Throw Blankets Definition: Types of Throws Defined by Material, Construction, and Use

Defining Throw Blankets as a Category

When people search for throw blankets definition, they are often looking for more than a single sentence. The throw blanket category is broad, encompassing multiple product types that differ significantly in their construction, material, warmth, durability, and aesthetic character. Understanding what defines throw blankets as a plural category , and what distinguishes one type of throw from another , is useful for anyone shopping for, gifting, or comparing these products.

At the category level, throw blankets are smaller decorative textile products used in living spaces for casual warmth, typically measuring 50 x 60 to 54 x 72 inches. They are distinct from bed blankets in size and from lap blankets in coverage. Within the category, throws are further defined by their construction method and the materials used to make them.

This article defines the main types of throw blankets available in Canada, explaining what each type is, how it is made, how it performs, and who it suits best.

Woven Throw Blankets: Definition and Characteristics

A woven throw blanket is constructed on a loom by interlacing two sets of threads at right angles. The lengthwise threads (warp) are held under tension; the crosswise threads (weft) are passed over and under the warp in a structured sequence. The pattern of interlacing determines the weave structure, which in turn affects the texture, weight, and durability of the finished fabric.

Common Weave Structures in Throw Blankets

Weave Type	Description	Resulting Texture	Common Use
Plain weave	Weft passes over and under alternating warp threads	Smooth, firm, durable	Cotton throws, everyday blankets
Twill weave	Weft passes over two or more warp threads at offset intervals, creating diagonal lines	Diagonal ribbing, soft drape	Herringbone throws, tartan throws
Jacquard weave	Complex pattern controlled by a Jacquard mechanism; each warp thread controlled independently	Detailed pictorial or geometric patterns	Decorative throws, heirloom blankets
Tapestry weave	Weft threads cover warp completely; weft colours create the pattern	Flat, dense, image-like surface	Ethnic and folk-style throws
Dobby weave	Small geometric or textured patterns created by a dobby attachment on the loom	Subtle texture, dimensional surface	Waffle throws, textured cotton throws

Materials Used in Woven Throws

Woven throws can be made from virtually any spinnable fibre. The most common in the Canadian market:

• Cotton: The most common woven throw material. Breathable, washable, and durable. Weight ranges from lightweight summer weaves to heavy cotton blanket weights.
• Wool: Natural temperature regulation, excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, naturally fire resistant. Higher maintenance than cotton; dry cleaning or hand washing typically required.
• Merino wool: A finer grade of wool with a significantly softer hand than standard wool. More expensive but worth the premium for sensitive skin.
• Acrylic: A synthetic fibre that mimics wool in appearance and softness. More affordable and more washable than wool, though not as durable or breathable over the long term.
• Cotton-acrylic blend: Combines the washability of cotton with the softness and warmth of acrylic. Common in mid-range woven throws.

Knit Throw Blankets: Definition and Types

A knit throw blanket is constructed by interlocking loops of yarn in a continuous series of stitches. Unlike woven fabric, which is created from two independent thread systems, knit fabric consists of a single continuous yarn worked into rows of interlocking loops. This construction gives knit throws their characteristic elasticity and pliability.

Machine Knit Throws

Machine-knit throws are produced on industrial knitting machines that can replicate complex stitch patterns at high speed. They tend to have a finer, more uniform texture than hand-knit throws. Machine knit throws in acrylic, cotton, or blended yarns are widely available at a range of price points and are among the most commonly sold throw types in Canadian retail.

Chunky Knit Throws

Chunky knit throws are made from very thick, bulky yarn using large needles or arm-knitting techniques. The resulting fabric has a bold, three-dimensional texture with visible stitch structure. Chunky knit throws are primarily decorative; they add significant visual texture to a room but are less practical for daily use than finer knit or woven options because they can snag on surfaces and shed fibres. They are typically made from thick wool, acrylic, or wool-acrylic blends.

Cable Knit Throws

Cable knit throws use a stitching technique where groups of stitches cross over one another to create raised, rope-like columns. Cable knit produces a dense, structured fabric with excellent warmth and a classic aesthetic. These are among the heavier knit throws and suit cold-weather use well.

Waffle Knit Throws

Waffle knit, sometimes called honeycomb knit, creates a grid of small squares with raised edges. The resulting texture is visually interesting and has a slightly three-dimensional surface that increases surface area, improving warmth relative to weight. Waffle knit throws are often made from cotton and are a good year-round choice for Canadian homes.

Fleece Throw Blankets: Definition

A fleece throw blanket is made from polyester fleece, a synthetic pile fabric first developed commercially in the late 1970s. Polyester fleece is produced from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) , the same base material as plastic bottles , processed into fine fibres that are knit into a base fabric and then brushed to create a dense, soft pile surface.

The term "fleece" in the context of synthetic textiles is distinct from natural fleece (the raw fibre from a sheep). Polyester fleece does not contain any animal fibre. The name refers to the visual and tactile similarity to natural wool fleece, which the synthetic fabric was designed to replicate at lower cost.

Types of Polyester Fleece Used in Throws

Fleece Type	Characteristics	Typical Use
Microfleece	Very fine fibres, lightweight, smooth, less pill-prone	Travel, lightweight throws
Anti-pill fleece	Surface-treated to resist pilling; more durable long-term	Daily-use throws, household staples
Polar fleece	Standard weight, dense pile, good warmth	Cold-weather throws, outdoor use
Coral fleece	Finer, shorter pile than polar fleece; softer surface	Decorative throws, children's throws
Mink fleece (faux mink)	Two-sided, one side smooth knit, one side very dense short pile	Luxury-look budget throws

Fleece throws are the easiest to care for in the category: almost all are machine washable and tumble dry safe. They are the most practical choice for households with children or pets and for throws that will see daily use and frequent washing. The tradeoff is breathability; polyester fleece retains heat effectively but does not regulate temperature as well as natural fibres, which can make them uncomfortably warm in spring and summer.

Sherpa Throw Blankets: Definition

A sherpa throw blanket is a dual-face textile composed of two distinct fabric layers bonded together. The outer face is typically a smooth or patterned fabric, often a print-on-fleece, flannel, or woven textile. The inner face is a thick, deep pile that visually resembles the texture of a sheep's unshorn fleece. This pile is called "sherpa" in reference to its resemblance to the heavy wool garments associated with Himalayan mountain culture, though it contains no actual sherpa wool.

The sherpa pile is almost always polyester, made by creating a looped or cut pile fabric and bonding it to the outer face layer. Sherpa throws are among the warmest in the throw category because the deep pile traps a significant volume of still air, which is the primary mechanism of thermal insulation in textile products.

Sherpa vs. Fleece: Key Differences

Feature	Sherpa Throw	Fleece Throw
Construction	Dual-face bonded layers	Single-face brushed knit
Warmth level	Higher (deep pile traps more air)	Moderate to high
Weight	Heavier	Lighter
Drape	Stiffer, holds shape	Soft, pliable
Aesthetics	Cosy, textured, high-visual-warmth	Casual, soft, smooth
Care	Machine wash gentle, low dry	Machine wash, tumble dry
Best season	Winter, cold evenings	Year-round

Wool Throw Blankets: Definition and Types

Wool throw blankets are made from the processed fibre of wool-bearing animals, most commonly sheep, but also alpaca, llama, and cashmere goats. Wool is a natural protein fibre with a complex cellular structure that gives it several performance advantages over synthetic alternatives.

Key Properties of Wool for Throws

• Temperature regulation: Wool fibres absorb moisture vapour from the air and from the skin, releasing it gradually. This buffering effect regulates humidity and temperature at the skin surface, keeping the user warmer in cool conditions and cooler in warm conditions than a comparable synthetic throw.
• Natural fire resistance: Wool ignites at a higher temperature than most synthetic fibres and does not melt, making it a safer choice for use near open fireplaces or candles.
• Durability: Wool fibres can bend back and forth thousands of times without breaking. A well-made wool throw lasts significantly longer than a polyester equivalent.
• Odour resistance: The natural fibre structure of wool resists the growth of odour-causing bacteria, meaning wool throws require less frequent washing than synthetic alternatives.

Wool Throw Types by Fibre

Fibre Type	Characteristics	Price Range (CAD)
Standard wool (lambswool)	Warm, durable, may feel slightly scratchy	$60 to $150
Merino wool	Fine, soft, non-scratchy, excellent temperature regulation	$100 to $250
Alpaca	Very soft, hypoallergenic, warmer than wool by weight	$120 to $300+
Cashmere	Exceptionally soft, lightweight, high warmth, luxury tier	$200 to $500+
Wool blends (wool/acrylic)	Wool-like properties, easier wash care, lower cost	$40 to $120

For Canadian shoppers dealing with cold winters, a wool or merino throw is a sound investment for any living space. For more on wool throw options, see our guide on wool throw blankets and merino wool blanket Canada.

Cotton Throw Blankets: Definition

Cotton throw blankets are made from cotton fibre, a natural plant-based cellulosic material. Cotton is the most widely grown and traded natural fibre in the world. In the context of throws, cotton is valued for its breathability, washability, and moderate weight.

Cotton throws are most useful in three-season conditions. They are not warm enough for the coldest Canadian winter evenings without additional layers, but they are ideal for spring, summer, and early autumn when a lightweight layer is wanted without the weight of wool or sherpa. They are also the most practical choice for anyone who wants a throw they can machine wash frequently and at higher temperatures.

Cotton Throw Constructions

• Waffle weave: A grid texture that adds surface interest and improves thermal performance slightly over plain weave.
• Muslin: An open plain weave in fine cotton. Lightweight and breathable; best for summer use.
• Terry cloth: A looped pile cotton fabric, similar to towelling. Heavy and absorbent, used for beach throws and outdoor applications.
• Flannel: A slightly napped cotton or cotton-blend fabric that is warmer than plain weave. Good for mid-season use.

For more on cotton and related throw dimensions, see our articles on average throw blanket size and muslin throw blanket.

Specialty and Novelty Throw Types

Beyond the core categories, several specialty throw types have become established in the Canadian market:

Weighted Throw Blankets

Weighted throws contain fill material , typically glass beads or plastic pellets distributed through internal pockets , that adds significant weight, usually between 5 and 15 pounds. The added weight provides deep pressure stimulation that some users find calming and supportive for sleep onset. Weighted throws are a crossover between the throw and therapeutic blanket categories.

Electric Heated Throws

Electric heated throws contain embedded heating elements connected to a low-voltage controller. They provide adjustable warmth without requiring heavy material weight. These are popular in Canada for living room use in early autumn and spring when ambient temperatures are cool but not cold enough to warrant central heating.

Bamboo Fibre Throws

Bamboo fibre throws are made from cellulosic fibre processed from bamboo plants. The resulting fabric is smooth, somewhat similar to cotton but with a silkier feel and better moisture-wicking properties. Bamboo throws are marketed on the basis of sustainability and hypoallergenic properties, making them a growing segment in the Canadian market.

Recycled Material Throws

A growing segment of the throw market uses polyester fibre recycled from post-consumer plastic bottles. Recycled fleece throws have performance characteristics similar to virgin polyester fleece and are increasingly available through mainstream Canadian retailers. They carry environmental credentials that appeal to a growing segment of Canadian shoppers.

How to Choose the Right Type of Throw Blanket

Matching throw type to use case improves both satisfaction with the purchase and longevity of the product. The key questions:

Question	If Yes, Consider
Do you need maximum warmth for Canadian winter?	Sherpa, wool, or cable knit
Do you need easy machine washing?	Fleece, cotton, or machine-knit acrylic
Is the throw primarily decorative?	Chunky knit, woven cotton, or jacquard woven
Is it for year-round use?	Cotton waffle, lightweight wool blend, or bamboo
Is it a premium gift?	Merino wool, alpaca, or cashmere blend
Do you have sensitive skin?	Merino wool, alpaca, bamboo, or fine cotton
Do you have pets or children using it daily?	Anti-pill fleece, cotton, or durable wool blend

8 min read

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