To finish a towel edge, especially after weaving, key steps include separating the hem area, machine stitching raw edges, and then machine washing and drying the fabric.
Finishing the edges of a towel ensures durability, prevents fraying, and gives the item a professional look. Based on textile practices, particularly for woven items like dishtowels, the process involves securing the raw edges before the final cleaning and finishing stages.
Steps for Finishing Woven Towel Edges
For woven towels, the finishing process often begins even before the fabric is removed from the loom and continues through post-weaving treatment.
Here's a breakdown of the common steps:
1. Weave Hem Separators
- Action: While weaving, incorporate distinct markers for the hem area.
- Purpose: These markers make it easy to identify where to cut and fold the fabric to create the hem.
- Example: As mentioned in the reference, one method is to use two picks of cotton in a contrasting color to separate the hems during the weaving process.
2. Secure Raw Edges
- Action: After removing the woven fabric from the loom, secure the freshly cut edges.
- Purpose: This crucial step prevents the fabric from unraveling before washing or hemming.
- Method: The reference recommends machine stitching the raw edges. This can be a simple straight stitch close to the edge or a serged edge if you have a serger.
3. Machine Wash the Fabric
- Action: Place the stitched fabric in a washing machine.
- Purpose: Washing helps to 'full' the yarn (make the fibers bloom and the weave structure set), remove any sizing or dirt, and prepare the fabric for final finishing.
- Note: Use appropriate settings for your fiber type.
4. Machine Dry
- Action: Dry the fabric using a machine dryer.
- Purpose: Drying, especially with heat, further encourages the fibers to full and the fabric structure to stabilize.
- Note: Again, use appropriate settings based on the fabric content.
After these steps, the fabric is ready for the final hemming, typically by folding the secured raw edge inwards twice and machine stitching it down to create a clean, finished edge.
Summary Table
| Step | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Weave Hem Separators | Weave in contrasting threads at hem lines. | Easy identification for cutting. |
| Secure Raw Edges | Machine stitch raw edges after cutting. | Prevents fraying/unraveling. |
| Machine Wash | Wash the fabric. | Cleans, sets structure, fulls. |
| Machine Dry | Dry the fabric. | Stabilizes, finishes fulling. |
These steps, particularly machine stitching, washing, and drying, are vital for creating durable and long-lasting towel edges that can withstand regular use. The initial step of marking hems during weaving simplifies the process significantly.
The information aligns with the process described by Kate Kilgus in her article "How do you finish your towels?" dated June 11, 2020.
