Blanket facts for kids
A blanket is a soft, warm piece of cloth. People usually use blankets on a bed to stay cozy while they sleep. Blankets can be made in different ways. Some are knitted or crocheted, which means they are made from loops of yarn. Others are made from two layers of fabric sewn together with soft stuffing inside, like feathers or special hollow fibers.
You might hear blankets called other names, like quilts, duvets, or comforters. These names often depend on how thick they are, how they are made, or what kind of stuffing is inside them.
The word "blanket" probably came from the 14th century. A special type of fabric called "Blanket fabric" was first made by a weaver from a place called Flanders. He lived in Bristol, England.
Uses of Blankets
Blankets are super useful for many things! Of course, they keep you warm in bed. But they can also be used in other ways:
- For picnics: You can spread a blanket on the ground to sit on. This keeps your clothes clean and dry while you enjoy a meal outside.
- For firefighters: Special fire blankets are used by firefighters. These blankets help protect things like furniture from getting wet when they put out a fire.
Different Types of Blankets
There are many kinds of blankets, each with its own special features:
- Electric blankets: These blankets have wires inside that heat up with electricity. They can make your bed extra warm and toasty.
- Wool blankets: For a long time, blankets were made from wool. Wool is great because it's naturally warm and doesn't catch fire easily. It also lets air move through it, which is comfy.
- Synthetic blankets: Today, many blankets are made from man-made fibers, which are often soft and easy to care for.
- Throw blankets: These are smaller blankets. They often have cool colors and patterns. People use them for extra warmth when they are sitting on a couch or chair, not just in bed.
- Horse blankets: Yes, even horses need blankets! These are used to keep horses warm, especially in cold weather.
- Saddle blankets: These are placed under a horse's saddle. They help stop the saddle from rubbing on the horse's skin, keeping the horse comfortable.
The word "blanket" is also used in the printing world! In printing, a "blanket" is a rubber layer that wraps around a cylinder. It helps transfer ink from the printing plate onto the paper. This is used in different printing methods like offset printing.
Images for kids
-
The Bed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec shows two people under a blanket.
-
Le déjeuner sur l'herbe, (right section) by Claude Monet.
-
Blanket sellers in a market in Algeria.
See also
In Spanish: Frazada para niños
