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Home › Fabric Guide › Terry Towelling
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Fabric Guide

Terry Towelling

Terry towelling is an absorbent fabric with a distinctive looped surface. It is widely used for towels, bathrobes, baby items, sports textiles and spa products.

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Close-up of terry towelling with a looped surface
Structure Soft loops
Absorbency Generally high
Stretch Varies by quality
Weight From lightweight to heavyweight
Suitable for Bath, baby & spa products
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The Fabric

What is Terry Towelling?

Terry towelling is a woven or knitted fabric with loops on one or both sides. This looped structure increases the surface area and allows the fabric to absorb a considerable amount of moisture.

Not all terry towelling is the same. Fibre content, construction and weight determine how soft, flexible, stretchy, absorbent and quick-drying a particular quality is.

Variations by Quality

Possible Variations

Composition Cotton and various fibre blends
Construction Woven or knitted
Type Stable or stretchy
Volume Light, medium or full

Always check the individual product specifications for exact composition, width, weight and care instructions.

Uses & Selection

What is Terry Towelling used for?

Towels Choose according to absorbency, volume and preferred drying time.
Bathrobes Pay particular attention to softness, weight and comfort.
Baby Items Check comfort against the skin, washability and any relevant certification.
Sports & Spa Choose according to absorbency, stretch and wash durability.

Choosing the right quality: lightweight terry towelling is more compact and generally dries faster. Heavier qualities feel fuller and more luxurious. A stretch quality is more suitable when the finished item needs to move with the wearer.

Care

Care Instructions

Pre-washing
Pre-washing Often advisable for cotton-rich qualities
Washing
Washing Follow the individual product instructions
Drying
Drying Only when permitted by the product instructions
Do not bleach
Bleaching Generally avoid
Good to Know

Sewing & Choosing

Possible Shrinkage Cotton-rich terry towelling may shrink during the first washes.
Cutting Use sharp cutting tools and allow for loose fibres.
Sewing Test the needle, stitch length and thread tension on a scrap first.
Finishing Finish raw edges to help reduce shedding and fraying.
Heavy Qualities Dry more slowly and may require adjusted sewing-machine settings.
Choosing a Quality Always compare the properties of the available qualities.
Alternatives

Similar Fabrics

These fabrics can be used for similar applications, but differ in structure, weight and appearance.

Waffle fabric with its distinctive textured structure
Waffle Fabric →

Lighter and flatter, with a distinctive waffle texture.

Light and airy double gauze fabric
Double Gauze →

Light, breathable and suitable for baby items and lightweight summer projects.

Soft velour fabric with a smooth surface
Nicky Velour →

A smoother alternative with a soft, more luxurious appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Terry Towelling FAQs

Is Terry Towelling always made from cotton?

No. Terry towelling is also available in other fibres and fibre blends.

Is Terry Towelling stretchy?

This depends on the construction. Knitted and stretch qualities have more give.

Should Terry Towelling be pre-washed?

For cotton-rich qualities, pre-washing is often advisable because of possible shrinkage.

What is the difference between Terry Towelling and Waffle Fabric?

Terry towelling has loops and generally feels fuller and more absorbent.

Collection

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Explore the available qualities, colours and current product specifications.

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