...which is weird because that's not really how X-rays work. The blanket isn't dense, it's probably just got a few layers of that shiny Mylar type material sewn in for heat reflection. That stuff shows up solid on the scanner because it's reflective, not because it's heavy. I mean, I get why the TSA pulled you aside, that pattern is suspicious as hell, but the "thermal lining" part is just marketing talk for space blanket material. It's not like the blanket is secretly a lead apron or something. The scarf trick is smart though, I've seen people do that with emergency blankets at festivals too. Just don't wash it too hot or the lining will crinkle up and look even weirder next time.

That old iron trick works because it sets the backing before you cut, so the fibers hold their line instead of shifting on you. Did a hospital corridor last month with the same method, used a 4 inch seam iron at low heat for a few extra seconds on the backing, and it made the trim so much cleaner. The peaking usually comes from tension in the backing, not the face yarn, which is why so many guys miss it. Ran into an old timer in Arkansas who showed me the same thing with a seam roller, pressing down firm before the iron even touches it. Ended up doing a full set of offices that week without a single callback. Those old boys have forgotten more about carpet than most of us will ever know.