The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket has a rich history in North American colonialism and the fur trade. The blankets were made of 100% wool and graded on a point system. They were traditionally white with stripes and used as bedspreads or for warmth. Old blankets are highly valued and new ones can be purchased at Hudson’s Bay Company stores. Careful washing is required, except for the baby blanket which is machine washable.
The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket is a beautiful nod to the past, reflecting the rich history of early North American colonialism and the trading system by which the colonists and the British acquired beaver pelts. Such blankets were made by the British and early North American citizens and traded at trading posts with Native Americans for furs. The blankets were and still are 100% wool and were graded on a point system. Bigger and thicker blankets were worth more points, but not necessarily more fur as is commonly believed.
A points system was first used in France to evaluate the size of blankets. This system began in France in the 18th century. You could tell the dots from the black lines woven into the sides of the blankets. A single stitch blanket would have a line 18 to 4 inches (5.5 to 10.16 cm) long. Additional lines mean that the blanket has additional point values. Sometimes the blankets had half point values, which would be indicated by lines about half the length of the standard line.
Traditionally, a Hudson’s Bay Point blanket was white with various stripes. Common colors used included green, red, yellow, and dark blue. Various patterns and stripes went in and out of style. The main distinguishing feature was the points system, the use of wool and the fact that not only the Native Americans but also many settlers used the blankets mainly as a bedspread, or for extra warmth as a wrap.
The stitch system today on a Hudson’s Bay stitch blanket tends to correspond to the size of the bed. Additionally, blankets are still made today in many parts of England. Yet king and queen size blankets weren’t introduced until the early 20th century. A queen size blanket today is six points and a king size is eight points.
Old blankets are much appreciated, especially if they are in good condition. An old Hudson’s Bay Point blanket can fetch for several hundred to thousands of US dollars at antique stores or auctions. New blankets are available at Hudson’s Bay Company stores, but can also be ordered online. Prices are significant.
Most blankets require careful washing and cannot be machine washed. The exception to this is the Hudson’s Bay Point blanket made for babies. It’s machine washable and twice as expensive. Throws that are a little smaller in size than a twin size blanket are also available.
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