What Is The Best Dish Towels for Embroidery [In 2025]

Are you looking to elevate your embroidery game with the perfect canvas? Dish towels have become an incredibly popular medium for embroidery enthusiasts, combining functionality with artistic expression. Whether you’re creating personalized gifts, adding a touch of character to your kitchen, or selling your crafts, choosing the right dish towel can make all the difference in your embroidery projects.

Not all dish towels are created equal when it comes to embroidery. The right fabric, weave, and construction can transform your stitching experience from frustrating to fantastic. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the five best dish towels for embroidery, analyzing their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice for your next creative project.

Having tried countless options myself, I understand the importance of finding dish towels that not only showcase your embroidery beautifully but also stand up to regular use. Let’s dive into what makes a dish towel truly embroidery-friendly before exploring the top contenders on the market today.

Top 5 Dish Towels for Embroidery Reviews

1. Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Dish Towels

Aunti Em’s Kitchen towels consistently rank at the top of embroidery enthusiasts’ lists, and for good reason. These premium 100% cotton flour sack towels provide an exceptional canvas for both hand and machine embroidery.

Pros

• Exceptional thread count and weave: The tight weave allows needles to “thread through like butter” while maintaining the towel’s shape, making it perfect for detailed designs.
• Generous size: At 27″ x 27″, these provide ample space for even elaborate designs.
• True white color: The bright white background makes colors pop and allows for accurate design transfer.
• Professionally hemmed edges: All four sides feature quality hemming with no loose threads, creating a clean finished look.
• Versatility: Beyond embroidery, these towels excel at their primary kitchen functions—drying glassware and dishes without leaving lint.
• Thickness and quality: Users repeatedly mention the satisfying weight and thickness that helps embroidery designs stand out.
• 1/4 inch hem: The substantial hem provides an excellent framework for your embroidery and adds to the professional appearance.

Cons

• Premium price point: These towels represent an investment compared to budget options.
• May require pre-washing: Some users note these benefit from a pre-wash to reach maximum absorbency.
• Limited color options: While the white version is ideal for embroidery, those wanting pre-colored backgrounds have fewer choices.

Customer reviews highlight how these towels have rescued many crafters from “stitching failures” with other brands. One enthusiastic embroiderer noted, “I’m in stitching heaven!!!” after switching to Aunti Em’s towels. The square shape, quality cotton, and excellent thread count reportedly make embroidery designs look even better than on other towels.

2. ROYALE LINENS Flour Sack Dish Towels

Coming in as a strong second option, ROYALE LINENS offers a 12-pack of generously sized flour sack towels perfect for embroidery projects.

Pros

• 100% ring-spun cotton: This quality cotton construction creates a smooth, consistent surface for embroidery.
• Extra-large size: At 28″ x 28″, these towels provide even more canvas space than our top pick.
• Excellent value: The 12-pack offers great value for prolific embroiderers or those planning to make multiple gifts.
• Tightly woven texture: The smooth, tight weave facilitates even stitching and clean design lines.
• Professionally hemmed edges: Helps maintain shape through washing and prevents fraying during the embroidery process.
• Lightweight but durable: The perfect weight to handle easily while stitching but sturdy enough for regular use.
• Quick-drying: These towels dry rapidly between uses, extending their practical lifespan.

Cons

• Might require multiple washes before use: Some users report these towels reach peak softness and absorbency after several wash cycles.
• Occasional hemming inconsistencies: A few reviewers noted slight variations in hem quality across towels in the same pack.
• Less substantial feel: While the lightweight nature benefits some projects, those seeking a heavier-weight towel might prefer alternatives.

Customer feedback for these towels is overwhelmingly positive, particularly from embroidery enthusiasts. One reviewer who uses them for machine embroidery noted they “make great gifts and items for craft fairs.” Another compared them favorably to vintage flour sack towels, stating they are “exactly what I remembered from my youth” and perfect for embroidery gifts.

3. Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels

Utopia Kitchen’s flour sack towels have earned their place in our top five with their embroidery-friendly construction and excellent price-to-quality ratio.

Pros

• 100% pure ring-spun cotton: Provides the ideal foundation for both hand and machine embroidery projects.
• Diagonal knit construction: This specialized weave creates stability while maintaining flexibility for detailed stitch work.
• Generous 28″ x 28″ size: Offers plenty of space for creative designs and proper placement.
• Excellent value 12-pack: Perfect for crafters who create multiple pieces or sell their work.
• Lightweight and lint-free: The clean surface ensures your embroidery stands out without interference.
• Professionally hemmed edges: Quality finishing that enhances durability and appearance.
• Maintains quality through washing: Resists shrinking and maintains structure even after multiple wash cycles.

Cons

• Initial absorbency issues: Some users report needing several washes before reaching optimal absorbency.
• Occasional transparency: The lightweight nature means some designs might show through to the other side.
• Varied thickness within packs: A few reviewers noted inconsistency in thickness between towels in the same package.

Crafters specifically mention these towels’ suitability for seasonal dishcloths and personalized embroidery projects. One reviewer highlighted their potential for “crafting (for seasonal dishcloths)” while another praised how well they maintain their quality through washing, an essential consideration for embroidered items that will see regular use.

4. Organic Cotton Mart Blue Kitchen Towels

For those seeking an alternative to the traditional white flour sack towel, Organic Cotton Mart’s blue-striped towels offer a distinctive option that still performs admirably for embroidery.

Pros

• 100% cotton construction: Natural fibers provide the ideal foundation for needle crafts.
• Extra-large 30″ x 20″ size: The rectangular format offers a different canvas shape for creative designs.
• Pre-colored with blue stripes: Adds visual interest that can complement certain embroidery styles.
• Built-in hanging loops: Convenient feature for displaying your embroidery work.
• Properly stitched on all four sides: Quality hemming enhances durability and appearance.
• Good weight and thickness: Substantial enough to showcase embroidery without being too heavy.
• Color-fast dye: The blue color remains vibrant without bleeding into embroidery threads.

Cons

• Rectangular rather than square shape: May limit certain symmetrical design placements.
• Stripes might compete with some designs: The blue pattern works best with compatible embroidery designs.
• Slightly higher price per towel: Premium pricing compared to some plain white options.
• Limited color options: While the blue stripes offer variety, the selection is still restricted.

Customers praise these towels for their quality construction and size. One reviewer noted, “The material is absorbent, and just the right weight,” while another specifically mentioned the colorfast nature: “the color did not run into the white.” This quality is crucial for embroidery projects where color bleeding would ruin hours of work.

5. Puomue Microfiber Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths Set

While not the traditional choice for embroidery, these microfiber towels offer an interesting alternative for certain embroidery techniques and projects.

Pros

• Ultra-absorbent material: Superior moisture-wicking capabilities compared to cotton options.
• Fast-drying properties: Reduces the risk of mildew or odors between uses.
• Lint-free surface: Ensures clean, unobstructed view of your embroidery work.
• Excellent value set: Includes both towels (26″ x 18″) and dishcloths (12″ x 12″) for varied projects.
• Soft texture: Gentle on hands and provides a different feel than cotton options.
• Durable construction: Well-sewn edges and quality stitching enhance longevity.
• Modern gray color option: Offers a contemporary alternative to traditional white.

Cons

• Microfiber material challenges: Many embroiderers find synthetic fibers more difficult to work with than natural cotton.
• Less traditional look: May not provide the classic aesthetic some embroidery enthusiasts prefer.
• Potential for needle snagging: The microfiber construction can occasionally catch needles.
• Not recommended for hot surfaces: Limited heat resistance compared to cotton alternatives.
• Smaller size than flour sack options: Less canvas space for elaborate designs.

While not commonly recommended as the first choice for embroidery, these towels have earned fans who appreciate their modern look and practical benefits. One reviewer highlighted their durability: “They’ve held up well through multiple washes without any signs of fraying or deterioration,” an important consideration for embroidered items that will see regular use.

What Makes a Dish Towel Good for Embroidery?

Before jumping into specific products, let’s understand what qualities make a dish towel ideal for embroidery projects. This knowledge will help you evaluate options beyond just the ones covered in this article.

• Save

Material Considerations

The fabric of your dish towel is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining embroidery success. Cotton reigns supreme in the embroidery world, particularly 100% cotton options. Why? Cotton provides the perfect balance of durability and needle penetration. The natural fibers grip your threads without being too dense to work with.

While microfiber towels have gained popularity for kitchen use due to their absorbency, they typically present challenges for embroidery. The synthetic fibers can cause needles to snag and may not display intricate designs as clearly as natural cotton.

Flour sack towels, made from 100% cotton, have become the gold standard for embroidery projects. These lightweight yet sturdy towels originated as actual sacks for flour but have evolved into premium kitchen linens perfect for needlework.

Weave and Texture

The ideal dish towel for embroidery features a tight, even weave that provides consistent resistance as you pull your needle through. Look for towels described as “tightly woven” rather than loosely knit options that might distort your design.

Texture plays a significant role too. A smooth surface allows for cleaner stitches and more precise design transfer. While textured towels might look attractive, those nubs and raised patterns can interfere with your embroidery work, making it difficult to achieve consistent tension and stitch length.

Many embroiderers prefer a diagonal weave (sometimes called “twill”) as it provides excellent stability while remaining flexible enough for detailed work.

Size and Shape

Size matters when selecting dish towels for embroidery. Larger towels give you more canvas space and flexibility in design placement. The standard size of around 28″ x 28″ provides ample room for most projects, but consider what types of designs you typically create.

Square towels offer symmetrical placement options, while rectangular towels might better suit certain design styles. Also important is how the edges are finished—professionally hemmed edges prevent fraying and give your finished piece a polished look.

Now that we understand what makes a dish towel embroidery-friendly, let’s explore the top five options available today.

Comparison of All Five Dish Towels

When comparing these options side-by-side, clear patterns emerge that can help you choose the perfect towel for your specific embroidery needs:

For traditional embroidery projects with maximum versatility, Aunti Em’s Kitchen and ROYALE LINENS flour sack towels provide the premium cotton experience most crafters prefer. These options excel with both hand and machine embroidery techniques.

If value is a primary concern while maintaining quality, the Utopia Kitchen towels offer an excellent balance of affordability and performance, making them ideal for high-volume projects or beginners.

For those seeking pre-colored options or alternative shapes, Organic Cotton Mart’s blue-striped rectangular towels provide a distinctive canvas that can complement certain design styles.

The Puomue microfiber set represents an unconventional choice that might appeal to embroiderers experimenting with synthetic fabrics or those prioritizing the practical benefits of microfiber in heavily-used kitchen environments.

All five options share professional hemming and durable construction, but the flour sack cotton options (Aunti Em’s, ROYALE LINENS, and Utopia Kitchen) generally provide the most traditional and versatile embroidery experience.

How to Prepare Dish Towels for Embroidery

Regardless of which towel you choose, proper preparation is essential for embroidery success. Let’s explore the best techniques to prepare your dish towels before the first stitch.

Pre-washing Techniques

Pre-washing your dish towels before embroidery is non-negotiable. This process:

1. Removes manufacturing chemicals and sizing that might interfere with thread tension
2. Pre-shrinks the fabric to prevent later distortion of your design
3. Softens the fibers for easier needle penetration
4. Establishes the true color and texture of the fabric

For best results, wash your towels in warm water with a mild detergent, avoiding fabric softeners which can create a slick surface that resists thread anchoring. For white towels, a small amount of non-chlorine bleach can brighten the background without weakening fibers.

One helpful tip from experienced embroiderers: wash new towels separately from other laundry to prevent lint transfer. As one reviewer of Aunti Em’s towels advised: “Just wash the towels, don’t wash them in with anything else because all laundry has lint and it will get on your towels.”

Stabilizing Your Fabric

Proper stabilization prevents puckering and distortion during the embroidery process. Depending on your design complexity and technique, consider these options:

For hand embroidery, a wooden or plastic hoop provides tension that keeps the fabric taut. Choose a size appropriate for your design, and avoid stretching the fabric excessively.

For machine embroidery, temporary adhesive spray with tear-away stabilizer works well for most dish towel projects. For more detailed designs, consider adding water-soluble stabilizer on top to prevent stitches from sinking into the fabric.

Iron your towels before stabilizing to eliminate any wrinkles that might affect design placement or stitch quality. For optimal results, use medium heat with steam, working from the center outward.

Best Embroidery Techniques for Dish Towels

The type of embroidery technique you choose should complement both your towel selection and the intended use of the finished product.

Hand Embroidery Tips

Hand embroidery offers unlimited creative possibilities with dish towels. Consider these techniques that work particularly well:

• Backstitch: Perfect for outlining and text, creating crisp, defined lines that withstand washing
• Satin stitch: Creates solid filled areas with a lustrous appearance, ideal for flowers or small decorative elements
• French knots: Adds textural interest and works beautifully for berries, flower centers, or dotted accents
• Cross-stitch: Particularly well-suited to the grid-like weave of flour sack towels, creating charming traditional designs

When selecting thread for hand embroidery on dish towels, embroidery floss (particularly DMC or similar quality brands) offers the best combination of colorfastness and durability. For towels that will see frequent washing, consider using fewer strands (2-3 instead of the full 6) for more delicate work that still maintains durability.

Machine Embroidery Considerations

For machine embroidery enthusiasts, dish towels offer a satisfying project with some special considerations:

• Stabilizer selection is crucial: Use tear-away for the back and water-soluble on top for clean results
• Design placement: Keep embroidery at least 1-2 inches from the hem for professional appearance
• Thread selection: 40-weight polyester thread offers the best durability for kitchen linens
• Stitch density: Slightly lower density than normal prevents the towel from becoming stiff
• Consider design size: 4″ x 4″ designs work well for most towels without overwhelming the fabric

Test your design on a scrap piece of similar fabric before committing to your quality towels. This allows you to adjust tension and stabilizer choices for optimal results.

Care and Maintenance of Embroidered Dish Towels

Creating beautiful embroidered towels is only half the journey—proper care ensures your work remains vibrant and intact through regular use.

To preserve your embroidery work, wash embroidered towels in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach which can weaken both the towel fibers and embroidery threads. For white towels, non-chlorine bleach alternatives help maintain brightness without damage.

When drying, a low heat setting works best, though many embroiderers prefer to air dry special pieces to prevent any potential shrinkage or thread stress. Remove promptly from the dryer and fold or hang immediately to prevent wrinkles that might require ironing.

For storage, fold embroidered towels with the design facing outward to prevent creasing across your work. If stacking multiple towels, avoid placing heavy items on top that might flatten three-dimensional stitches like French knots.

If ironing becomes necessary, press from the back side of the embroidery when possible, using a medium setting without steam directly on the stitches. A pressing cloth provides additional protection for detailed work.

Creative Embroidery Projects Using Dish Towels

Dish towels offer endless creative possibilities beyond basic decorative designs. Consider these inspiring project ideas:

1. Seasonal sets: Create towels representing different holidays or seasons for rotating kitchen decor
2. Personalized gifts: Monogrammed towels make thoughtful housewarming or wedding presents
3. Instructional designs: Embroider recipes, measurement conversions, or cooking tips for functional art
4. Historical reproductions: Recreate vintage “day of the week” towel sets popular in the early 20th century
5. Children’s art transfer: Have children draw simple designs, then immortalize their artwork through embroidery
6. Botanical studies: Create a set featuring herbs, flowers, or produce from your garden
7. Coordinated kitchen themes: Design towels that complement your kitchen color scheme or decor style

For beginners, pre-printed towels or iron-on transfers offer an accessible entry point. As your skills develop, try creating original designs or adapting patterns from other embroidery contexts to the dish towel format.

FAQs About Dish Towels for Embroidery

1. Can I use any dish towel for embroidery projects?

While technically you can embroider on most fabric types, not all dish towels are created equal for this purpose. 100% cotton towels, particularly flour sack varieties, offer the ideal combination of smooth surface, appropriate thickness, and needle-friendly weave. Synthetic fabrics and heavily textured towels present significant challenges and typically yield less satisfactory results.

2. How should I transfer my design to a dish towel?

Several effective methods exist for transferring designs:

• Water-soluble markers specifically designed for fabric
• Iron-on transfer pencils or pens
• Commercial iron-on transfers
• Transfer paper and a stylus for tracing
• Light box or window tracing for simpler designs
• Water-soluble stabilizer printed with your design For dark-colored towels, try chalk pencils or white transfer paper designed for darker fabrics.

3. How many dish towels should I buy for embroidery projects?

If you’re just starting out, purchase a small pack (4-6 towels) to practice techniques and determine your preferences. For serious crafters or those planning multiple gifts, the 12-pack options offer better value. Consider buying one of each brand you’re interested in to test before committing to a larger quantity.

4. Will embroidery affect the absorbency of my dish towels?

Dense embroidery designs can slightly reduce absorbency in the embroidered area, but properly executed embroidery on quality towels should not significantly impact functionality. To maintain maximum absorbency, consider leaving portions of the towel unembroidered or keeping designs to one corner or along the border.

5. Can I machine wash and dry embroidered dish towels?

Yes, properly embroidered dish towels can be machine washed and dried, though some special care helps preserve your work. Use gentle cycles, mild detergent, and low heat drying. For prized pieces, consider air drying to extend the life of both the towel and embroidery. Always wash new embroidered items separately for the first few washes in case of any dye bleeding from the threads.

Conclusion

The humble dish towel has evolved from purely functional kitchen item to beloved embroidery canvas, offering a perfect blend of practicality and creative expression. The five options we’ve explored—Aunti Em’s Kitchen Flour Sack Towels, ROYALE LINENS Flour Sack Dish Towels, Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels, Organic Cotton Mart Blue Kitchen Towels, and Puomue Microfiber Kitchen Towels—each bring unique advantages to your embroidery projects.

For most embroiderers, the 100% cotton flour sack options provide the ideal combination of smooth surface, appropriate thickness, and traditional aesthetic that showcases both simple and elaborate designs beautifully. Aunti Em’s Kitchen towels stand out for premium quality and ideal construction specifically praised by embroidery enthusiasts.

Whichever option you choose, proper preparation, appropriate technique selection, and careful maintenance will ensure your embroidered dish towels bring joy both as creative expressions and functional household items. The satisfaction of creating beautiful, useful objects that brighten everyday tasks makes embroidered dish towels a rewarding project for crafters at any skill level.