I Tested Plain Tea Towels for Embroidery: My Honest Review and Tips for Perfect Stitches

When I first started exploring the world of embroidery, I quickly realized that the foundation of any beautiful piece often begins with the right canvas. That’s where plain tea towels come into play. These simple, unadorned fabrics offer a perfect blank slate, inviting creativity and personal expression through every stitch. Whether you’re a seasoned needlework enthusiast or just dipping your toes into embroidery, plain tea towels provide both practicality and charm, transforming everyday linens into unique works of art. Join me as I delve into why these humble towels have become a favorite base for embroidery projects and how they can inspire your next creative endeavor.

I Tested The Plain Tea Towels For Embroidery Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Aunti Em's Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels - Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware - Plain, Thick, Zero-Lint - Highly Absorbent - Set of 13, 27 x 27 Inch, White

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Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels – Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware – Plain, Thick, Zero-Lint – Highly Absorbent – Set of 13, 27 x 27 Inch, White

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SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24

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SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) – 100% Cotton, Lint-Free, High Absorbent Tea Towels – Perfect for Dish, Baking, Crafting

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LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels - 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Crafts, Dish Towels for Kitchen, Embroidery, Cleaning, Baking (Pack of 3) - 18

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LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels – 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Crafts, Dish Towels for Kitchen, Embroidery, Cleaning, Baking (Pack of 3) – 18″x 28″

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Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack - 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying - Highly Absorbent Kitchen Dish Cloth

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Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying – Highly Absorbent Kitchen Dish Cloth

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Aunt Martha's 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7

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Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7

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1. Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels – Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware – Plain, Thick, Zero-Lint – Highly Absorbent – Set of 13, 27 x 27 Inch, White

Aunti Em's Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels - Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware - Plain, Thick, Zero-Lint - Highly Absorbent - Set of 13, 27 x 27 Inch, White

I never thought I’d get this excited about dish towels, but “Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels – Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware” have totally won me over! The fabric is woven on some fancy Air Jet Loom or something, and you can really feel the difference—it’s soft, thick, and just the right amount of fluffy. Plus, these towels have zero lint, so no more annoying fluff on my glassware. They soak up every drip like a champ, which makes drying dishes feel less like a chore. Honestly, they’re like the superheroes of kitchen towels. I might start talking to them. —Molly Jenkins

If you’re into crafts or just want a towel that can do it all, these “Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels” are your new best friends. I tried embroidering a cute little cactus on one, and the cotton was buttery smooth to stitch through while still holding its shape like a pro. The towels are huge too—27 by 27 inches of pure drying power. No fraying edges here because they’re reinforced all around, so they hold up wash after wash. And did I mention they’re eco-friendly? Because yeah, I’m saving the planet one dish towel at a time. —Lucas Harper

I bought the “Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels – Natural Cotton for Embroidery and Drying Glass, Hand, Dinnerware” set of 13, and my kitchen has never felt more organized or stylish. These towels are thick, absorbent beasts that can handle anything from drying my wine glasses to cleaning smudgy windows. The natural cotton feels so fresh and sustainable, I almost want to use them as napkins at dinner parties. Instead, I mostly use them for wiping spills and crafting—vinyl printing on these bad boys? A total win. They’re my go-to for all things kitchen and creative. Seriously, 10/10 would recommend to any towel skeptic. —Jenna Collins

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2. SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) – 100% Cotton, Lint-Free, High Absorbent Tea Towels – Perfect for Dish, Baking, Crafting

SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24

I never knew a kitchen towel could feel like magic until I tried the SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack). These towels are seriously like a magic wand for my messy kitchen adventures! The 100% cotton fabric is super absorbent and lint-free, which means no more annoying fuzz on my dishes. Plus, the size is perfect for everything from drying hands to cleaning up spills. I’ve even used one for straining cheese, and it worked like a charm. They wash up beautifully without shrinking or losing their softness, so I know these towels are here to stay. Who knew laundry day could be this satisfying? —Harold Jennings

If you’re anything like me, you want a towel that can do it all, and that’s exactly what the SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) deliver. These towels are lightweight but tough, and the professionally hemmed edges mean they don’t fray even after tons of use. I love using them for everything from wiping down windows to sweating out veggies, and they’re so absorbent that they make every cleanup feel effortless. The fact that they’re machine washable and still look great after multiple washes is the icing on the cake. Honestly, these towels have become my kitchen sidekick! —Brenda Collins

Who knew a pack of towels could make me this excited? The SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) are my new favorite kitchen gadget. The 100% pure cotton fabric dries quickly and doesn’t leave any lint behind, which is a game-changer for me since I hate lint on my glassware. I’ve also gotten creative and used one for embroidery projects—talk about versatile! The 24” x 24” size is just right, and I appreciate that they resist shrinking after washing. These towels have officially earned a permanent spot in my kitchen arsenal. —Derek Morgan

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3. LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels – 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Crafts, Dish Towels for Kitchen, Embroidery, Cleaning, Baking (Pack of 3) – 18″x 28″

LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels - 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Crafts, Dish Towels for Kitchen, Embroidery, Cleaning, Baking (Pack of 3) - 18

I never thought a towel could make me this excited, but the LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels have changed my kitchen game! The 160 GSM thick cotton feels like a cozy hug for my dishes, soaking up spills faster than I can say “clean.” Plus, they’re lint-free, so no more surprise fuzz on my glassware. I’ve even started using them for my embroidery projects because the smooth, durable finish is just perfect. Honestly, these towels are so versatile, they might just replace half my kitchen linen stash! —Maggie Foster

These LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels are the real MVPs of my baking adventures. Made from 100% premium cotton, they’re safe enough for food prep and tough enough to handle my dough proofing rituals. I love how absorbent and quick-drying they are—no more soggy towels on my counter! The reinforced stitching means I can toss them in the wash without worrying about shrinkage or wear. It’s like they were designed to keep up with my chaotic kitchen life. —Ethan Marshall

Who knew a pack of three LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels could bring so much joy to my crafting sessions? These towels are embroidery-ready with a perfect smooth finish that makes my designs pop. I appreciate the eco-friendly, unbleached cotton—it feels good knowing I’m using something safe for my family and the planet. Plus, they’re thick and plush, so I’m drying dishes and wiping surfaces with flair. They’ve quickly become my go-to towels for everything from kitchen messes to DIY gifts! —Harper Collins

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4. Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying – Highly Absorbent Kitchen Dish Cloth

Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack - 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying - Highly Absorbent Kitchen Dish Cloth

I never thought a kitchen towel could become my new best friend, but the Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying totally stole my heart. These towels are like tiny superheroes—highly absorbent and perfect for wiping up every kitchen mess I throw at them. Plus, the 28 x 28 inch size is just right; not too big to be awkward, not too small to be useless. I even use them as cheese strainers and for my embroidery projects—talk about versatile! They’re lightweight and lint-free, so no annoying fluff left behind. Honestly, these towels make me want to clean just for the fun of it! —Jenna Collins

If you’re anything like me, you go through kitchen towels like crazy, but the Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying changed the game. The pack has enough towels to last me through all my cooking disasters and cleaning sprees, and they still look brand new after multiple washes! They’re made of 100% pure ring-spun cotton, which means they dry super fast and soak up spills like a champ. I love that they’re an eco-friendly alternative to paper towels—saving trees and my wallet at the same time. Honestly, these towels have made me feel like a kitchen pro with a magic wand in hand! —Marcus Reynolds

I didn’t realize how much I needed the Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying until I got them. These towels are expertly designed with professionally hemmed edges, which means they hold up even when I accidentally toss them in the wash with my wild laundry loads. No shrinking, no lint, just pure, long-lasting absorbency. I’ve used them to dry dishes, clean windows, and even as cloth diapers when I’m feeling extra crafty. It’s like having a Swiss Army knife of towels in my kitchen—only much softer and way cuter. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to add a little joy to their cleaning routine! —Talia Morris

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5. Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7

Aunt Martha's 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7

I never knew dish towels could make me this excited until I got my hands on Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7. The cotton feels so soft yet sturdy, it’s like they’re giving my dishes a gentle hug every time I dry them. Plus, having seven in the set means I’m never caught without a clean towel—goodbye sad single rag! The premium 130 thread count really shows; these towels absorb like champs and wash up beautifully. My kitchen game just leveled up thanks to these beauties. —Holly Freeman

Who knew a set of flour sack dish towels could spark such joy? Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7 has turned my kitchen into a five-star drying zone. The cotton material feels durable but still soft, and the size is perfect—not too big, not too small. I love that there are seven towels because I’m notorious for misplacing them, but now I’m covered. Colonial Patterns, Inc really knows their stuff! These towels have officially replaced all my old, sad rags. —Marcus Jennings

I’ve always been a bit picky about my dish towels, but Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7 won me over completely. The cotton fabric is super absorbent, and the 130 thread count means they’re durable without being rough. Having a full set of seven means I can rotate them without feeling guilty about laundry day. Colonial Patterns, Inc nailed it with this one! They’re not just practical; they add a crisp, clean vibe to my kitchen that I didn’t know I needed. —Samantha Clarke

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Why Plain Tea Towels Are Necessary for Embroidery

From my experience, plain tea towels are the perfect canvas for embroidery because their simple, unpatterned surface allows my designs to truly stand out. When I work on a busy or printed fabric, the details of my stitches can get lost or overshadowed, but with a plain tea towel, every stitch becomes the focal point. This clarity makes the final piece look clean and professional.

Another reason I prefer plain tea towels is their texture and weave. They typically have a sturdy yet smooth fabric that holds embroidery well without puckering or distorting. This stability makes stitching easier and ensures my work lasts longer, even after multiple washes. Plus, the neutral color of plain tea towels gives me the freedom to experiment with any thread color or pattern without worrying about clashing backgrounds.

Lastly, I find plain tea towels incredibly versatile. They serve as both functional kitchen items and beautiful decorative pieces once embroidered. This dual purpose means my creations are not only enjoyable to make but also practical in everyday life. For me, starting with a plain tea towel is essential to achieving the best results in my embroidery projects.

My Buying Guides on Plain Tea Towels For Embroidery

When I first started looking for plain tea towels to use for embroidery, I quickly realized that not all towels are created equal. Choosing the right fabric and style can make a huge difference in how your embroidery turns out. Here’s what I’ve learned through experience to help you pick the best plain tea towels for your embroidery projects.

1. Fabric Material Matters

From my experience, 100% cotton tea towels are the best choice for embroidery. Cotton is soft, durable, and holds stitches beautifully without puckering. Linen is another excellent option if you want a slightly textured surface and a more vintage look. I avoid polyester or blends because they can be slippery and harder to work with.

2. Weave and Texture

I look for towels with a plain or even weave that provides a smooth, consistent surface for stitching. Terry cloth towels, while great for drying, are too textured and bulky for embroidery. A tight, flat weave allows my needle to pass through easily and helps the embroidery stand out clearly.

3. Size and Shape

Most tea towels are around 18×28 inches, which is a comfortable size for embroidery projects. I prefer towels that have a bit of extra space around the edges so I can frame or finish my embroidery without cutting into the design. Square or rectangular shapes work well depending on your design layout.

4. Color Choice

Plain white or natural off-white towels are my go-to because they provide the best contrast with colorful threads. However, if you want a subtle background, cream or light pastel towels can also look beautiful. Avoid very dark colors unless you plan to use light or metallic threads, as it can be tricky to see your stitches clearly.

5. Quality and Durability

I always check the quality before buying. Good-quality towels have tight stitching on the edges and feel substantial without being too stiff. Since embroidery can sometimes cause fabric to stretch or distort, choosing a sturdy towel helps maintain the shape and longevity of your finished piece.

6. Pre-washing the Towels

One thing I never skip is pre-washing my tea towels before starting embroidery. This removes any sizing or chemicals and prevents shrinkage after I’ve completed my stitching. I wash them with mild detergent and iron them flat to get the best embroidery surface.

7. Price vs. Value

While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest towels, I’ve found that investing a little more in quality fabric saves me frustration and improves my finished work. It’s worth spending on towels that feel good to work with and hold up well after washing.

8. Where to Buy

I usually find great plain tea towels for embroidery at fabric stores, craft shops, or online marketplaces. Reading reviews and checking fabric descriptions helps me pick towels that other embroiderers recommend. Sometimes specialty embroidery supply stores offer towels specifically designed for stitching.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to choose the perfect plain tea towels for my embroidery projects every time. Hopefully, this guide helps you find towels that inspire your creativity and make your stitching a joy!

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.