teadrinker

Hi there -
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what kind of material is best for a beach blanket?
I am searching different websites (Such as ETSY.COM) for VINTAGE beach blankets, and can't find much, PLUS, I don't know exactly what kind of material would be the best kind.
I've tried using some really cool vintage fabric I found at a flea market, but it was like upholstery fabric... I'm not sure what it was, but it has tiny raised lines in it, very very small, but enough to 'catch' the grains of sand on the blanket so EASILY... it trapped the grains of sand.
Other blankets I've tried have let the sand seep up between the fibers!
Long ago, in the 70's, I had a really cool blanket...I'm seen sitting on it in pictures but I can't tell from the aged photo what kind of material it was.
So.. .does anyone have suggestions for this fun little quest of mine?
I'm thinking bohemian style... vintage... 70's.
Thank you!

J62

I have several cotton blankets I bought in Mexico about 20+ years ago - they are soft, durable, and work great on the beach. They've washed up nicely once or twice a summer for about 20 yrs now.

november_moon

I've found that a thick, loose weave cotton or hemp works the best. The thickness will keep the sand from seeping up through the blanket and the loose weave will allow the sand to easily shake out of the fabric.

rburgess55

The "Neat Sheet" is specifically designed to be used on a beach. I think it just comes in solid colors.

suze

Really a fabric like bedsheets are made of works best, because it's smooth and the sand doesn't get caught in it. Fabric used for pareo/sarongs are also good.

Or Hawaii-style, use a rolled-out grass mat with a towel over it.

I can tell you're looking for something with more 'style' and zip but those are what's really practical at the beach.

capxxx

What suze said. The best beach blanket I've ever had is made of two cotton sheets sewn together, with a thin padding inside, and 6 inch-diamond quilting stitches to hold it all together. It has lasted 25 years and no sand gets inside.

J62

I think a single bed sheet makes a horrible beach blanket. I like sheet fabric ok, but it's the thinness of a single sheet that just doesn't work well for me). Making a thin quilt is a great idea.

starrs

Back in high school I found a fabric I liked and sewed two lengths together and hemmed the edges. Loved it! Check out the local fabric store and/or retro fabrics on ebay.

Worked great as a beach blanket, lightweight, sand didn't come through and no one else had one like it. 30+ years later it's a bit faded but still have it and use it as a dropcloth for painting projects.

starrs

browse this website for options -
the link takes you to one of their cotton bolts that are 50% off -
http://www.fabric.com/clearance-fabr...lm-orange.aspx

suze

I guess for me it also depends WHAT beach I'm going to!!

Most often if I'm at the beach it's because I'm on vacation and have flow somewhere (Mexico, Hawaii, Caribbean) so packing an official "beach blanket" isn't practical. If it was a car trip, would be different.

SeaUrchin

I use an old quilt which is just soft enough to scrunch or comfort but it also keeps the sand underneath and not on top. The quilt is now quite thin from age. If the air gets a little chilly I wrap up in it. My beach blankie.

Gretchen

What you had is what I was going to suggest--a Bates bedspread. It is the perfect beach blanket because it is so large.
Otherwise look for a Beacon blanket/spread in good condition. But Bates is really the best.

Gretchen

tp follow up, just don't kick sand on your spread. AND the Neat sheet is on sale this week at Tuesday Morning--at least the one near us. $15

lcuy

I have an old faded blue damask tablecloth that I love for the beach or picnics.

It is soft on the skin, heavy enough to stay put, tight weave keeps sand below. It shakes clean, and doesn't take up much space in the beach bag or the washing machine. In other words, perfect!

SeaUrchin

Yes, I use a vintage table cloth too, it is white with faded bouquets of flowers. I think I will go get it ready for the season.

suze

You Fodorite's are BRILLIANT! I have several that would be perfect (large, vintage printed, nice fabric). Ones that I use in the park for picnics... for some reason just never thought to take them to the beach.

teadrinker

WOW, this really helps a LOT!
I'm excited now to check out all these options -
I have a gift certificate for the store, Anthroplogie, to use this week - they gave it to me for my birthday, the store.. nice of them.. and they have really cool vintage looking bed linens. Since I don't really "need" anything clothing-wise, maybe I'll check out their bed linens.. and I'll check the websites too, for old table cloths, etc.
I've been looking at Goodwill stores, but it's kind of nasty looking at old blankets and sheets there.
The great flea market, Brimfield, is coming up in May, too. I am sure I'll find several great beach blankets now that my mind is brimming with possibilities!
I loved the idea of sewing two sheets together and then quilting, but what kind of "stuffing" goes between them that's washable? Thanks SO MUCH!

charsuzan

If you find a blanket or sheet at GOodwill, just wash it well before using.