Towelling

Loops that hold water

Towelling is woven with uncut loops standing off the base cloth. Those loops multiply the surface area, which is exactly why it absorbs as it does — more loops means a thirstier, heavier cloth.

Use it for towels, bath robes, beach ponchos, baby bibs, changing mats, face cloths and reusable kitchen cloths. It stretches and sheds lint while you sew, so use a longer stitch, finish the edges to stop the shedding, and expect noticeable shrinkage on the first hot wash.