How to Choose and Sew with Terry Cloth
Terry cloth, also called terry fabric, is a cosy choice for children's pyjamas, bathrobes, and towels. It needs a little extra care at the cutting and sewing stage.
Choosing the Fabric
Start with the fibre content: cotton, modal, and bamboo terry each have different properties. Density is another useful guide. A denser fabric usually makes a heavier towel; for a bath towel, around 500 g/m² is a common reference point, while low-density fabric may wear out sooner.
Also consider pile height. Terry pile is commonly about 3.5–8 mm high. Short pile can suit children's garments, while very long loops may flatten after washing. A medium pile of about 5 mm is often the most practical option.
Before You Cut
Wash the fabric before sewing, as terry cloth can shrink noticeably. Check the care label for the specific fabric, then dry it as you plan to dry the finished item.
Terry cloth can shed after cutting, so finish exposed edges with an overlocker or another suitable seam finish. When laying out pattern pieces, keep the pile direction consistent.
Sewing and Care
Long loops can catch on the presser foot. If that happens, try stitching through tracing paper or another thin paper, then remove it carefully. Use a sturdy needle; hems and several layers can be difficult to sew evenly.
Bias tape is a practical finish for an open edge. Prewash it as well, so it does not shrink and pucker the edge later.
Wash terry cloth separately from items with hooks or sharp protrusions that could pull the loops. Follow the fabric-care label; fabric softener can reduce absorbency for some terry fabrics. Avoid ironing the pile directly, but gentle steaming is generally preferable.
I wash mine with other things too; the main point is to keep the colors compatible. If a snag appears, you can carefully trim it with manicure scissors.
The salt tip really works for me. I remember my mother soaking washed towels in salt water, then rinsing and spinning them; they really did stay soft. Adding salt during the wash is not the same, though: detergent seems to cancel out the effect. You could put detergent in the prewash compartment and salt in the main-wash compartment, but I would worry about the machine — so I prefer fabric softener!