicely over a couch arm or bunches up in a lump.

After nearly four decades of helping Brantford families choose bedding, we have strong opinions about which specialty blankets are worth the investment and which ones end up forgotten in the linen closet. Here is our honest guide to every major throw blanket style.

Waffle Weave Throw Blankets

Waffle weave blankets get their name from the raised, grid-like texture that resembles a breakfast waffle. The small pockets in the weave trap air, which makes these blankets surprisingly warm for their weight. They are lighter than most other throw styles, which is why they have become a favourite for warmer months and layering.

Waffle weave throws typically come in 100% cotton, cotton-linen blends, or cotton-polyester blends. The pure cotton versions feel the most natural and get softer with every wash. Cotton-poly blends resist pilling better but do not breathe quite as well.

These blankets work beautifully draped over the back of a sofa, folded at the foot of a bed, or as a lightweight summer layer. The texture photographs well too, which partly explains why waffle throws dominate home decor accounts online.

Waffle Throw Sizing

8 min read

Knitted Throw Blankets

Knitted throws have a handmade quality that woven blankets simply cannot replicate. Whether chunky cable knit or fine gauge knitting, the stretchy, flexible nature of knit blankets makes them drape differently than flat-woven options. They mould to your body shape, which many people find more comforting than a stiff, structured blanket.

The most common fibres for knitted throws are acrylic (affordable, machine washable), cotton (breathable, heavier), and wool or wool blends (warmest, most expensive). Chunky knit blankets made from giant yarn have trended heavily in the last few years, but be aware that the very chunky versions are more decorative than functional. The large gaps between stitches mean they do not retain heat well.

Knit Styles at a Glance

One honest note about knitted blankets: they snag more easily than woven options. If you have cats with claws, a tightly woven blanket will last longer than a knit one. We have heard this from more customers than we can count.

Flannel Blankets for Canadian Winters

Flannel is not a fibre, it is a finish. Flannel blankets are made from cotton or wool that has been brushed to raise the fibres, creating a soft, slightly fuzzy surface that traps warm air close to your body. This is why flannel feels instantly warm to the touch, unlike smooth cotton which can feel cool at first.

When shopping for flannel blankets in Canada, weight matters. Lightweight flannel (around 130-150 GSM) works for autumn. Medium weight (160-180 GSM) handles most winter nights. Heavyweight flannel (200+ GSM) is for the coldest stretches or drafty bedrooms.

Portuguese flannel is widely considered the best quality available. It is double-napped (brushed on both sides), denser, and lasts significantly longer than single-napped flannel. You will pay more for it, but the difference is noticeable from the first touch.

Flannel Blanket Buyer Tips

• Check GSM (grams per square metre), not thread count. Thread count is less meaningful for brushed fabrics.
• 100% cotton flannel breathes better than polyester flannel, though poly flannel pills less.
• Wash new flannel blankets before first use to remove excess lint.
• Tumble dry on low heat. High heat can damage the brushed fibres over time.
• Expect some pilling in the first few washes. It usually stabilizes after 3-4 cycles.

Turkish Blankets

Turkish blankets, also called Turkish throws or peshtemal blankets, are flat-woven cotton textiles that originated as hammam (bath house) towels in Turkey. They are thin, lightweight, and surprisingly versatile. Unlike thick fleece or plush blankets, Turkish throws fold down to almost nothing, making them excellent travel blankets, beach blankets, and picnic covers.

The flat weave means they dry extremely fast, which is a practical advantage over thicker throws. In our experience, customers who buy Turkish blankets use them everywhere: on the couch, at the cottage, in the car, even as a lightweight scarf or wrap.

Traditional Turkish blankets feature hand-knotted fringe at both ends and come in striped patterns. Modern versions come in solid colours and geometric prints too. The cotton used in quality Turkish blankets is long-staple, which gives the fabric a slight sheen and makes it softer with each wash.

Luxury Blankets and Throws

What separates a luxury throw from a regular throw? Materials, construction, and finishing. Luxury throws are typically made from cashmere, merino wool, alpaca, mohair, or high-end cotton with exceptional finishing. The difference you are paying for is hand feel, drape, and longevity.

A genuine luxury throw should last a decade or more with proper care. Cheaper throws that feel soft in the store often pill within months. If you are spending over $150 on a throw, ask about the fibre source and construction. A well-made merino throw will outlast five cheap polyester ones.

We carry a range of throws and blankets at our Brantford showroom, and Brad is always happy to talk through the differences in person. Sometimes the only way to choose is to feel the fabric yourself. If you have not visited our pillows and accessories collection, it is worth a trip.

Plush and Silky Blankets

Plush blankets are made from microfibre polyester that has been brushed or cut to create a dense, velvety surface. They are the blankets you see marketed as "ultra soft," "cloud-like," or "buttery." And honestly, they deliver on the softness promise. A good plush blanket is hard to put down.

Silky blankets are similar but use a satin-like finish or a blend of microfibre and satin to create a smoother, cooler surface. They tend to be thinner than plush blankets and have a slight sheen.

The trade-off with both types is breathability. Synthetic plush and silky fabrics do not wick moisture the way cotton or wool does. They work well in air-conditioned rooms or for people who do not overheat, but hot sleepers may find them too warm and clingy.

Cute Throw Blankets

Cute throw blankets are really just regular throws in appealing colours, patterns, or novelty designs. Polka dots, animal prints, seasonal patterns, or pastel colour palettes all qualify. These make excellent gifts because they are practical and personal. A cute throw in someone's favourite colour shows more thought than a generic gift card.

For cute throws that are also functional, look for cotton or cotton-blend options in interesting patterns rather than novelty polyester throws. The cotton versions stay nice-looking longer and do not shed microfibres with every wash.

Small Blanket Throws

Standard throw blankets measure around 50 x 60 inches, but small throws (sometimes called lap blankets or baby throws) run 30 x 40 to 40 x 50 inches. These smaller sizes serve specific purposes that a full throw is too bulky for.

• Wheelchair blankets that do not drag on the ground or get caught in wheels
• Lap blankets for office chairs or working at a desk
• Travel blankets that fit in a carry-on without taking up half the bag
• Pet blankets for crates, car seats, or favourite sleeping spots
• Stroller blankets for covering little ones in the car seat or buggy

Small throws also work well as decorative accents. Folded on a shelf, draped over a basket, or rolled in a blanket ladder, they add colour and texture without overwhelming a small space.

OEKO-TEX Certified Blankets

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is an independent certification that tests textiles for harmful substances. A blanket with OEKO-TEX certification has been tested for over 100 chemicals including formaldehyde, heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and certain dyes. The certification covers every component of the product, from the fabric to the thread to the labels.

If you are shopping for blankets for a baby, for someone with sensitive skin, or for anyone with chemical sensitivities, OEKO-TEX certification gives genuine peace of mind. It is not a marketing label. The testing is conducted by independent labs, and certification must be renewed annually.

Not all quality blankets carry the label, though. Smaller manufacturers sometimes make safe, clean products but cannot afford the certification process. The absence of OEKO-TEX does not automatically mean a blanket is unsafe. But its presence means the blanket has been independently verified.

Moss Stitch Blankets

Moss stitch (also called seed stitch) creates a textured, bumpy surface that looks the same on both sides. This makes moss stitch blankets naturally reversible, which is a nice advantage over blankets with a distinct "right" and "wrong" side. The stitch pattern also prevents curling at the edges, a common complaint with stockinette knit blankets.

Moss stitch blankets are popular in cotton and cotton-acrylic blends. The texture adds visual interest without being as dramatic as cable knit, making them a good middle ground between a plain woven blanket and an obviously decorative knit throw. They work equally well on a bed or a couch.

For anyone learning to knit, moss stitch is one of the first patterns taught because it uses only knit and purl stitches in alternation. Handmade moss stitch blankets have become popular gifts and craft projects, which is partly why the search for these blankets has grown.

Best Blankets for Winter in Canada

Canadian winters demand serious warmth. Here is what actually works based on what we hear from customers every November through March.

A study in the Journal of the Textile Institute (2020) confirmed that layered textile systems provide superior thermal insulation compared to single-layer blankets of equivalent weight. The air gaps between layers act as additional insulation. This is the same principle that makes layered clothing more effective than a single heavy coat.

If you are looking for a down blanket for winter warmth, we covered that topic in detail. And for anyone who keeps their thermostat low to save on heating bills (a common approach in Ontario), investing in quality winter blankets pays for itself in energy savings.

Care Guide by Blanket Type

For a deeper look at how to care for natural fibre blankets, our guide to washing linen and natural fibres covers shrinkage, water temperature, and drying methods. And our cotton throw blankets guide has more specific care tips for cotton throws.

Finding Quality Throws in Canada

Canadian retailers carry throws at every price point. Department stores like Hudson's Bay and Simons stock mid-range to luxury options. HomeSense and Winners offer discounted throws from quality brands, though selection varies by location and season. Online retailers like Indigo, Pottery Barn Canada, and smaller Canadian makers on Etsy round out the options.

For bedding accessories, including throws, pillows, protectors, and toppers, we carry a curated selection at our Brantford showroom. We are not a big-box store with 200 throw options, but everything we stock has been tested and vetted. Brad has been doing this since 1997 and he is not interested in carrying products that do not hold up.

If you are anywhere near Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener, or the surrounding area, stop by and feel the difference in person. We offer blankets for couches and beds from trusted brands. Our white glove delivery service covers Brantford and extends to Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, London, Barrie, and Oshawa.

Related Reading

• Cotton Throw Blankets in Canada
• Coloured Throw Blankets for Every Room
• Blankets for Couches
• Down Blankets and Down Pillows Guide
• Blanket Sizes by Bed Size in Canada