The manufacturing of Otavalo blankets is a meticulous process that involves several stages of artisanal work.

First, artisans carefully select lamb or alpaca wool, materials known for their softness and durability. Once collected, the wool is washed and carded to separate the fibers.

They are then dyed naturally using local plants, giving each blanket a unique and characteristic color. In the next phase, the wool is spun by hand, a process that requires skill and patience, as the fibers must be joined together evenly. Finally, the threads are woven on traditional wooden looms to form the blankets, following specific patterns that not only have an aesthetic function, but also a cultural one.

This craft, which has been passed down for generations, represents not only laborious work, but also a deep respect for nature and ancestral traditions.