Terry Cloth 101

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Terry Cloth Sewing 101: How to Cut, Sew & Finish Terry Cloth

Terry cloth is one of those fabrics that seems like it should be incredibly easy to sew. After all, most of us have handled a towel before!

But if you've ever tried sewing terry cloth, you may have discovered that it has a few quirks that make it different from other fabrics. It can shed quite a bit when cut, seams can become bulky, and the loops can make it difficult to see your stitching.

The good news? Terry cloth is absolutely beginner-friendly once you understand how to work with it.

In this Terry Cloth Sewing 101 guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know, including the different types of terry cloth, how to choose the right fabric for your project, cutting and sewing tips, recommended needles and stitch settings, seam finishing options, and how to deal with all that lint.

I'll also be sharing examples from a terry cloth soap holder I made so you can see these techniques in action.

What Is Terry Cloth?

Terry cloth is a fabric made with looped yarns that create its characteristic textured surface. Those loops are what make terry cloth soft, absorbent, and especially useful for bath and spa-related projects.

Traditional towel terry is generally a woven fabric, although there are also knitted terry fabrics, such as French terry.

Terry cloth can vary considerably in:

• Weight

• Thickness

• Pile height

• Loop density

• Stretch

• Fiber content

That's why two fabrics labeled "terry cloth" can behave very differently when you're sewing them.

Terry cloth is commonly used for:

• Bath towels

• Hand towels

• Washcloths

• Bathrobes

• Bath wraps

• Hooded towels

• Baby items

• Spa accessories

• Beachwear

• Reusable household items

• Soap holders and other small projects

Types of Terry Cloth

1. Towel Terry

This is the classic terry cloth most people think of when they hear the word "towel."

It has visible loops and is generally thicker and more absorbent than garment-weight terry fabrics.

Great for:

• Towels

• Washcloths

• Robes

• Bath accessories

• Home projects

This is the type of terry I used for my soap holder.

2. French Terry

French terry is a knit fabric with a smooth surface on one side and small loops on the other. Unlike fleece, the looped side is not brushed, giving French terry a lighter, more breathable feel. It can be made from a variety of fibers and may or may not contain added stretch.

You'll often see it used for:

• Sweatshirts

• Joggers

• Loungewear

• Casual dresses

• Lightweight garments

Because French terry is a knit, you'll want to use sewing techniques appropriate for stretch fabrics.

French terry and traditional towel terry are related, but they are not interchangeable.

3. Stretch Terry

Stretch terry incorporates stretch into the fabric construction and is often used for clothing and fitted projects.

When choosing stretch terry, pay attention to:

• Stretch percentage

• Stretch direction

• Recovery

• Fabric weight

If you're making a garment, make sure the fabric meets the stretch requirements of your pattern.

4. Terry Velour

Terry velour has a plush, velvety surface created by cutting the loops on one side of the fabric. The other side retains the familiar looped terry texture.

It is commonly used for:

• Robes

• Spa garments

• Beachwear

• Plush towels

The cut pile gives it a very different feel from traditional towel terry, so take extra care when cutting and pressing it.

Terry Cloth vs. Similar Fabrics

There are several fabrics that can look or feel similar to terry cloth but aren't actually the same thing.

Terry Cloth vs. Fleece vs. Flannel

Terry cloth, fleece, and flannel are all popular fabrics for cozy, practical sewing projects, but they're constructed very differently and each has its own strengths.

If you're deciding which fabric to use for a project, here's a quick comparison.

	Terry Cloth	Fleece	Flannel
Surface	Looped	Soft, brushed fibers	Soft, napped/brushed surface
Construction	Usually woven for towel terry	Knit	Woven
Stretch	Usually little/no stretch	Some mechanical stretch	Usually little/no stretch
Absorbency	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐	⭐⭐
Warmth	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fraying	Low to moderate	Very little	Moderate
Common Uses	Towels, robes, bath items	Blankets, jackets, cozy accessories	Pajamas, shirts, blankets
Biggest Challenge	Bulk + shedding	Stretch + bulky seams	Fraying + shifting

Which One Should You Use?

Choose terry cloth when you need absorbency. It's ideal for towels, washcloths, bath accessories, robes, and other projects where moisture absorption is important.

Choose fleece when you want warmth and softness without worrying about significant fraying. It's great for blankets, jackets, hats, and other cold-weather projects.

Choose flannel when you want a soft woven fabric that's easy to use for garments, pajamas, blankets, and home projects.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Before choosing your fabric, ask yourself: Does this project need to absorb, insulate, or simply feel soft?

That one question can help narrow down your choices surprisingly quickly.

How to Choose Terry Cloth for Your Project

Before buying terry cloth, don't just look at the color or print. Consider what the fabric needs to do.

Ask yourself:

How thick is it?

A thick bath towel may be perfect for a bath project but too bulky for a small project with several folded layers.

How high is the pile?

Longer loops create a thicker, more textured fabric.

Does it stretch?

Stretch is important if you're making clothing.

How absorbent does it need to be?

For towels, washcloths, and bath accessories, absorbency is obviously important.

How many layers will I be sewing?

A fabric that is easy to sew as one layer can become challenging when several layers are stacked together.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Don't choose fabric based on appearance alone. Think about what you need the fabric to do.

Should You Prewash Terry Cloth?

Yes, especially when you're sewing towels or other washable projects.

Terry cloth can shrink during washing and drying, and you don't want to finish your project only to have it change size after its first wash.

Prewashing also helps remove loose fibers and any finishing residue from the manufacturing process.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Wash and dry the fabric the way you plan to care for the finished project.

If you're making something that will regularly go through the dryer, don't prewash it and then skip the drying step if the fabric's care instructions allow for machine drying.

Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

How to Cut Terry Cloth

One of the first things you'll notice when cutting terry cloth is the shedding.

Terry cloth can release quite a bit of lint and loose fibers when you cut it. Don't worry—this is normal.

What should you use to cut terry cloth?

Fabric Shears

My first choice is a sharp pair of fabric shears. Sharp shears make it much easier to cut through thick towel terry cleanly and accurately.

Rotary Cutter

A rotary cutter can also work well, particularly when you're cutting larger pieces on a cutting mat.

What About Pinking Shears?

I wouldn't recommend pinking shears for cutting thick towel terry. Pinking shears are harder to use on bulky fabric, and terry cloth doesn't necessarily need a pinked edge simply because it sheds.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Keep a lint roller nearby when cutting terry cloth. You'll thank yourself later!

What Sewing Needle Should You Use for Terry Cloth?

Your needle choice will depend on the weight and thickness of your fabric.

As a starting point:

Terry Cloth	Needle to Try
Lightweight terry	80/12 Universal
Most towel terry	90/14 Universal
Very thick or bulky layers	90/14 Jeans/Denim

These are starting points rather than hard-and-fast rules. Always test your needle on a scrap of your actual fabric before starting your project. Your machine, fabric thickness, number of layers, and thread can all affect how your machine behaves.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Don't wait until you're sewing your finished project to discover that your machine doesn't like your needle choice. Test first!

What Thread Should You Use?

For most terry cloth projects, a good-quality all-purpose polyester thread is a great choice.

Polyester thread is:

• Strong

• Durable

• Washable

• Suitable for everyday sewing

Do You Need a Walking Foot to Sew Terry Cloth?

No, but it can definitely help! A regular presser foot can sew many terry cloth projects successfully.

A walking foot can be especially helpful when you're sewing:

• Multiple layers

• Thick seams

• Large towel projects

• Layers that tend to shift

A walking foot helps move the layers through the machine more evenly.

Ashley's Tip 💡

If your layers are shifting or one layer keeps creeping ahead of another, try a walking foot.

If you don't have one, don't worry. You can absolutely sew terry cloth without it.

What Stitch Length Should You Use?

For traditional towel terry, I recommend starting around:

3.0–3.5 mm

This isn't a universal rule, so always test on scraps. A slightly longer stitch can work well with thick, textured fabrics because very short stitches can become difficult to see in the pile. If you're sewing a stretch version such as French terry, your stitch selection may need to change depending on the amount of stretch and the type of seam you're sewing.

Tips for Sewing Thick Terry Cloth

This is where terry cloth can become a little challenging. A seam that starts out relatively thin can become surprisingly bulky once you fold the fabric, add a seam allowance, or cross another seam.

When sewing bulky areas:

• Slow your sewing speed

• Don't pull the fabric

• Let the feed dogs move the fabric

• Support the fabric if necessary

• Watch for uneven feeding

• Test thick intersections on scraps first

If your presser foot has trouble climbing over a bulky seam, a hump jumper or a folded scrap of fabric can help keep the presser foot level as you sew across the thick area.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Don't fight your sewing machine. Slow down and let the machine do the work.

How Do You Finish Terry Cloth Seams Without a Serger?

Depending on the project and construction, you may be perfectly fine leaving some seam allowances unfinished. However, you have several options.

Option 1: Leave the Seam Raw

This can be perfectly acceptable for many towel projects, particularly when the seam allowance is enclosed inside the finished item.

Option 2: Zigzag Stitch

A zigzag stitch is an easy option if you want to secure the raw edge and you don't have a serger.

It's also something most home sewing machines can do.

Option 3: Overcast Stitch

If your sewing machine has an overcast or overedge stitch, you can use that to finish the raw edge.

Option 4: Serger

A serger can give your seams a clean, professional finish, but you don't need a serger to sew terry cloth.

Option 5: Bias Tape

Bias tape is another great option when you want to completely enclose a raw edge.

It's particularly useful for:

• Visible edges

• Decorative finishes

• Projects where you want a polished interior

• Edges that would otherwise be exposed

Keep in mind that bias tape adds another layer, so it can increase bulk when you're working with thick towel terry.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Don't finish a seam just because you think you're supposed to. Consider how the seam is constructed, whether the edge is exposed, and how the finished project will be used.

Can You Press Terry Cloth?

It depends on the fabric you are using. Always check the manufacturer's instructions and be mindful of the pile so you don't crush it. The goal is to shape and flatten your seams without crushing the textured surface.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Press to shape—not to flatten the texture.

How to Deal With Terry Cloth Lint

Let's be honest...terry cloth can be messy. Keep a lint roller nearby while you're working and clean your sewing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions after your project.

Ashley's Tip 💡

Terry cloth is going to shed. Don't let the lint surprise you!

A few minutes of cleanup after sewing can save you from having fibers build up where you don't want them.

Common Terry Cloth Sewing Mistakes

1. Using Dull Scissors

Terry cloth is thick enough that dull shears can make cutting frustrating.

Use sharp fabric shears.

2. Using the Wrong Needle

A needle that's too small or inappropriate for the thickness of your fabric may struggle.

Test your needle on scraps.

3. Using a Very Short Stitch

Tiny stitches can become difficult to see in the pile.

Try starting around 3.0–3.5 mm and test.

4. Pulling the Fabric

Let your machine feed the fabric.

Don't force or stretch the fabric through the machine.

5. Ignoring Bulk

Several layers of towel terry can become very thick.

Slow down and plan for bulky intersections.

6. Forgetting About the Lint

It's easy to underestimate how much terry cloth can shed.

Keep a lint roller nearby and clean your machine afterward.

Terry Cloth Sewing 101: Quick Reference

If you want a quick reference while you're sewing, save or bookmark this section.

Sewing Consideration	Starting Point
Cutting	Sharp fabric shears
Needle	90/14 Universal for most towel terry
Thick layers	90/14 Jeans/Denim
Thread	Polyester all-purpose
Stitch length	3.0–3.5 mm starting point
Presser foot	Regular or walking foot
Clips	Helpful for thick layers
Seam finish	Raw, zigzag, overcast, serger or bias tape
Prewash	Recommended
Biggest challenges	Bulk and shedding
Best advice	Test on scraps first

Ready to Try Sewing Terry Cloth?

Once you understand how terry cloth behaves, it's really not as intimidating as it may seem.

Start with a simple project, test your needle and stitch settings on scraps, and don't be afraid of a little lint!

I used many of these techniques while making a simple terry cloth soap holder from a towel, which is a great beginner project if you'd like to practice working with this fabric.

🧼 Make the Terry Cloth Soap Holder

And if you'd like a visual demonstration of all the techniques covered here, be sure to watch my Terry Cloth Sewing 101 video.

🧵 More Sewing 101

Want to learn more about fabrics, sewing tools, and techniques?

Check out the rest of my Sewing 101 series for more beginner-friendly sewing tips and fabric guides: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK_OWqUN8THo

🛍️ Sewing Tools I Use

Want to find the sewing tools I use in my projects?

I've gathered many of my favorite sewing supplies in my Amazon storefront so you can easily find the tools I use and recommend: https://www.amazon.com/shop/diywithashley

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If this guide helped you feel more confident about sewing terry cloth, I'd love for you to share it with another sewist who might find it helpful!

Happy sewing! 💕