North Dakotan here. I am no stranger to the electric blanket.

To be honest, not really sure why you were having problems. But, I think I know why. Up here in the frozen tundra, it's normal to have a quilt or bedspread on top, the electric blanket, then the sheets. So, the blanket, with the cords is under the quilt, ya know? Because it's not pretty, and back in the old days, they were scratchy material as well.

I bought a king size one a few years ago. not scratchy. Does feel nice on the skin, but never had issues with the cords, has super long ones.