The Making Of Maud Interiors Hand-woven Blankets

Discover how our hand-woven blankets are designed in London and handcrafted in Morocco using traditional weaving techniques. We create contemporary designs inspired by Morocco’s rich weaving heritage. Skilled artisans in Morocco then bring each design to life, weaving the blankets by hand on traditional wooden looms using techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries.

In a small weaving workshop in the province of Al Haouz, Morocco, the rhythmic clatter of wooden looms fills the air – the unmistakable sound of craftsmen at work. This is where our weaving partners transform the natural hand-spun wool and cotton into beautifully crafted blankets. Their skill and attention to detail ensure that every piece reflects the craftsmanship behind traditional Moroccan weaving.

Traditional Striped Blanket Designs With A Contemporary Twist

We design the blankets taking inspiration from Morocco’s rich weaving heritage. For example, many of our striped designs reference traditional Mendil blankets worn in the Rif Valley as shawls and apron-style garments – a textile tradition dating back to the twelfth-century Almohad dynasty.  

We also draw influence from the heavy wool or cotton Batania blankets. These blankets are woven to provide warmth and comfort and protect against the freezing winters in the High Atlas Mountains. They feature stripe designs and pom poms at the head and foot. 

Today, we reinterpret these traditional designs for modern interiors. We create unique handwoven blankets featuring striped patterns in versatile colours. Natural, undyed wool or natural Egyptian cotton provides a soft, neutral base, allowing the striped designs to stand out.  The majority of our blankets are available with or without pom poms.

The Hand Weaving Process

Preparing The Looms

Before weaving begins, the weavers prepare each loom by hand – a process that takes between one and a half and two days.  First, they take the horizontal wooden looms outside the workshop. Next, they carefully arrange the warp thread (the vertical cotton thread) lengthwise to create the structure of the blanket.

Once this preparation is complete, the weaving can begin.

Woven by Skilled Moroccan Artisans

The looms are wide, measuring 240 cm, which is the width of our large blankets. Two weavers work together on the larger blankets. The weaving demands skill, dexterity, concentration and teamwork with both weavers working in sync and maintaining a steady pace.  Standing side by side, they move in rhythm, keeping an even tension in the weave.

We have partnered with the same group of Moroccan weavers for more than ten years. As a result, we have built a long-standing relationship built on trust and shared values.

By supporting traditional weaving and preserving heritage techniques, we help ensure these artisanal skills continue to thrive in a world increasingly dominated by mass production and synthetic materials.

Today, our hand-woven wool blankets and Egyptian cotton throws can be found in boutique hotels, private residences and holiday homes across the UK and internationally.

Explore our collection of Moroccan blankets and throws, including medium-weight Egyptian cotton designs and cosy hand-spun wool pieces.

Why Choose Natural Wool Or Egyptian Cotton Blankets?

Our blankets are woven using high-quality natural fibres that offer both comfort and durability:

• Wool blankets provide warmth, natural insulation and a textured finish. In addition, wool fibres help regulate temperature, wicking moisture away from the body.
• Our Egyptian cotton blankets offer a medium-weight alternative. As a result, they are ideal for year-round use and easy layering.
• Both natural fibres are durable, breathable, and long-lasting, making them a practical choice for everyday living.

To learn more, explore our guide to the differences between wool and cotton blankets.