Afghans Are Handcrafted Blankets
Afghans are handcrafted blankets of various sizes to be draped over furniture for decoration, and sometimes used
for napping or warmth. Afghan blankets are normally homemade or gifted items and are rarely sold commercially.
Afghans are both draped across the lap and also can be wrapped around the shoulders like a shawl. Afghans are being
rediscovered not only by creatures of comfort but by the design-conscious. Homemade or purchased, they seem to be
turning up everywhere: draped across sofas, chairs, benches and beds.
Unlike the typical sports team branded throw, afghans may have fringed edges and delicate patterns in their
stitchery. Unlike the thick, plush, durable material of many stadium blankets, afghans may be light and have a
delicate open weave. The care of various types of throws fits with their usage.
Delicate afghans of any fiber do best with handwashing. Silk and wool throws, too are likely to need
special handling, and perhaps even dry cleaning.
There are many different designs and kinds of afghans and three main types: mile-a-minute afghans, join as you
go afghans, and. Mile-a-minute afghans are usually (though not always) made in one piece and with a minimum of
stitches. They are the simplest and easiest to make and are especially popular with beginners.
Afghans are created by knitting or crocheting long strips that are then sewn together. This type of
afghan-making is very portable since you only have to bring one strip with you at a time if you need to grab your
project bag and go. Called "Join as you go", these afghans are made up of many different pieces, often with
one piece begun where the other leaves off. Motif afghans, such as the granny square, are created of many different
small pieces, often called motifs, squares, or blocks. These blocks may be all of the same design or all of
different designs but are almost always the same size for ease of joining.
This method of making afghans is preferred by many because of its portability and versatility of design.
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