Terry cloth is an essential textile in the world of sewing, appreciated as much for its softness as for its high absorbency. Thanks to its plush texture and looped fibers, it is perfect for a multitude of creations, from bath linens to zero-waste accessories, as well as baby clothing.
Made from natural fibers, generally cotton, it is often certified Oeko-Tex, guaranteeing the absence of substances harmful to health or the environment. Sold by the meter, terry cloth is available in a wide range of colors (green, red, white, blue, navy blue, yellow…) and sometimes decorative patterns, adapting to all your sewing ideas.
The characteristics of terry cloth
Terry cloth is made up of loops of yarn that give it its distinctive appearance and, above all, an exceptional absorbency. This particular structure allows it to dry skin or surfaces effectively while remaining pleasant to the touch.
Why choose terry cloth?
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Soft and plush texture, ideal for sensitive skin
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High absorbency thanks to its looped fibers
- Resistant to washing and wear
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Versatile uses: bath linens, accessories, clothing, home décor
- Available in many colors and patterns
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Certified by the Oeko-Tex label, a guarantee of quality and safety
This fabric is therefore ideal for sewists who want to combine practicality, comfort, and durability in their creations.
What can be made with terry cloth?
Terry cloth is extremely versatile. It adapts to many types of projects, both for the home and the wardrobe.
Sewing projects with terry cloth
Here are a few concrete examples of items you can make with this fabric:
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Reusable wipes: for removing makeup or cleaning your baby
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Washable sponges: an eco-friendly alternative to disposable sponges
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Beach towels and bath towels
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Bathrobes, washcloths and baby bibs
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Hooded towels for children
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Household cloths or dish towels
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Comfortable clothing for children: dressing gowns, rompers, cosy trousers
These creations combine practicality and durability, with the advantage of often being machine washable and highly resistant over time.
What size should you cut?
This fabric is available here by the metre. You can use it for bathrobes, bath towels and paper towels.
| Characteristic |
Value |
| Composition |
Most often 90% cotton / 10% polyester |
| Width |
135 to 150 cm |
| Weight |
230 to 310 g/m² |
| Care |
Wash at 30°C, tumble dry at a maximum of 60°C, do not iron |
| Packaging |
By the metre |
Here are the standard sizes for the projects this fabric can be used for, with a width of 135 to 150 cm.
- Bath towels: 1 m of fabric that is 140 cm wide
- Paper towels: 10 sheets of 25 cm, or 50 cm of fabric that is 140 cm wide
- Makeup remover pads: 10 × 10 cm squares
For example, for a bath towel, plan on 1 m of fabric that is 140 cm wide.
In practical terms, one metre of fabric already covers several pieces. In practice, there is no need to pre-wash it: our fabrics are already pre-washed and do not shrink as long as they are washed at 30 degrees.
Sewing tip: how to sew terry cloth?
Terry cloth can sometimes seem difficult to work with because of its thickness and looped texture. Here are a few tips to make the task easier:
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Use a walking foot to make it easier to feed the fabric
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Choose a stretch or jersey needle, suitable for soft and thick fabrics
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Use plenty of pins or sewing clips to hold the layers securely
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Lengthen the stitch slightly to prevent the seams from pulling
- Don’t forget to overlock the edges to prevent the fabric from fraying
With these tips, even beginners can achieve a neat, professional result.
What can you do with terry fabric scraps?
Terry fabric scraps should never be thrown away: they can be used for many creative and eco-friendly projects. Here are a few ideas:
Zero-waste creative ideas
- Washable makeup remover pads
- Face sponges
- Reusable washable food covers
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Bulk bags or shopping bags
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Headbands, very useful during skincare routines
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Waterproof pouches with lining for transporting wet products
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Chair cushions, headrest covers, or footrest covers
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Insulated oven mitts for the kitchen
These small items are perfect for reducing everyday waste while recycling fabric scraps.
Terry fabric, an essential for useful and responsible sewing
Thanks to its versatility, natural softness, and absorbency, terry fabric is an ideal choice for anyone wishing to sew durable, practical, and comfortable items. Whether for baby textile creations, homemade bath linens, or a handmade gift, this fabric will meet all your expectations.
Discover our collection of terry fabrics by the meter
Choose a fabric that is soft, absorbent, and gentle on your skin. Explore our wide selection of Oeko-Tex-certified terry fabrics, available in solid colors or patterns, for all your creative projects.
Express your creativity while embracing an eco-friendly approach!
