Moroccan Wedding Blankets

Detail of our vintage Moroccan wedding blanket Kenza

A Traditional Wedding Gift

Moroccan wedding blankets – known as handira or tamizart – are more than just beautiful textiles.  They are steeped in tradition, crafted with love and rich with cultural symbolism.  These stunning blankets, hand-woven by Amazigh women in the Atlas Mountains, can be seen in modern homes around the world.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

Each Moroccan wedding blanket tells a story.  Traditionally, the bride’s mother and female relatives would begin weaving the blanket in anticipation of her wedding day. 

A blanket can take anything from a few weeks to months to complete.  Every stitch and sequin reflects the hopes, blessings, and wishes of the family for the bride’s new life.

No two blankets are the same.  Each one is a unique expression of creativity, woven with a deep sense of purpose and tradition.

Wedding blankets are hand-woven on traditional upright looms from local wool and cotton. Colours and designs differ from region to region.  In some areas, the palette consists of cream, white and beige and in others, the blankets feature bold colourful stripes. They are embellished with fringing and metal discs, like sequins, that sparkle as they catch the light.

Many handira feature bands of kilim weaving, often concealed by fringing on the front but visible on the reverse of the blanket.  These woven bands are more than decorative – many include talismanic good luck symbols to bring the bride prosperity, fertility, and happiness.  The metal sequins, sewn on in clusters, or geometric designs, are believed to protect the bride from the evil eye.

Designed for the wedding day and the marital home

On her wedding day, the bride wears her blanket tied like a cape over her head or shoulders as she makes her way to her husband’s home. After the ceremony, the blanket is used to decorate the couple’s home.  It may be layered over a bed, thrown over a sofa, or hung on the wall.  Wherever it’s placed, it brings memories, texture, pattern and sparkle to the home.

 

 

Why designers and interior stylists love them

Moroccan wedding blankets have become a favourite with interior designers and stylists. Their neutral colour palette works seamlessly with a variety of styles – from minimalist to bohemian- while the sequins add a sparkle without overpowering the room.

They’re versatile, too.  Layered on a bed, transformed into a headboard or hung as a statement wall piece, handira add texture, elegance and a touch of artisanal glamour.

The perfect timeless gift

Looking for a unique wedding or anniversary gift?  A vintage Moroccan wedding blanket is a thoughtful, stylish gift.  A unique artisanal piece, it’s a present that tells a story, will stand out and can be passed down over generations.

Click here to view our current collection of vintage Moroccan wedding blankets.