POD Blankets: Your Guide to Designing, Selling, and Profiting in 2025

Print on demand blankets have quickly become one of the coziest ways to turn creativity into profit. In 2025, these customizable products are about capturing memories, celebrating milestones, and offering one-of-a-kind gifts that customers actually treasure.

This blog will take each step of all you need to know about starting your own POD blankets business. You will learn how to make comfort business, whether it is the first time you become an entrepreneur or a person whose business deals with e-commerce. Let’s start!

Why Choose Print on Demand Blanket Business?

Print on demand blankets combine personalization and quality, creating strong emotional value that boosts customer satisfaction. Positive reviews, repeat sales, and healthy profit margins make POD blankets a long-term profitable niche.

Connection to Customer Satisfaction

In contrast to generic home goods, POD blankets allow customers to make something personal, be it a pet, a photo of a baby, or a heart-woven message. Such a degree of personalization does not merely make a product but a souvenir. The customers are able to remember and be satisfied when they see their unique design being realized on the high-quality blanket.

Thanks to advanced printing methods like dye sublimation, designs stay vibrant and long-lasting. No fading after a few washes, just lasting joy. That combination of durability and personal touch is what makes these products so appealing.

Impact on Reviews, Repeat Sales, and Long-Term Profitability

• Positive Reviews: Customers are quick to leave glowing reviews when they receive a blanket that looks and feels better than expected. High ratings boost credibility and help attract new buyers.
• Repeat Sales: A happy customer will not be just a one-time buyer. They’re likely to come back for holiday gifts, birthdays, or another personalized blanket for a different loved one.
• Long-Term Profitability: With low startup costs and no need for inventory, POD blankets offer healthy margins, often 30 - 50%. Add in niche targeting (like pet lovers or sports fans) and clever branding, and you’ve got a scalable business that stands out and sustains profitability.

Technical and Product Details for POD Blankets

• Choosing the correct material, printing technology, and making sure that quality elements like sharpness, durability, and comfort are all important for print-on-demand blankets to work.
• Proper sizing, packaging, and presentation also make customers happier, increase brand value, and boost long-term sales potential.

Popular Materials Used in Print on Demand Blankets 

The material you choose for print-on-demand blankets will have a direct effect on the quality of the print, how long it lasts, how happy your customers are, and, in the end, your profit margins.  Here are the most common choices that POD sellers employ today:

Fleece Blankets – The Versatile Workhorse

Fleece is by far the most popular choice because it is cheap and can be used for many things.  It is made entirely of polyester, which makes it great for dye sublimation printing. This makes sure that the graphics are sharp, bright, and last a long time. As a throw blanket, fleece is light, soft, and breathable so that you can use it all year round.  Because it is cheap and can manufacture detailed, bright pictures, it is particularly popular for photo blankets and other personalized presents.

Sherpa Blankets – The Premium Comfort Option

Sherpa fleece is better than regular fleece because it has a smooth printed surface on one side and a soft, wool-like feel on the other.  This design makes Sherpa blankets thicker, warmer, and far more sumptuous than regular fleece.  They have great print quality on the front and are quite comfortable on the back.

Sherpa blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets because they are comfortable and luxurious. They are great as gifts or for chilly weather.

Mink & Velveteen Blankets – The Luxury Gifting Choice

Mink and velveteen blankets are the royalty of polyester fabrics. Ultra-soft with a dense, velvety pile and a subtle sheen, they bring an unmistakable touch of elegance. Their smooth surface captures vivid, detailed designs, though the directional fabric pile may alter how the print looks depending on the angle.

People love giving these blankets as gifts for important events like birthdays, anniversaries, and housewarmings since they are high-quality, memorable, and very soft.

Woven / Tapestry Blankets – The Artistic Niche

Woven blankets are made by weaving together colored threads to make complicated patterns, which is different from printed choices.  They are usually constructed of cotton or recycled blends and are heavy, long-lasting, and frequently thought of as heirloom pieces.  The limited yarn palette can't match the detail of a photo, but it gives the piece a bold, artistic look that appeals to people who care about artistry, sustainability, and vintage style.  These blankets are also great for hanging on the wall or as statement pieces in the home, which makes them a high-margin niche product.

Photo Blankets – A Rising Trend Across All Materials

Photo blankets aren’t defined by material but by purpose: turning cherished images into cozy keepsakes. They are most often produced on fleece or Sherpa using dye sublimation for photorealistic results. The appeal lies in emotional value as customers aren’t just buying a blanket, they’re buying a memory. From weddings and graduations to pet portraits and baby milestones, photo blankets have become a best-seller in POD, driving strong customer loyalty and repeat sales.

Printing Methods for Print on Demand Blankets

Quality Factors That Influence Print on Demand Blankets

Not all blankets that you can print on demand are the same.  There are a number of things that affect the quality of the finished product, such as print resolution and packing.  When judging the quality of a blanket, here are the most important things to look for:

• Print Quality: To get sharp, bright designs, you need high-resolution files (300 DPI is best) and the correct procedure.  Sublimation puts ink into the fabric, which makes the color persist longer than DTG.
• Durability: Sublimation prints resist cracks and fading, making them more washable. Provide care tips (cold wash, gentle cycle, low heat) to extend blanket life.
• Comfort: Soft fabrics like cotton, bamboo, minky, and sherpa enhance value. Each offers unique perks—breathability, plushness, or warmth.
• Sizes & Weights: Offer multiple sizes (throw to king) and weight options. Lightweight throws suit décor, while heavier or weighted blankets add coziness and luxury.
• Packaging: Presentation matters. Branded, eco-friendly packaging with extras like thank-you notes or discount codes improves customer experience and drives loyalty.

How To Build Your Own Print on Demand Blanket Business

To develop a POD blanket business, there is a need to identify a niche, have reliable suppliers, and an appropriate selling platform. In order to attract buyers and achieve profitability in the long term, creative product designs, competitive pricing, and strong marketing are required.

Step 1: Research and Choose Your Niche

The success of your business is your niche. Rather than going broad, go specific on some groups of people. You may find out what's popular by using Google Trends, Reddit groups, or even Instagram hashtags. For example, you can look for photo blankets for weddings, sports team patterns, or pet-themed throws.  Looking at successful Etsy and Shopify stores can also help you find new business ideas.  Keep in mind that going for "corgi moms" is much more effective than merely going after "pet owners."

Step 2: Select a POD Platform

Where you sell matters just as much as what you sell.

• Shopify: Ideal if you want a customizable, professional storefront with apps, integrations, and full branding control.
• Etsy: Great for beginners, with a built-in audience that loves unique and personalized gifts.
• WooCommerce: Great for WordPress users who want to be able to do everything they want, although it does take some technical knowledge.

Step 3: Pick Reliable Suppliers for Print on Demand Blankets

Your supplier determines your product quality and shipping speed, so choose carefully:

• Printify: Huge supplier network with options like fleece, sherpa, and velveteen blankets; offers both free and premium plans.
• Printful: Known for high-quality printing and global fulfillment, making it reliable for scaling internationally.
• Gooten: Flexible, with a strong partner network and diverse printing techniques for unique customization.

Step 4: Design Your Products

To have a beautiful blanket, you don’t have to design it yourself with these tools:

• Mockup Tools: Canva, Placeit, or built-in POD generators help you create realistic visuals for your store listings.
• Design Software: For more advanced customization, tools like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop allow for professional-grade work. You can also buy ready-to-edit templates on marketplaces like Etsy.

Step 5: Set Pricing & Profit Margins

Pricing can make or break your success. To have a suitable price, do as follows:

• Calculate costs: Factor in product base price, shipping, platform fees, and marketing.
• Research competitors: Know the price range customers expect.
• Aim for 30 - 50% margins: Blankets have one of the healthiest profit ranges in POD, making them both affordable for buyers and lucrative for sellers.

Step 6: Launch Your Store & Start Marketing

With your store live, it’s time to attract buyers. Most popular and effective platforms for POD blanket business include:

• Social Media Marketing: Use Instagram reels, TikTok trends, and Pinterest boards to showcase cozy, shareable designs.
• SEO: Optimize titles and descriptions with keywords like “custom fleece blanket” or “personalized photo blanket.”
• Paid Ads: Run targeted Facebook and Google campaigns to test which designs resonate with buyers quickly.
• Email Marketing: Collect customer emails early and send updates, promotions, and personalized recommendations to drive repeat sales.

Best POD Companies Offering Print on Demand Blankets

Top POD suppliers like Printify, Printful, Gelato, Gooten, and CustomCat vary in costs, materials, and fulfillment speeds. Choosing the right partner depends on your budget, preferred blanket materials, and delivery expectations for your target market.

Printify

• Costs: With Printify's free plan, you only pay for the goods and shipping when a consumer orders.  You may also get a Premium membership for $29 a month, which provides you with up to 20% off all products.
• Materials: Printify works with multiple print providers, so the materials can vary. Examples include velveteen plush, sherpa fleece, minky, and woven blankets.
• Fulfillment Speed: Production typically takes 2-7 business days, with shipping times varying based on the print provider's location (they have partners in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Europe, and China).

Printful

• Costs: Printful offers a free plan and a paid "Growth" plan at $24.99/month, which provides product and shipping discounts. They have higher per-unit costs compared to some competitors, but there are no upfront inventory investments.
• Materials: Printful offers various blanket types, including super soft fleece and cozy polyester throw blankets.
• Fulfillment Speed: Most items are shipped out within two to five business days.  They also offer next-business-day delivery for items that are stored in their warehouses, but only under certain conditions.

Gelato

• Costs: Gelato has no upfront fees or commissions. You only pay for the product and shipping when you place an order. They also offer subscriptions that provide product discounts.
• Materials: Specific materials for blankets were not detailed in the search results, but their global network of production partners allows for fast, local fulfillment.
• Fulfillment Speed: Gelato's key feature is its localized fulfillment, with production in 32 countries. This helps to reduce shipping distances and can lead to faster delivery times. They offer various shipping speeds for customers.

Gooten

• Costs: Gooten operates on a free-to-use model with no subscription fees or recurring costs. You pay a base price for the product after a sale is made.
• Materials: Gooten uses dye-sublimation printing for full-color, edge-to-edge visuals on their blankets and also offers woven blankets.
• Fulfillment Speed: Production typically takes 3-4 business days, with a maximum of 7 business days for some products. Shipping times depend on where the package is going. Standard shipping to the US can take up to five days.

CustomCat

• Costs: CustomCat offers a free "CC Lite" plan and a "CC Pro" plan for $30/month that provides discounted product pricing. For example, a 50x60 plush fleece blanket costs $26.00 with the free plan and $20.50 with the Pro plan.
• Materials: They offer various materials such as cozy plush fleece and premium sherpa blankets.
• Fulfillment Speed: CustomCat is known for its fast production, with a stated turnaround of just 1-3 business days for blankets.

How to Design Best-Selling Blankets

Successful POD blanket designs focus on profitable niches, personalization, and current design trends like AI art, vintage styles, and nature themes. Paying attention to resolution, bleed areas, and material compatibility ensures professional-quality results and higher customer satisfaction.

1. Finding a Profitable Niche

• Target a Niche: Unlike addressing a broad audience, niche targeting targets a particular group of people as it relates to them being of their shared interests. This makes your products more attractive and your marketing more successful.
• Passion-Driven Niches: It's easier to create compelling designs and marketing content if you are passionate about the niche yourself. Examples of profitable niches for blankets include: Pet Lovers, Hobbies, Family & Relationships, Social Causes, Humor & Sarcasm

2. Tools for Designing

• Print-on-Demand (POD) Tools: Many POD companies offer their own built-in design tools or "Product Creators." These are great for beginners as they are user-friendly and often come with free images, fonts, and mockup generators.
• Professional Design Software: For more intricate designs, tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop are recommended. These allow for greater control over details, layers, and file types.
• Mockup Generators: Mockup generators are required to present your designs to the customers. They make lifelike illustrations of what you design on a blanket, which assists the customers in visualizing the ultimate product. This feature is available on a large number of POD platforms, or individual mockup bundles may be found on platforms such as Etsy.

3. Design Trends

• Personalization: A major trend is creating blankets that customers can personalize with names, dates, or photos.
• Aesthetics: Current trends include: AI Dreamscapes (Surreal, fantastical, and fluid designs generated by AI); Maximalism (Bold, vibrant colors and geometric patterns.); Vintage Vibes (Designs with a nostalgic or retro feel); Nature-Inspired (Prints featuring florals, botanicals, and natural landscapes.)
• Sustainability: More and more people want things that are good for the environment.  This market could like blankets manufactured from recyclable materials or organic cotton.

4. Design Challenges

• File Resolution: Using low-resolution images can result in a blurry or pixelated final product. Always follow your POD provider's guidelines for resolution (DPI/DPI).
• Bleed Area: The "bleed area" is the part of the design that is trimmed off during production. If your design doesn't extend to the bleed line, you risk having unwanted white edges on the finished blanket.
• Color Conversion: Most design work is done in RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which is a color mode for screens. Printers use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). The colors can shift during this conversion, so it's a good practice to check your design in CMYK before uploading.
• Complex Personalization: If you're offering a personalized product, make sure the design has a transparent area that is easy for the customer to use. Overly complex or oddly shaped transparent areas can make it difficult for customers to place their image properly.

5. Design Tips

• Use the Full Print Area: Unless you are designing a specific border, use the entire printable area to maximize the impact of your design and avoid a "stamped" look.
• Test Your Designs: Order a sample of your own design to check the quality, colors, and overall feel of the product before selling to customers. This also provides you with high-quality photos for your product listings.
• Consider the Material: Different blanket materials handle designs differently. Woven blankets have a more textured, artisanal look, while fleece and sherpa are better for photorealistic designs with vibrant colors.
• Abstract Over Repeating Patterns: Since a blanket will rarely lie perfectly flat, designs with organic or flowing patterns tend to look better than obvious repeating patterns.

Marketing and Promoting Your POD Blanket Products

Good branding, use of stories through social media, and collaborations in partnership with influencers make POD blankets unique and help gain customer confidence. Email campaigns, SEO, Pinterest, and paid advertising are the key tools to increase visibility, regain sales, and promote long-term growth.

Launching a print-on-demand blanket store is one thing, but getting customers to notice (and buy) is another. Marketing is where your business shifts from a “side hustle experiment” into a real brand customers love. Below are proven strategies to help your POD blankets stand out in a competitive e-commerce landscape.

Create a Strong Brand & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

Branding should be your initial marketing activity. Imagine it is providing your shop with a life and the customers can associate themselves with it. Having a unique selling proposition (USP) is the reason why you have a business. Are you an eco-friendly sherpa blanket expert, a maximalist style expert, or a gift with a pet theme expert? And this will be your story, and your advantage.

Combine it with a customer-oriented strategy: an effortless shopping process, customer care, and customer communication. These aspects will lead to glowing reviews and buzz via social media- your free, most effective form of advertising.

Leverage Social Media Marketing

Because blankets are visual items, social media is a great place to market them.  You may show off your creations on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook by posting lifestyle photographs, cozy movies, and videos that reveal what goes on behind the scenes.  Ask delighted customers to share pictures of their blankets in use with a branded hashtag, and then repost those pictures to create trust.  Use contests or gifts to get people more involved. To reach more people, work with influencers in your industry, such as home decor, pets, or parenting. Their help gets your blankets in front of people who already trust what they say.

Implement a Strategic Email Marketing Campaign

Email marketing is still one of the best ways to make money in e-commerce.  Start by getting them to sign up for your email list by offering them pop-ups or discounts.  Group your audience based on what they like (for example, those who love pets vs. individuals who buy gifts for their family) and offer them communications that are only for them. Use automation to remind people about their abandoned carts, seasonal sales, and new product launches.  These emails come at the right time to remind people of your brand and get them to buy.

Optimize for Search and Advertising

Use SEO and paid advertising along with social media to make your store more enticing to customers.   Find out what people are searching for and include phrases like "custom fleece throw blanket" or "personalized pet blanket" in the names and descriptions of your products. Pinterest and other platforms like it are great because people often look for gifts and ideas for their homes with the intention of buying them.  Make pins that stand out and link straight to your store.

For faster results, invest in Google Ads or Facebook Ads to target specific demographics and retarget visitors who didn’t complete their purchase. These ads can be the bridge between curious browsers and paying customers.

Tips for Choosing the Right Material & Printing Method for POD Blankets

Pick blanket materials that go with your style. For example, fleece for detail, sherpa for warmth, and woven for a bold, handmade look.  The appropriate material and printing procedure can make or break your product's success when you offer print-on-demand blankets.  Both have a direct effect on quality, client happiness, and repeat business.

1. Match Design Type with Material

Each blanket material interacts differently with designs:

• Fleece: The smooth polyester surface is perfect for bright, high-resolution designs, photorealistic pictures, and complicated patterns.  Lightweight and easy to care for, this is perfect for everyday use.
• Sherpa: Plush and textured, creating a softer, cozier effect for designs. Works best for comfort-focused products and colder climates.
• Woven: High-end and handmade, with patterns woven right into the cloth.  Works best with big forms and solid colors, but not with pictures or very detailed images.

2. Align Audience & Quality Expectations

Your target audience’s needs should shape your material and printing choices:

• Everyday users may value softness, lightweight feel, and washability.
• Parents may prefer hypoallergenic, breathable fabrics like cotton blends.
• Luxury buyers often expect woven or premium materials with durability and artisan appeal.
• Across all segments, durability, vibrant prints, and soft fabric feel are essential quality markers.

3. Always Order Samples First

Samples are crucial before selling to customers:

• Quality Check: Evaluate color accuracy, print sharpness, and material texture.
• Customer Journey: Experience the packaging, unboxing, and delivery speed firsthand.
• Marketing Content: Use real-life product photos and videos instead of generic mockups to boost trust and sales.

4. Balance Shipping Speed vs. Cost

Shipping is a significant part of keeping customers happy:

• Choose POD providers with fulfillment centers near your target audience to reduce delivery times.
• To find a balance between making money and being honest, think about tactics like built-in shipping (increasing product pricing to offer free delivery), flat-rate shipping, or pass-through charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are print on demand blankets profitable to sell?

Yes, they can be very profitable if you target the right niche and market effectively. Since POD has no upfront inventory costs, you only pay after a customer orders, making it a low-risk business model. Profit margins often range between 20–40%, depending on your pricing strategy and supplier costs.

2. What’s the difference between fleece and sherpa POD blankets?

Fleece blankets are lightweight, smooth, and ideal for vibrant, high-detail designs. Sherpa blankets, on the other hand, are thicker, warmer, and feature a plush, wool-like texture that gives designs a softer, cozier look. Fleece is more versatile, while sherpa leans toward comfort and premium appeal.

3. Can I sell print on demand blankets on Etsy or Shopify?

Absolutely. Etsy is a great marketplace for personalized and gift-oriented blankets, while Shopify allows you to create your own branded store with full control. Many sellers use both platforms, like Etsy for traffic and Shopify for long-term brand building.

4. Can I sell personalized photo blankets with POD suppliers?

Yes, many POD suppliers support full customization, including adding names, dates, or even personal photos. Personalization is a huge trend in the blanket niche and can significantly increase customer appeal and willingness to pay higher prices.

5. Do POD blanket suppliers handle shipping and fulfillment?

Yes, that's one of the best things about POD.  Suppliers take care of making, packing, and shipping directly to your clients.  Depending on the source, shipping times usually range from 2 to 7 business days, and there are alternatives for shipping around the world.

Final Thought

Print on demand blankets present a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to tap into a growing, customizable product niche with relatively low risk. With the right approach, your POD blanket business can become both financially rewarding and creatively fulfilling.