Handwoven Cotton Corte Blankets
Our Cotton Corte Blankets are made from vintage Guatemalan corte textiles—traditional Mayan skirt fabrics handwoven on foot looms and rich with color, pattern, and story. Each blanket is created by joining two panels of cotton corte fabric with a decorative embroidered randa seam, transforming a beautiful textile into a soft, versatile blanket for home, travel, picnics, beach days, or the back of your favorite chair.
No two are exactly alike, which is part of the magic. These are lightweight, colorful, heirloom-feeling blankets with a history you can see and a softness you’ll reach for again and again.
Ways to Use a Cotton Corte Blanket
A cotton corte blanket is designed to move with you—from your home to the outdoors and everywhere in between. Like kantha quilts, these one-of-a-kind, heirloom textiles are beautifully versatile and made to be used in many different ways.
In the House
Drape a handwoven cotton corte blanket over a sofa or bed to add warmth, color, and globally inspired style to your home.
On the Beach
Use your cotton corte blanket as a beach blanket for a lightweight, colorful layer that’s perfect for sun, sand, and seaside picnics.
As a tablecloth
Transform your table with a vintage textile tablecloth—a cotton corte blanket adds rich color and artisan detail to everyday meals or outdoor gatherings.
Stacked
Style a stack of handwoven blankets on a bench or shelf to create a warm, collected look that highlights texture, color, and craftsmanship.
What is a Corte?
The corte, a traditional skirt worn by Mayan women in Guatemala, is an important part of the country’s rich textile heritage. Skilled artisans create long lengths of handwoven cotton fabric on a large wooden foot loom using techniques passed down through generations of Mayan weaving tradition. After the fabric is sewn into a tube, a woman steps into it, wraps it around her waist, and secures it with a wide woven belt called a faja.
How These Blankets Are Made
Guatemalan artisans carefully cut vintage cortes—traditional handwoven cotton textiles—and join the pieces with a decorative hand-embroidered seam called a randa. This traditional technique highlights the craftsmanship of Mayan weaving while strengthening the blanket. The result is a soft, durable Guatemalan blanket that gives new life to beautiful handwoven fabric, preserving generations of textile tradition through thoughtful upcycling and artisan craftsmanship.
Meet the Artisans
Our Cotton Corte Blankets are handcrafted by the artisans of Ruth & Naomi, a sewing and weaving cooperative in Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Tomasa leads the blanket production and carefully checks the quality of each piece from her small village just outside the town. The cooperative was founded by local tailor and Methodist pastor Diego Chicoj to provide income for widows of Guatemala’s Civil War. Today, both women and men work together sewing and weaving beautiful handmade goods, continuing a tradition of craftsmanship that supports families and strengthens their community.
Explore our current collection of one-of-a-kind cotton corte blankets.
FAQ
Are cotton corte blankets really made from vintage textiles?
Yes. Each cotton corte blanket begins as a vintage handwoven textile once worn as a traditional skirt by Mayan women in Guatemala. Our artisan partners thoughtfully transform these textiles into one-of-a-kind blankets, giving the fabric a second life while preserving its history.
Is every cotton corte blanket one-of-a-kind?
Yes—no two are exactly alike. Because each blanket is made from a different vintage textile, variations in color, pattern, and stitching are part of what makes every piece unique. The blanket you see is the one you will receive.
How are cotton corte blankets made?
Guatemalan artisans carefully cut and rework vintage cortes, joining the panels with a traditional hand-embroidered seam called a randa. This detailed stitching both strengthens the blanket and creates a beautiful central design element.
How do I care for a cotton corte blanket?
Your blanket is machine washable and designed for everyday use. We machine wash and dry each piece before it ships, so it arrives ready to use. For best results, wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and hang to dry or tumble dry low.
Will my blanket have signs of wear or variation?
Because these textiles are vintage, you may notice small variations, subtle fading, or occasional mending. In some cases, our partners repair small imperfections with hand-embroidered details, adding even more character to the piece. These elements are part of the blanket’s story and charm.
How are cotton corte blankets different from kantha quilts?
Both cotton corte blankets and kantha quilts are made from vintage textiles and are valued for their one-of-a-kind, heirloom quality. Kantha quilts originate in India and are created by layering and stitching fabrics together, while cotton corte blankets come from Guatemala and are made from handwoven textiles once worn as traditional skirts by Mayan women. Each uses a different technique and cultural tradition, but both celebrate craftsmanship, sustainability, and the beauty of giving textiles a second life.
More Pieces Crafted From Corte Textiles
Each piece is made from a different handwoven corte, but all share a common origin—traditional Mayan skirts thoughtfully given new life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MAYAN TEXTILES
Huipil ~ Corte ~ Faja ~ Tzute