A towel is really two fabrics in one: soft loops that absorb, held on a stable base. Each needs a different yarn.
Pile yarn
The loops that give a towel its softness and absorbency. Soft, bulky, low-twist open-end or carded cotton in coarser counts (10s–20s) works well — absorbency matters more than strength here.
Ground yarn
The warp and weft base that holds the pile and gives the towel its strength and stability. Stronger cotton or poly-cotton in finer counts.
Getting the balance
Soft, absorbent pile plus a firm ground makes a towel that feels plush and lasts. See yarn for towels and size the order with our requirement calculator.
Sourcing towel yarn? We supply soft pile and strong ground cotton.
More in our yarn guides.