A printing blanket (15) adapted to be used with a magnetic printing cylinder (12) including a gap (16) extending longitudinally along the outer surface thereof is provided. The printing blanket (15) includes a plurality of piles (14) with a magnetic backing ply (20) which is magnetically adhered to the printing cylinder (12). The printing blanket (15) is positioned on the printing cylinder (12) such that an end (22) of the printing blanket (15) is bent over an edge (11) and inwardly into the gap (16). The opposite end (24) of the printing blanket (15) is mounted substantially adjacent the opposite edge of the gap (16). The tensioning roll (150) or similar device to which the printing blanket (15) may be attached can be disposed in the gap (16) to secure the printing blanket (15) to the printing cylinder (12) more firmly.
