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How to Sew a Terry Cloth | 7 Must-Try Terry Cloth Sewing Tips

Terry cloth is a type of fabric that you might not have heard about before. It’s a great material for making clothes, curtains, or even bed sheets because it can be both soft and durable. In this blog post, we will show you how to sew a terry cloth from scratch!

Also Read About: Experts Sewing Tips

7 Must-Try Tips on How to Sew a Terry Cloth

Terry cloth is a type of fabric that can be used in many ways. It makes for an excellent under layer when sewing or quilting, and it also does well as the outer layer of your clothing. To sew Terry cloth, you’ll need to know how to do some basic stitching techniques with thread and needle.

1 . It shrinks

When sewing terry cloth, consider its shrinkage factor in your pattern layout. Even if you prewash your materials in hot water to remove their starchiness. The cotton will likely shrink 10 percent or more after washing in cold water.

For example, if you cut out a neckband on the fold of a piece of terry, it may turn out too small after laundering. To avoid this problem, layout the neckband pattern pieces right side up on the fabric. Then cut them one at a time instead of cutting through both layers simultaneously.

2 . It doesn’t fray

Terry cloth can hold its own in this department if you handle it properly while sewing. For example, when working with a seam that will get a lot of stress or rubbing — such as a waistline seam of pants or shorts — you should backstitch at each end to finish your stitches securely.

Another Tip: Before stitching any seams together, seal the bare edges with a liquid fray preventer or clear nail polish for a neater result.

3 . Use Proper Needles

Heavy-duty sewing machine needles are the best option for piecing terry. But they aren’t always easy to find at general fabric stores. Your thread tension may need a little adjusting when working with a heavyweight material like terry cloth. So, make sure to test your settings before stitching through your fabric layers.

Also, use consistent pressure on the presser foot as you sew or you may end up with crooked seams or puckers in your finished project.  Finally, avoid using pins if possible since these can stretch and distort your material as you work with it.

4 . It’s thirsty

Terry cloth is popular as a kitchen towel but not just because of its absorbency. Terry cloth makes a practical dish towel because it pulls moisture from wet hands quickly and efficiently. Then releases it into the air as your hands dry.

You can easily recreate terry’s awesome wicking ability in your home by cutting up an old bath mat or yoga mat to make a washcloth. Simply cut a piece of material 12-by-18 inches wide and hem its three raw edges for a quick shower.

5 . It needs to breathe

If you want to put tassels on any handmade towels you might make out of terry cloth, be sure to leave some open space so they can breathe after laundering. Otherwise, you could end up with mildewy fabric.

Also, because terry cloth holds so much moisture in its thick pile, it’s not the best choice for bathmats or other applications where you want water to flow off your material quickly.

6 . It has stretch

Even though terry cloth is generally a stable and sturdy fabric. If you sew with an incorrect tension setting or stitch too quickly when piecing together your project. This heavy-duty material can distort easily.

Make sure to test your settings before stitching through all of your layers until you achieve the perfect balance between securing stitches and preventing puckers or overstretching in your seams.

7 . It resists stains

Terry cloth is absorbent, which makes it great for soaking up spills on floors and countertops. But it could get stained if you aren’t careful. To avoid unsightly stains on your terry cloth projects, consider sealing the edges of your material.

This will keep any loose fibers from sticking to your machine needle and creating a mess in your bobbin case.

Bottom Line

All in all, The terry cloth bathrobe is a classic and comfortable piece of clothing. It’s also one that can be difficult to sew, so we’ve provided some basic instructions for sewing your own. If you’re feeling confident in your skills as a seamstress or tailor, then get creative with the design!