Towel Fabric

Beloved for its comfort and high absorbency

Although the fashion industry is starting to discover ever more possibilities for terry fabric, it is primarily used for practical purposes because of its ability to absorb a lot of moisture. For this reason, natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo are also preferred. Most synthetic fabrics repel moisture and are therefore not suitable. Clothing that repels water does not feel comfortable on wet skin. Terry fabric is much more pleasant to wear after showering or bathing as it dries the skin, keeping the wearer warm and comfortable.

Most of the terry fabrics in our range are made of cotton or bamboo, which are naturally highly absorbent. Non-looped cotton can absorb about 20 percent of its own weight in water, while high-quality bamboo fabric can absorb 60-70 percent more water. Many people also find bamboo fabric softer than cotton. In addition, we offer terry fabrics that contain a small amount of polyester, which gives the fabric a slight stretch. This makes it ideal for bedding, but also makes clothing made of the material more comfortable.

Terry fabric is extremely versatile. Of course, the material is most commonly used for bath items, where its absorbent properties make it ideal. But it is also popular in the sauna. Because many people find bathrobes so comfortable, the fabric is increasingly being used in clothing, particularly in clothing where comfort is a key factor, such as pajamas. Soft cuddly toys for young children are also sometimes made of terry fabric.

Terry cloth as a fashion fabric

There is an urban legend suggesting that terry fabric was accidentally discovered as the result of a mistake in a weaving mill. However, this is unlikely because the production process is actually too complex. Nowadays, terry fabric is woven on machines that are specifically made for the fabric. These machines have two chains. The first chain weaves the base layer; the second chain weaves the loops that go on top. There is also a fabric that is made from yarns that already have loops. If the fabric is made in this way, it is known as frotté. Frotté is often used as a synonym for terry fabric but, in fact, they comprise two different weaving methods.

With terry fabric, there is no distinction between the front and back of the material. Both sides have the loops that make the fabric extra absorbent. This makes the material perfect for towels, but it is also relatively easy to make clothing from it. The fashion industry is slowly discovering the benefits of terry fabric, and it is now being used more and more for casual clothing to relax in. Clothing made of the fabric has a casual appearance and feels soft against the skin, making it perfect for wearing on the couch after showering.

However, you can also be creative with terry fabric clothing. For example, the fabric can be used for summer clothing as it absorbs perspiration and feels comfortable. Shorts or socks made of terry fabric are worth considering. You can also choose to combine terry fabric with other cotton fabrics such as poplin or jersey to create a unique look.

Making and washing clothing with terry fabric

Because terry fabric is made mostly of natural fibers, sometimes even entirely, we recommend washing the fabric before making clothing from it. Natural fabrics can shrink slightly in the first wash. Terry fabric can be machine washed at a maximum of 60 degrees Celsius. However, we recommend washing the fabric at no hotter than 40 degrees Celsius to keep the colors looking bright and to reduce the chance of wear and tear. If possible, wash the cloth with other fabrics to reduce the stress on the loops and make them last longer.

Terry fabric can be put in the dryer. In fact, this is the best way to dry it to maximize softness. However, the fabric needs room to dry properly. If the dryer is too full, the fabric can become hard. Because terry fabric retains mineral deposits, it can also become hard over time. This can be prevented by soaking the fabric in a mixture of warm water and household vinegar for a few hours before washing. This dissolves the minerals, enabling the terry fabric clothing or towels to stay soft for longer.

Sewing with terry fabric is a little more challenging than with some other cotton fabrics due to the loops. The needle or foot of the sewing machine can get caught on the loops. This can be prevented by attaching tissue paper to the fabric with pins. Use a jersey needle with a rounded tip and a thickness of between 75 and 90, depending on the coarseness of the fabric. It is recommended to use strong thread to prevent possible breakage.

Buying terry fabric online

Looking for high-quality terry fabric to make your own clothing or towels? Purchasing terry fabric online from Quality Textiles' webshop is incredibly easy. Additionally, we offer a wide selection of haberdashery items for use with terry fabric.