I’m headed to Mexico next weekend for a girl cousin get together, and whenever I travel I always like to bring home a small souvenir. I was considering bringing home a Mexican blanket to add pattern as a cover for a light sofa.
Mexican blankets are known as serapes (or serepes), saltillos, or falsa blankets. This textile that’s been around for hundreds of years. Saltillo is the capital of the Mexican state of Coahuila and they remain famous for these multi-colored woven blankets. Serapes refers to the weaving term “serapes” that makes up the banded colorful Mexican blanket design of today. Traditionally, the largest stripe is the primary color and repeated throughout weave, along with complementary colors. Serapes include a darker base of black or brown or gray paired with stripes of brighter oranges, pinks, blues, greens, and a variety of vibrant colors, however they are also available in tone on tone patterns as well.
Saltillo serapes were ideally suited for horseback wear. In the 18th century, the Saltillo serape was worn as a poncho and served as a sign of position for Mexican landowners. By the late 19th century, the serape became a national symbol of Mexico and was worn by rich and poor. The blankets are hand-woven and the ends are usually fringed.
Serapes are available in neutral or colorful patterns, they’re lightweight and washable so they make the perfect outdoor accessory for chilly fall evenings or a day at the beach. In their original incarnation, serapes were used as an inexpensive garment outdoors, as a poncho or wrapped around the body like a shawl. In modern times, Mexican serapes are as versatile outside as they are inside, and are handy for any kind of outdoor activity.
With their eye-catching colors, serapes can be used as any other fabric for home decor to add color or that well traveled look: think slipcovers, tablecloths, and pillows for your sofa.
Add one to your textile collection…
burgundy & black / pink & gray
lagoon bright blue / tan & gray
Remember last year when I made pillows out of cotton rugs? Do the very same thing with serapes to make textured pillows for a unique accent for your sofa or bedroom.
Sources for Mexican Blankets:
Love these photos!! What a great way to add color to a room plus they add a lot of texture.
I’ve tried Pinning several photos on this post about serapes and Pinterest gives me an error code saying that it could possibly lead to spamming? Just thought you’d want to know :)
Hi Carolyn, you’re not the first to let me know about that, it’s happened to me too. I found when I click “Pin It” a second time that seems to work. Must be a glitch of some kind, I’m working on it. Thanks again!
Kate
Hi, Kate!
I just wanna make a point about this mexican blankets. Maybe in english, but in spanish they are known like “sarapes” with two “a”, not “serapes”, neither “serepes”. I could say that, at least, two of three families here in Mexico have one Sarape de Saltillo in their closet…
Love your blog
Thanks for letting me know!