Afghan (blanket) facts for kids
An afghan blanket made using the ripple crochet stitch
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| Type | Bedding |
|---|---|
| Material | Wool |
| Production method | Knitting or crocheting |
| Production process | Handicraft |
| Place of origin | Afghanistan |
An afghan is a type of blanket or shawl. People usually make them by knitting or crocheting yarn. Sometimes, people call them "throws." Afghans come in many different sizes. They are often used as bedspreads on beds. You might also see them as a cozy decoration draped over the back of a couch or chair.
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Where Does the Name "Afghan" Come From?
The word afghan refers to the people of Afghanistan, a country in Asia. People started using "afghan" in the English language to describe a textile item a long time ago. One of the earliest mentions was in 1831. A writer named Thomas Carlyle wrote about "Afghan shawls" in his book.
By the 1860s, "Afghan" became a common word for a type of handmade item. These items were often shown at craft fairs and exhibitions. They were mentioned in novels, too. For example, one novel described them as:
A popular trend was making soft wool into different items. These included things for women's heads and shoulders, and even large shawls or blankets. People called these "Afghans." They were worn to protect against dust during summer rides.
So, the name "afghan" became linked to these beautiful, handcrafted wool items.
A Look at Afghan History
Afghan blankets and shawls likely have a connection to the rich textile traditions of Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, people have a long history of creating beautiful fabrics. They often made geometric designs. These designs were created by joining many crocheted or knitted squares of yarn together. This method formed a larger piece of fabric.
Different Styles of Afghan Blankets
There are many creative ways to make afghan blankets. Each style offers a unique look and challenge for crafters.
Single-Piece Afghans
These are the simplest style to make. They are very popular with beginners. You create the entire blanket as one continuous piece.
Mile-a-Minute Afghans
This style involves making many separate, narrow strips. Each strip uses a small number of stitches. Once all the strips are finished, they are joined together to form the complete afghan.
Join-as-You-Go Afghans
For this style, you make many different pieces. The interesting part is that each new piece starts right where the last one finished. This creates a flowing, connected design.
Motif Afghans
Motif afghans are made from many small, individual shapes or blocks. A famous example is the granny square. These small pieces, called motifs, can all have the same design. Or, they can have many different designs. To make joining easier, the blocks are usually the same size. This style is popular because the small pieces are easy to carry around while you work. It also allows for many creative design possibilities. Often, a decorative edge or border is added to finish the blanket nicely.
Graphghans
A graphghan is an afghan made by following a special chart. This chart is like a grid of colored squares. Each square tells you what color yarn to use. This method helps create a visual picture or design in the blanket. There are three main ways to make a graphghan: pixel crochet, corner-to-corner crochet, and tapestry crochet.
