An old timey question about blankets

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

We have an old wool blanket from my husband's family that is twice as long as blankets "normally" are. I bought one at a yard sale that is the same. I also have a double-long acrylic afghan that my husband's grandmother made when she was suffering from dementia. I had thought that it was the case that she simply did not know when to stop with the crocheting until the blanket just became so long. But given these other two wool blankets, the double length must have a purpose.

Can anyone tell me why some old blankets are so long like this? How are they meant to be used? Lie down on one half and put the other half on top of you? I find them awkward, especially when trying to prep the bed. It's hard being 5'2" and the blankets are longer even folded over than my arms can reach up. Is this what those also old timey blanket pins are for--too keep them doubled and neat?

[PrincessPerky]

I can only guess... but maybe the doubled gave you that 'air' pocket...layers are supposed to be warmer than one thick blanket aren't they?

to deal with it I would either cut them in half and hem, making two or sew them together with simple quilt 'ties' to keep it flat.

[michaelo]

My guess is that because horse blanket pins were used to secure a blanket wrapped around the horse, that they served the same purpose for people blankets.

I'd like to think that the extra length in the blankets were not intended to wrap around one person an extra time, but rather to cuddle with a spouse for extra warmth.

Being 6' tall I find most blankets are too short. Maybe it's time to find some old-fashioned ones.

~michaelo