Crafting A Cozy Moroccan Wedding Blanket: Diy Guide

Moroccan wedding blankets, also known as handiras, are an important part of Berber culture in Morocco. They are traditionally woven out of sheep's wool, cotton, and linen by the bride's female relatives, who simultaneously teach the bride about married life. On her wedding day, the bride wears the blanket over her head as she travels to her new home, and it is later used as a decorative piece on the marital bed.

These blankets are embellished with sequins, beads, or fringes, which add texture and represent the beauty and richness of Berber culture. The distinctive motifs, often geometric shapes and patterns, are said to represent the natural world and the interconnectedness of all things. They also serve to ward off the evil eye and protect the newlyweds from bad energy.

The process of making a Moroccan wedding blanket is intricate and requires spinning wool into yarn, weaving the yarn into a base cloth, and adding decorative elements such as sequins and fringes. The final product is a unique work of art that serves as a symbol of the couple's love and commitment.

Choosing materials

The materials you choose for your Moroccan wedding blanket will depend on the look you want to achieve and your budget. Here are some things to consider when choosing your materials:

Fabric

Moroccan wedding blankets are traditionally made from natural fibres such as wool, cotton, and linen. Wool is the most common choice as it is durable and provides warmth. If you're looking for a more affordable option, you could choose a synthetic fabric or a blend. Keep in mind that authentic Moroccan wedding blankets are always made from wool.

Colour

The most traditional colour for a Moroccan wedding blanket is ivory or cream, but they can also be found in various hues such as deep green and pink. If you want to stay true to the traditional look, go for a neutral colour. However, feel free to choose a colour that speaks to you and fits your style if you're making one for yourself.

Sequins and Beads

Sequins and beads are an essential part of a Moroccan wedding blanket as they add sparkle and texture. Traditionally, mirrored sequins called "mouzoun" in Berber are used, believed to ward off the evil eye and protect the newlyweds. You can find these at any craft store, or you could opt for other types of sequins or beads in various shapes, sizes, and colours to add your personal touch.

Fringe

Fringe is another common element in Moroccan wedding blankets, adding texture and movement. Look for a throw or fabric with fringe already attached, or you can create your own by cutting strips of fabric and attaching them.

Glue

If you're attaching sequins, beads, or fringe to your blanket, you'll need a strong fabric glue. Avoid using regular glue, as it may not hold well.

Base

You'll need a base fabric to attach your decorative elements to. This could be an old throw, a bath mat, or any other type of fabric. Choose something with a fringe if you want to add extra texture and movement.

When choosing your materials, consider the symbolism and cultural significance of a Moroccan wedding blanket. The decorative elements represent the beauty and richness of Berber culture, so take the time to select materials that reflect your style and personality.

Cutting strips

When you have decided on your cutting strategy, it is time to start cutting your strips. You will need enough strips to cover your entire throw, so measure the length and width of your throw and then cut your strips to size. For example, if your throw is 2.5 feet long, you will need strips that are 2.5 feet long. You may need to piece together several strips to get the right length, but the shag will hide the seams.

Once you have cut all your strips, you are ready to move on to the next step of placing them on your throw.

Placing strips on the throw

Now that you have your materials, it's time to get crafting!

You can really customise the look of your blanket here. My throw had rows of hearts, which didn't fit the vibe I was going for, so I decided to cover each row with a strip. This meant that my strips were close together, which I loved because it provides more texture.

My bathmat was 1.5 feet wide, so each strip was only 1.5 feet long. I needed my strips to run the entire length of the throw, so for mine, 2.5 strips filled up the entire throw. I laid them end to end, and with the shag, you don't even notice the seams between them.

Once you have your plan for where to place your strips, it's time to get gluing!

Gluing strips down

Now that you've cut your strips, it's time to glue them down. This part takes time, but it is really easy. Run glue along the sides of each strip. Press the strip firmly onto the blanket and hold it in place for a minute. Be careful not to knock the strips you've already glued down as you work, as it takes a bit for the glue to set. Once you've glued down all your strips, you can move on to adding the sequins!

Adding sequins

First, decide on your pattern. You can choose a different pattern for each row, or keep it simple with the same pattern throughout. Once you've planned your design, carefully run glue onto the sequin trim and press it into place. You can use fabric glue to attach the sequins to your blanket.

The mirrored sequins, called mouzoun in Berber, are believed to ward off the evil eye and protect the newlyweds from bad energy. They also add a beautiful sparkle to the blanket, reflecting light on sunny days and glittering near fireplaces.

Frequently asked questions