What do the stripes mean on a Hudson Bay blanket?

What do the stripes mean on a Hudson Bay blanket?

The most iconic Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket colours — white with red, indigo, green and yellow stripes — have no specific meaning. The colours were popular when the blankets were first produced, and are sometimes known as Queen Anne’s colours, as they were favoured during her reign (1702–14).

How do you date a Hudson Bay blanket?

In 1890, because other companies (including Pendleton) were making similar blankets, Hudson Bay began to label its blankets. The labels are how most collectors date the age of the blanket. If you ever spy an unlabeled, round corner blanket, scoop it up. It could date before 1890.

Where are the points on a Hudson Bay blanket?

Points are short black lines woven into the selvage of the blanket along the edge just above the bottom set of stripes.

How big is a 4 point Hudson Bay blanket?

measures72 W x 90 L
The Hudson’s Bay 4-Point Wool Blanket measures72 W x 90 L and fits a standard double bed. Hudson’s Bay Blankets have been imported from England since 1779 and were once used as a form of currency between trappers and Native Americans.

Are old wool blankets valuable?

Textiles are usually pretty inexpensive when you find them used. Wool blankets might have a high price tag, even at a thrift store if they are considered collectible. Hudson Bay blankets with their heavy fulled character and stripes are usually at the high end, along with Pendleton blankets.

Can you wash a Hudson Bay blanket?

Yes, you can wash your blanket. Hudson’s Bay Point Blankets are made of 100% wool and are pre-shrunk as part of the manufacturing process, so you can hand wash your blanket in a gentle detergent like Zero or Woollite. With normal use, your blanket ought not to need dry cleaning very often.

What size is a 4 point Hudson Bay blanket?

What can I do with old wool blankets?

10 uses for Wool Blankets

1. Use a wool blanket under the fitted bed sheet.
2. Cover a window in wool.
3. Keep a wool blanket on the couch.
4. Keep a wool blanket at the foot of the bed for cccold nights.
5. Keep a wool blanket in the car.
6. Take them with you to cushion furniture or windows when transporting.

Where can I buy Hudson’s Bay point blankets?

Woolrich offers hudson’s bay point blankets under the official license of the historic hudson’s bay company. Our hudson’s bay point blankets retain the authentic 100-percent wool quality that has made these blankets legendary.

How big are the points on the HBC stripes?

SIZING. Twin – 3.5 points, 60″ x 86″. Double – 4 points, 72″ x 90″. Queen – 6 points, 90″ x 100″. King – 8 points, 100″ x 108″. ABOUT HBC STRIPES. The iconic multistripes of green, red, yellow and indigo were introduced on the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket at the end of the 18th century.

Why was the HBC point blanket so popular?

Over time it has become the product most identified with HBC, and by extension Canada. The iconic multistripes of green, red, yellow and indigo were introduced on the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket at the end of the 18th century. The colours were chosen because they were popular, and easily produced using good colourfast dyes.

Why are there black bars on the side of a blanket?

The points, or small black bars on the side of the blanket, were utilized during the fur trade as an indication of size – a measure that continues to this day. The primary colours first became popular in the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1714). First commissioned by HBC in 1800, the multistripe has never been put out of production since.