Terry Cloth
Terry cloth is a pile woven fabric, or a fabric with a similar texture, characterized by a soft feel and absorbency, with looped pile raised from the ground weave.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Terry cloth is a fabric with looped pile on the surface or on both sides. Because it tends to retain moisture and air between the pile loops, it is generally absorbent and has a soft, bulky texture. Toweling is a common name for terry cloth.
In woven fabrics, the basic structure uses warp yarns for the pile, separate from the yarns that form the ground weave, to create loops. However, in product names and casual conversation, knitted fabrics with pile may also be broadly called terry.
Features
The raised surface created by the looped pile is its visual feature, and it has a subdued sheen and a casual look. Depending on pile length, density, yarn thickness, and whether it is one-sided or two-sided, the texture ranges from thin and light to thick and voluminous.
When cotton is used, its absorbency and soft hand can be utilized effectively, while blends with polyester and other fibers may be used to achieve faster drying, lighter weight, and better shape stability. Absorbency and drying performance are affected not only by composition but also by pile volume and finishing.
- The longer and denser the pile, the easier it is to achieve bulk and absorbency, but weight and drying time also tend to increase.
- One-sided pile can leave the back flat, while two-sided pile gives a thicker feel in use.
- Because it has loops, snagging can occur if the surface catches and a yarn pulls out.
Main Applications
It is used for towels, bathrobes, loungewear, pajamas, baby products, and other applications that involve wiping away moisture or touching bare skin. Thin types are also used for spring and summer outer layers and cut-and-sew tops, while thicker types are used for fall and winter loungewear.
Outside apparel, it is also used for bedding and interior items such as cushion covers. In garments, when stretch and ease of movement are needed, a knitted pile fabric may be chosen instead of woven terry cloth.
Selection and Handling Notes
Depending on the application, check the composition, whether it is one-sided or two-sided, pile length, fabric weight, and thickness. For wiping uses, it is important to confirm absorbency and pile density; for apparel, confirm weight, hand feel, drying speed, and ease of handling during sewing using an actual fabric swatch.
Terry cloth made mainly of cotton may shrink or change texture after washing. Before mass production, perform pre-washing or washing tests and reflect the shrinkage rate in the pattern dimensions. Dark colors should also be checked for color transfer caused by friction or washing.
During cutting, the pile can overlap and create thickness, and during sewing, feed differences or seam shifting may occur. Make sure the seam allowance is arranged so the pile is not sewn into the seam, and consider specifications that keep the seam from becoming unnecessarily thick. To prevent snagging, it is also necessary to separate it from hook and loop fasteners and similar items during washing.
Differences from Similar Terms
Pile is a general term for loops or fuzz standing up from the ground weave, while terry cloth refers mainly to fabric characterized by looped pile. Since pile also includes cut pile, it is a broader concept than terry cloth.
French terry is a knitted fabric with loops on the back side and is often used for sweatshirts. It may look similar to terry cloth, but in general terry cloth often refers to pile woven fabric used for towels, so the structure and intended use have different nuances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are terry cloth and toweling the same?
In many cases, toweling refers to terry cloth. Both are characterized by absorbency and a soft feel created by looped pile. However, in sales and production settings, knitted pile fabrics may also be called toweling or terry, so whether it is woven or knitted should be confirmed in the specification sheet.
Does terry cloth shrink when washed?
In particular, items with a high cotton content may shrink through washing and drying. The degree of shrinkage varies depending on composition, pile volume, finishing, and washing conditions, so pre-washing or washing tests should be performed in advance to confirm the shrinkage rate. For products, it is also worth considering following the care label and avoiding strong drying.
What should be noted when sewing terry cloth?
Because of the pile thickness, seam shifting and feed differences are more likely to occur, and the loops can be easily sewn into the seam. Before cutting, align the grain line, and confirm the needle, thread, presser foot pressure, and stitch specifications with a test stitch. In areas where overlapping seam allowances become thick, confirm the finished result by, for example, arranging the pile.
