Blogging Affairs Desk

The Latest Information on Photo Blankets

Photo blankets have been available for personalization and customization for many years now. With changes in technologies and photo clarity, these personal renditions of life have grown and changed as well. Photo blankets are available in a variety of style, but how can we know what each style offers. Comparing photo blankets is a great way to decide which is best for your needs.

Woven photo blankets are most often created from cotton or acrylic yarns. The images chosen for the blanket by the consumer appear as woven patterns. Taking an up close look at woven photo blankets, the consumer will notice individually colored yarns combined to make one large image. Similar to a woven rug, the end result is a clear image from afar, with a grainy result up close.

Woven photo blankets are finished in one of two ways. The edges will either be left in a fringe edging, where the yarn pieces are hanging freely, or in a bound edging. The fringe edging may have a tendency to fray after numerous washings or heavy usage. The bound edging, on the other hand, leaves the woven blanket with a border of color, similar to a photo frame.

Knitted photo blankets are produced in a similar manner to woven photo blankets. While these blankets tend to use both cotton and acrylic yarns as well, the photo image remains woven, in this case, knitted directly into the fabric of the blanket. The knitting result feels just like a knitted sweater. Again, the far away look of the blanket produces an overall total photo, but when an up close look is taken, separate yarn pieces, knots and colors render the picture unrecognizable.

Photo blankets that are knitted also have a stretchy quality unlike their woven alternatives. The photo knitted into the blankets tend to blur and disfigure when stretched. After a period of time, the fabric will lose the ability to retract and the image with remain stretched and deformed.

The yarns used in the manufacturing process of both woven and knitted photo blankets tends to vary, as does the selection process. Some companies use a machine and computer program to select the proper yarns colors through an automated process. This automation does make for a faster turn around time, but if the program is off on a shade or two, the resulting blanket may not look like the photo at all.

The second yarn selection process is completed through hand selection. Individuals choose each color by comparing different yarn shades to the original photo. While this process may seem more intimate, each human eye sees colors in a different way. A teal to one eye may look like a blue-green to another. The human selection process tends to yield a photo blanket resembling the original photo exacting as seen by the person choosing the yarns.

While hand selection and machine selection are both used for full color woven and knitted photo blankets, monochrome or black and white images are generally produced from two colors of yarn, black and white. Unfortunately, using only these two colors removes the residual rainbow of grays present throughout a black and white photo.

A photo blanket creation that is not produced from a knitting or weaving process is picture blankets. These photo blankets take the photo image and reproduce the same image onto a blanket surface. The production process is similar to the printing process of a digital photo and the resulting blanket is just as clear. When the photo is dyed onto or into the fabric, there are not separations of color as with the knitted product. Only sharp photo lines and images both up close and far away.

Unlike the woven and knitted photo blankets, picture photo blankets reproduce the image directly into the fabric. The colors are identically matched just as they would be with a digital photo print. Due to this difference in the manufacturing side of the blanket, there are no mistakes or color variances. The photo from which the blanket is created, is the same photo the blanket displays.

Black and white photo blankets are also available from the picture photo blanket process. Unlike the woven and knitted varieties, again, the picture is printed or dyed into the fabric using all of the colors present in the photo. If there are ten grays, ten grays are used in addition to the blacks and whites. The end product, when grays are used, tend to be clearer and display an increased depth of image.

Another difference between the woven and knitted varieties and the picture photo blanket is the ability to render an almost dual use blanket. The picture photo blanket is backed with a solid color fabric of the customers choice.

All three types of photo blanket creations are offered in various sizes. Ranging from a lap blanket size of 30” X 40” to a queen bed size of 60” X 80”. With every photo blanket the rule seems to stand that the larger the blanket, the larger the original photo image should be in order to produce the best end result.

The processing times for the photo blankets tend to differ as well. While woven and knitted photo blankets tend to take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to process (shipping time will be added onto the end of the processing time), the picture photo blanket processes in 3 to 7 days.

While the photo blanket is not a newcomer to the gift giving industry, never before have their been so many different photo blanket creation processes to choose from. Photo blankets can either be woven or knitted from yarns or dyed in to the fabrics. All three processes offer a different look, feel and end photo result. Whether you decide on a weaving process, knitting process, or photo reproduction process, your memory will appear on your photo blanket. The only way to choose which photo blanket is right for your needs is to learn about them all.

About the Author

Written by Derek Renald. Find more info for Photo Blankets

Making the Magic Fabric Photo Frame and Gift Card demo video

Pioneer Photo Purple Frame Fabric Memory Book $31.91

Black & White Zebra OR Leopard/Cheetah Furry Fabric 4×6 Picture Photo Frame GIFT $17.99

FABRIC COW PHOTO FRAME S/A-73603 $7.95

E02 Beatles Photo Face Frame Retro Cotton Quilt Fabric $16.90

Vera Bradley Photo Frame~New~Fabric Covered~ $8.99

Liberty of London Large fabric photo frame chintz birds and flowers $7.91

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS PHOTO FRAME FABRIC BY BROAD BAY NIP $12.95

3-PHOTO FRAMES/5″ x 7″/ FABRIC COVERED/OVAL WINDOW/USED $8.98

10 Blue Pioneer Embroidered Fabric Frame Baby Photo Albums DA-200BEM DA200BEM $147.99

3 Pink Pioneer Embroidered Fabric Frame Baby Photo Albums DA200BEM DA-200BEM $43.99

BEAUTIFUL NEW FABRIC PHOTO ALBUM w FRAME PIC. COVER $12.50

CROSCILL QUILTED FABRIC PICTURE FRAME HOLDS 5″X7″ PHOTO NWOT $9.99

Tom Kite Framed Piece w/AUTO, Photo, and Fabric piece-UNIQUE-3M Championship $149.00

June Tailor-Iron-On Fabric Photo Frame-Sports Fan-3 pkg $8.99

Chicken Fabric Photo Frame $14.99

Adorable Fabric Baby Photo Frame by Sicurakids ( 4″ x 6″) $6.99

Valentine Wedding Fabric Photo Frames Kit 10 in pkg New USA $9.00

Butterick Pattern 4349 Valentine Fabric Photo Frames Vintage NEW USA $4.00

10 Pink Pioneer Embroidered Fabric Frame Baby Photo Albums DA200BEM DA-200BEM $129.00

‘Fabric Photo Albums’, ‘Creative Fabric Frames’ & ‘Decorator Baskets’ Lot to Go! $9.99

Fabric Frames Picture Photo frames craft book booklet $5.99

Pioneer 200 Pocket Fabric Frame Cover Photo Album, Deep Black $31.70

2-Photo Frame Blue Fabric Floral Oval Shaped 6 3/4″ht. $8.99

2-Pink Floral Fabric Photo Frames 6 3/4″ high.x 5 1/2″ wide $8.99

FABRIC CHICKEN PHOTO FRAME $9.50

FABRIC CHICKEN PHOTO FRAME $9.50

Vera Bradley Folding Fabric Frame Holds 2 4″x6″ photos, NEW $9.99

Vera Bradley Folding Fabric Frame Holds 2 4″x6″ photos, NEW $9.99

Vera Bradley Folding Fabric Frame Holds 2 4″x6″ photos, NEW $9.99

FABRIC CHICKEN PHOTO FRAME $9.50

Vtg 80s Yours Truly photo picture fabric frame pattern $6.75

FABRIC CHICKEN PHOTO FRAME $9.50

FABRIC CHICKEN PHOTO FRAME $9.50

Anthropologie Shabby Floral Flowers Fabric Covered Photo Frame $8.99

New Unique Padded Gold Fabric 4″x6″ PHOTO PICTURE FRAME **FREE SHIPPING*** $8.95

Silk Fabric Photo Frame 8×8 Copper Album $32.52

Craft Patterns for Sewing Baskets Totes fabric Photo Frames Albums Knitting box $8.00

Trend Lab Fabric Covered Photo Frame, Chibi $17.37

NIP Photo Frame for Dog Lovers “Live Love Lick” Fabric Matted to 4×6 $5.99

4×6 Photo Frame – Wood with Blue Padded Fabric Border – NEW – Original Price $10 $6.99

Mud Pie Baby Lil’ Buddy Blue Gingham Fabric Photo Frame, Grandma and Me $16.43

Set of 2 Custom Fabric Photo Frames Light Blue Toile $25.00

Dolphin Photo Frame (Ikat Fabric with Nickel Dolphin) $20.00

Dolphin Photo Frame (Ikat Fabric with Nickel Dolphin) $23.00

NWT PINK FABRIC BABY GIRL BEAR PHOTO FRAME ORNAMENT $3.99

Teddy Bear Photo In Blue Fabric Covered Frame 8×10 New $14.99

Teddy Bear Photo In Pink Fabric Covered Frame 8×10 New $14.99

Vintage Padded Frame– Holds 11 photos–Brown fabric; lace; Country Victorian. $2.50

HAEDWOOD IVORY FABRIC COVERED BULLETIN BOARD/ JEWELRY HOLDER-2 PHOTO FRAMES $15.99

Kit to make 10 Fabric Photo Picutre Frames Great Gifts $7.95

Coaster Wood Single Drawer Makeup Vanity Table Set with Mirror and Stool in White $168.00 Keep your cherished memories or inspirations close at hand with this Vanity Table Set. A beautiful white finish gives this piece a whimsical style with hand painted borders and flowers. Picture frames on either side of the mirror let you keep precious pictures or collages close to your heart as you get ready for the day. Features: White finish with painted roses Pale Silver starburst pattern fa…

Create One-of-a-kind Photo Frames $1.28 learn to glue, cover and decorate with foil and fabric to create designer original frames…. 2 projects… step by step instructions become an expert at home!… Victorian Fabric Covered frame…. foild covered frame…

Command 17203 Small and Medium Picture Hanging Strips, 4 Small 8 Medium Sets of Strips $6.51 Make any space yours with the Command Small and Medium Picture Hanging Strips, a damage-free solution for decorating your home or office. Ideal for frames and other items 12 pounds or less, these handy strips will lock your pictures securely onto the wall. Thanks to the innovative Command Adhesive strips, you can mount and remount them without damaging your walls–no nails, tacks, or tape required…

Command Poster Adhesive 48 Strip Value Pack $4.00 Use these adhesive mounting strips to secure calendars and other flexible objects to walls. There’s no sagging or falling with these strips, which hold firmly, yet remove cleanly. …

Cloth Frame 8×8 Postbound Albums This 8″ fabric covered postbound album features a large 2-7/8″ x 2-3/4″ photo window on the front cover, 10 top-loading, crystal clear, archival, photo safe, and acid & PVC free polypropylene page protectors with heavy cardstock inserts, and a clear vinyl dust cover. Album measures 9″ x 9-3/4″ x 1-1/8″. Album is available in a variety of colors, each sold separately….

Walt Disney Treasures – Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volume Two $22.22 Features include: •MPAA Rating: NR•Format: DVD•Runtime: 7 minutes…

MTL Polishing Cloth Kit $11.69 Metal Polishing Cloth Kit, Economy Size In Decorative Tin, Contains 12 Pre-Moistened 4″ x 6″ Polishing Cloths, 1 Soft Buffing Cloth, Of Reusable Gloves, Clean & Polish Silver, Gold, Brass, Copper, Bronze, Nickel, Chrome, Aluminum, Pewter & Stainless Steel, Vanilla Fragrance….

New Trent IMP78B Imperial Leather Case Cover Fits Amazon Kindle FIRE Tablet, with Two-way Stand and Picture Frame Built-in $19.95 New Trent Imperial Leather Case Cover Fits Amazon Kindle FIRE Tablet with modern and sleek design. Imperial case gives you easy access to all Amazon Kindle Fire’s feasibilities, with enhanced full body protection. Classic antique textured, deluxe fabric and genuine leather outfit is the best option for a decent looking. The frame design gives you the absolute unique and personalize appearance wi…

Epson Stylus R2880 Large Format Photo Printer (C11CA16201) $379.00 Produce exhibition quality prints with unprecedented control with the Epson R2880 photo printer, the choice for professional and fine art photographers. With its innovative ink set, Epson UltraChrome K3 with vivid color, this powerful printer offers an astounding color gamut for brilliant reds, blues and purples. Designed to easily deliver large-format photos worthy of gallery display, the 13-inch…

Booq Python Pack (Black) Backpack for 13-15 Notebooks $299.99 Python pack has been designed for creative professionals with a 13-15″ Mac/PC or 17″ MacBook Pro, an SLR, 2-3 lenses, and a limited number of accessories. This full-featured, large capacity laptop backpack can be used with or without camera gear, since the camera compartment, which doubles as a fully functional camera case, is easily removable. Python pack is made up of a padded laptop compartmen…

Dyer Dark Espresso Fabric Photo Frames, Set of Three $121 -Frames are created using stretched cloth over wood with an embossed pattern finished in dark espresso with a light tan glaze. -Holds photo sizes: 4×6, 5×7 and 8×10. -Small frame: 10x12x1 -Medium frame: 11x13x1. -Large frame: 14x16x1.

Mickey and Minnie Magnetic Photo Frames $4.99 Includes (2) magnetic photo frames.

Lighting Business 801202 Graden Black Photo Frames Set of 2 $43.03 Graden Black Photo Frames Set of 2CONTEMPORARY AND MASCULINE SET OF 2 BLACK WOVEN LEATHER LOOK PHOTO FRAMES60 PVC 30 Cardboard 10 non woven fabric. Materials: 60 PVC 30 Cardboard 10 non woven fabric. Dimensions: 8.59.5h x 8.59.5

IMAX 801082 Set of 2 Quilted Rhinestone Photo Picture Frames 11.5 in. $125.47 Set of 2 Quilted Rhinestone Photo Frames. Item #801082Classic yet modern black and cream picture frames feature a quilted finish and are accented with gemstonesDimensions of each frame:. Small: 9.25 H x 7.25 W. Large: 11.5 H x 9.5 WMaterial(s): pvc/fabric/cardboard

Imax 801202 Graden Black Photo Frames Set of 2 $43.03 Contemporary and masculine set of 2 black woven leather look photo frames. Material: 60 PVC 30 Cardboard 10 non woven fabric. Dimensions: 8.59.5 H x 8.59.5 W. Satisfaction ensured. Manufactured to the highest quality available.

Uttermost 18533 Dyer#44; Photo Frames#44; S3 $140.14 Frames are created using stretched cloth over wood with an embossed pattern finished in dark espresso with a light tan glaze. Holds photo sizes:4×6 5×7 8×10. Frame sizes: Sm10x12x1 Med11x13x1 Lg14x16x1. Material: MDF FABRIC PAPER AND GLASS. Depth: 0.625. Width: 14. Height: 16. Finish: STRETCHED CLOTH OVER WOOD WITH AN EMBOSSED PATTERN FINISHED IN A DARK ESPRESSO WITH A LIGHT TAN GLAZE. Number Of Shades:

Baptized in Christ Photo Frames $15.99 “>Holds a 3.5″ x 5″ photo.>”

BeachThemed Photo Frames $1.98 Pretty as a picture these beachthemed photo frames make picture perfect favors And theyll be even prettier when your guests take them home and insert their favorite 2 x 3 snapshot of your special day Great for any beach themed occasion or seaside event these 2 x 3 natural colored poly resin frames feature an authentic sandlike textured border adorned with a variety of realistic looking molded seashells Also useful as decorative place card holders for your event tables each comes individually packaged in a white box with place cards includednow available from WeddingMountaincom these frames are sure to bring smiles all around

Baby Photo Frames(Pack Of 144) $258 Baby photo frames come in a variety of colors. One unit equals one frame….

IMAX 801202 Set of 2 Stylish Black Woven FauxLeather Photo Picture Frames $82.99 Decorative Photo Frames. Item #801202Beautiful photo frames feature an intricate woven leatherlike design. Small frame holds (1) 3.5 x 5.5 photo. Large frame holds (1) 4.5 x 6.5 photoApproximate dimensions:. Large: 9.5 H. Small: 8.5 H. Material(s): PVC/non woven fabric

Backyardigans Photo Frames (4 count) $5.99 Backyardigans Photo Frames (4 count) are made of plastic and measure approximately 2.75″ wide x 2.75″ high. Frames have a lime green trim with Tyrone, Uniqua, Pablo, Austin and Tasha all around. Photo opening measures approximately 1.25″ wide x 1.25″ high

Hali Photo Frames, Set of Four $182 Colorful photo frames finished in antiqued ivory, light sage green, burgundy, and teal green. Holds photo sizes:4×6, 5×7, 8×10 Sizes:Sm-9x12x1, Med(2)-10x14x1, Lg-14x16x1 -Grace Feyock

Dason Photo Frames, Set of Three $121 Wooden frames with a distressed silver leaf finish. Holds photo sizes: 4×6, 5×7, 8×10. Frame sizes:Sm-11x13x1, Med-12x14x1, Lg-15x17x1 -Grace Feyock

Radnor Photo Frames, Set of Three $140 Frames are finished in distressed black with antiqued chestnut undertones. Holds photo sizes:4×6,5×7,8×10. Frame sizes: Sm-10x12x1, Med-11x13x1, Lg-14x16x1 -Grace Feyock

Easel Back Mini Photo Frames $4.48 Miniature photo frames are very popular at todays weddings Not only can they display a photo of the happy couple but also can be used for Save the Date Reminders Place Markers Table Names or Numbers or a thoughtful message from the Bride and Groom 1 34 x 2 12 H Photo Opening Pkg ct 3

Magnet Back Mini Photo Frames $4.48 Miniature photo frames are very popular at todays weddings Not only can they display a photo of the happy couple but also can be used for Save the Date Reminders Place Markers Table Names or Numbers or a thoughtful message from the Bride and Groom 1 34 x 2 12 H Photo Opening Pkg ct 3

Soapstone Photo Frames – Canvas $12.5 Soapstone Photo Frames – Canvas Please note: Only the 5″ x 7″ and 2″ x 2″ sizes are available to ship in 1-2 days; the 4″ x 6″ ships in 1-2 weeks. 5 x 7 4 x 6 2 x 2 hand-carved soapstone, greengrey About Canvas “Welcome to canvas, a new collection of ceramics, wooden objects, textiles, accessories and furniture for the home created by artisans and craftsmen from the US and abroad. canvas is a journey around the globe that combines natural materials with interesting textures. Unstructured, soft shapes and subtle colours define a look that is understated yet elegant. With a continued pursuit of products made under fair trade and green principles, we aim for a collection that represents simple, sustainable style.”

Teacher Photo Frames $1.95 Great teacher’s gift. This keepsake photo frame will put a smile on your teacher’s face. Made of wood. Size 4″ W. x 5 ¼” H.

Kalidas Photo Frames, Set of Three $170 Distressed black frames with gray undertones and burlap liner. Holds photo sizes:4×6, 5×7 and 8×10. Frames Sizes: Sm-10x12x1, Med-11x13x1, Lg-14x16x1 -Finish/Frame Description: Distressed black frame with gray undertones and burlap liner. -Material: MDF -Designer: Grace Feyock

S-Shape Photo Frames $3 “>> >Great looking photo frame crafted from highly polished acrylic.> >Holds two 4″ x 6″ pictures with inspirational message.> >>”

Magnetic Photo Frames $5.99 “>Removable sentiment makes room for personal photo.>Frame color: Distress black.>Each frame measures 4-1/2″ x 3-1/2″> >>>>>Beautiful Blessings>>> sentiments reads, “One of the most beautiful blessings God gave me was you.”>Photo size 2-3/8″ x 3-3/8″> >>>>I Said A Prayer>>> sentiment reads, “I said a prayer for you today, asking God to be with you in every way. “With God all things are possible.” – >Matthew 19:36>>Photo size: 2-3/8″ x 3-3/8″>”

Nanala Photo Frames, Set of Two $111 This decorative set of photo frames features an antique silver leaf finish with mahogany brown accents. Holds 4×6 & 5×7 photos. Sizes: Sm-9x11x1, Lg-11x13x1 -Material: MDF -Designer: Grace Feyock