【 Ultimate Guide 】 Flannel Dyed Blankets: From Craftsmanship to Maintenance, Understand All the Details in One Article

If you are looking for a soft, warm and long-lasting flannel blanket, or want to know about its dyeing process, color fastness, how to maintain it and other issues, this guide will provide you with a detailed explanation!

What is the flannel blanket?

Flannel is a soft and warm polyester fabric. Its surface is brushed to form fine fluff, providing a comfortable touch. It is often used to make blankets, pajamas, shirts, etc., and is especially suitable for use in autumn and winter.

The characteristics of flannel:

Soft and skin-friendly: The surface fluff enhances comfort and is suitable for direct contact with the skin.

Strong warmth retention: The pile structure locks in heat, making it warmer than ordinary blankets.

Moisture-absorbent and breathable: Suitable as a baby blanket or bedding, it is not prone to stuffiness.

Strong dyeability: Suitable for various printing and dyeing processes, with rich colors.

The dyeing process of flannel blankets:

The dyeing method of flannel determines its color vividness, color fastness and service life. The current mainstream dyeing methods include:

1. Yarn -Dyed

Process: Before weaving, the yarn is dyed first and then woven into flannel.

Advantages: (1). High color fastness (4-5 grades), not easy to fade.

                     (2). The color on both sides is consistent, making it suitable for double-sided blankets.

Disadvantage: The production cost is high, making it suitable for high-end flannel blankets.

2. Piece-Dyed

Process: First, weave the fabric, and then immerse the entire piece of fabric in a dyeing VAT for dyeing.

Advantages: It has a relatively low cost and is suitable for mass production.

Disadvantage: The color fastness is slightly low (3-4 grades), and it may fade after long-term use.

Color Fastness of flannel blankets

Color fastness refers to the ability of dyed fabrics to resist fading under conditions such as washing, rubbing, light exposure, and sweat staining. It is usually expressed in grades 1 to 5 (Grade 5 is the best).

1. Washing Fastness

Test method: Observe the degree of fading after simulating machine washing (40℃+ standard detergent).

Industry standard: (1). Superior grade: ≥4 (almost no fading)

                           (2). Qualified product: Grade 3-4 (slight fading)

How to maintain it? It is recommended to hand wash or machine wash in cold water (gentle mode), and avoid high temperatures.

2. Rubbing Fastness

Test method: Rub the blanket with a white cloth and observe if the color fades.

Industry standard: (1). Dry friction: ≥ grade 3 (qualified)

                           (2). Wet friction: ≥2-3 grades (qualified)

How to avoid color fading? Avoid washing with light-colored clothes. A small amount of salt can be added for the first wash to fix the color.

3. Light Fastness

Test method: Simulate exposure to intense sunlight and observe the fading situation.

Industry standard: ≥4 grade (High-quality flannel blanket)

How to prevent fading? Avoid prolonged direct sunlight and store in a cool place when storing.

How to choose high-quality flannel blankets?

1. Check the material

Polyester fiber blend: More wear-resistant, but slightly less breathable.

2. Observe the dyeing process

Give priority to "yarn dyeing" (with high color fastness).

3. Check the gram weight (GSM)

180-220GSM: Thin and light, suitable for spring and autumn.

250-300GSM: Medium thickness, suitable for autumn and winter.

350GSM+: Thickened version, suitable for extremely cold regions.

Maintenance methods for flannel blankets

1. Washing suggestions:

(1). For the first wash, fix the color with cold water and a small amount of salt.

(2). Avoid using bleach and choose neutral detergent instead.

(3). For machine washing, select the gentle mode to avoid high-speed dehydration.

2. Drying suggestions:

(1). It is best to dry in the shade and avoid direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays accelerate fading).

(2). If ironing is needed, choose a low-temperature steam iron.

3. Storage suggestions:

(1). After washing, fold and store to avoid deformation when hung.

(2). Moisture-proof agents can be placed to prevent mold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can flannel blankets pill?

A: Slight pilling is a normal phenomenon and can be dealt with with a hairball trimmer. Choosing high-density woven flannel can reduce pilling.

Q2: Why do some flannel blankets shed fibers?

A: Low-quality flannel may shed loose fibers during the first wash. It is recommended to rinse it with clean water during the first wash to remove excess fibers.

Q3: What are the differences between flannel and coral fleece?

A: (1). Flannel: Thinner, more breathable and more lustrous, suitable for spring and autumn.

     (2). Coral: Thicker and more suitable for winter.

Conclusion

Flannel blankets have become the first choice for many families due to their softness, warmth and skin-friendliness. When making a purchase, pay attention to the dyeing process, color fastness and weight, and maintain it properly. This can keep your blanket as good as new for a long time!

If you are looking for a flannel blanket with high color fastness and no color fading, it is recommended to choose a product made of dyed yarn and pure polyester material. This way, even after long-term use, the color will remain bright!

Which flannel blanket do you prefer? Solid color, printed, or thickened style? Welcome to share your choices in the comment section!   ✨