Jacquard Woven Throw - 100% Wool - Ekshärad (200x130cm)

* New! Snuggly wool throw woven in a beautiful pattern inspired by Värmland smithery.

This truly gorgeous 100% wool blanket is made in Sweden by Öjbro Vantfabrik and dyed in subtle natural colours. It’s made from wool sourced from a special sheep breed that crosses Merino with Perendale, creating a thicker, more durable wool while retaining the softness of Merino.

Suitable for all seasons, this versatile throw works beautifully for everyday family use. Ideal for the couch, cosy evenings at home, or as an extra layer on the bed.

A classic wool blanket with decorative fringes, Öjbro’s wool blankets are thick and compact in structure, woven in multiple layers for warmth and durability. The warp is concealed by the patterned weft, which also forms the fringes at each end.

Woven on jacquard looms, the pattern appears clearly on both sides, with the reverse forming a mirror image of the front. Excluding the fringes, the blanket measures almost exactly two metres in length, resulting in a firm yet soft wool throw with a beautifully balanced feel.

Öjbro Vantfabrik is dedicated to preserving and sharing Swedish knitting heritage. The Ekshärad design is inspired by Värmland smithery and patterned and dyed in traditional colours. This pattern is also available in Merino socks and kneehigh socks .See below to read the Ekshärad story.

Colour: Ekshärad Soot

Size:  200 x 130cm

Brand: Öjbro Vantfabrik
Designed in: Sweden
Origin of Fibre: New Zealand
Country of manufacture: Sweden
Fabric structure: 100% mulesing-free wool, sourced from a special sheep breed that crosses Merino with Perendale to create a thicker, more durable wool while retaining the softness of Merino.
100% biodegradable: Yes
Machine Washable: Yes (see our guide to washing wool)

Care: Handwash using a gentle wool shampoo recommended for best results. To machine wash, choose a cold wool cycle, skipping the spin cycle. Dry flat on a towel, gently reshaping while wet. Do not tumble dry. Wool feels comfortable and dry, even when you sweat. It can absorb a lot of moisture (up to 33% of its dry weight). Air between uses, wash only when required. 

The story of the Ekshärad pattern: Ekshärad, located in the Värmland region, is renowned for its wooden church and historic cemetery, which dates back to the late 1600s. The iron crosses are shaped like trees of life, their loosely hanging "playing leaves" swaying in the wind. In earlier times, painted wooden eggs were attached to the crosses’ spikes for certain celebrations. Originally crafted by local village blacksmiths, the tradition endures today, with new crosses still being made at Stjärnsforssmedjan.

Ekshärad Church was first mentioned in the ancient "Västgötalagen" from the 1200s. The original church, built near the Klarälven River, suffered from flooding. A second church was constructed in the 1400s, but it too was damaged by the river’s waters. To avoid further flooding, the parish council decided to rebuild the church on higher ground. The current church, completed in 1686, stands as a testament to this history.

Designer Åse Öjbro, founder of Öjbro Vantfabrik, has created the Ekshärad design to incorporate the hanging leaves and spikes of the iron crosses, framed by small cottages. She says "I wanted to capture the essence of Ekshärad... these life-affirming crosses, so deeply rooted in Swedish cultural history and craftsmanship, all still preserved in Ekshärad."

These trees of life are an ancient symbol, reminding us that life continues even after people pass away. These unique symbols have made Ekshärad an international attraction, featured on both stamps and in encyclopedias. Thanks to Provost Krook, many of the older crosses have been preserved, with the oldest dating back to the late 1600s.

At the Ekshärad cemetery, more than 500 iron crosses stand as a testament to this enduring tradition. The iron crosses form a significant part of Ekshärad’s identity, telling a timeless story of artistry, history, and faith.