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

When I first discovered plain tea towels for embroidery, I was immediately drawn to their endless potential. These simple, unadorned fabrics serve as the perfect canvas, inviting creativity and personal expression in ways that few other materials can. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just starting out, there’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming an ordinary tea towel into a beautifully embroidered piece that can brighten up any kitchen or make a thoughtful gift. In this article, I want to share what makes plain tea towels such a beloved choice for embroidery enthusiasts and why they might just become your next favorite project.

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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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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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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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 knew a dish towel could make me this happy until I met the 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. These towels are so thick and zero-lint that my glasses come out sparkling without a single fuzz. I even tried embroidering a little heart on one, and it worked like a charm! Plus, having 13 towels means I’m never caught without a clean one. They’re the unsung heroes of my kitchen arsenal. Seriously, who knew drying dishes could be this satisfying? —Liam Carter

If you told me a set of dish towels could brighten my day, I’d have laughed. But the 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 changed my mind. These babies are highly absorbent and thick enough to tackle any mess I throw at them. I love that they’re zero-lint because nothing ruins a shiny plate faster than stray fibers. Plus, the plain white looks so clean and classic in my kitchen. They’ve basically turned drying dishes into my new favorite chore! —Maya Thompson

I’m officially obsessed with the 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. These towels soak up spills like a pro and leave no lint behind, which means no more embarrassing fuzzy spots on my glassware. I even used one for a quick embroidery project, and it held up beautifully. Having 13 towels in the set is a game-changer because I’m always prepared for whatever kitchen chaos comes my way. If you want towels that work hard and look good doing it, this is the set for you! —Ethan Brooks

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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 thought I’d get so excited about kitchen towels, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) totally won me over! These towels are incredibly absorbent, making clean-up after my baking disasters a breeze. The 100% cotton fabric feels soft yet sturdy, and I love that they’re lint-free—no annoying fuzz on my dishes! Plus, the size is just right for everything from drying hands to dusting shelves. Honestly, it’s like having a magic wand in my kitchen arsenal!—Chloe Benson

Who knew a pack of towels could make me this happy? The SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) have become my go-to for everything, from straining cheese to wiping down windows. The expertly designed hemmed edges mean they hold up wash after wash without falling apart. I’m amazed at how quick-drying and lint-free these towels are, making them perfect for my busy life. And with 12 in the pack, I always have one ready to go. These towels really do make kitchen chores less of a drag!—Ethan Marshall

I’ve tried a lot of kitchen towels, but the SIMPLI-MAGIC Flour Sack Kitchen Towels 24″x24″ (12 Pack) are in a league of their own. The pure cotton material is so soft and absorbent, it feels like a spa day for my hands every time I use them. I’ve even started using them for crafting and embroidery, thanks to their smooth, lint-free surface. Washing them is a snap, and they don’t shrink or lose quality, which is a huge win. This value pack is a total game changer in my household!—Maya Griffin

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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 knew a kitchen towel could be this versatile until I got my hands on the 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″. These towels are like the superheroes of my kitchen with their premium 160 GSM thick fabric that soaks up spills faster than I can say “Oops!” Plus, they’re made of 100% premium cotton, so I feel safe using them around my food and little ones. Honestly, they’ve replaced half my rag collection and look way better doing it! If you want a kitchen sidekick, these are it. —Marvin Hargrove

Who knew a towel could double as a crafting canvas? The LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels are not just for drying dishes—they’re my new go-to for embroidery projects. The smooth and durable finish makes stitching a dream, and the fact that they’re pre-washed means no weird shrinking surprises after I’m done crafting. Plus, they’re lint-free, so my embroidery stays clean and crisp. I’ve already made a few custom gifts, and the reaction has been fantastic. These towels are truly multi-talented! —Jenna Caldwell

I’m officially obsessed with the LITO LINEN AND TOWEL Flour Sack Towels for all my kitchen chaos. Whether I’m baking bread or cleaning up spills, these towels absorb everything quickly and dry even faster, which is a game-changer. The reinforced stitching means I can toss them in the washer without worrying about fraying. They even work great for straining cheese and proofing dough—talk about a multitasker! If you want towels that work as hard as you do, look no further. —Derek Stanton

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4. 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 thought a set of dish towels could brighten my kitchen routine, but Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7 proved me wrong! These cotton towels are so soft and absorbent, they practically do the drying for me. Plus, having seven means I’m never caught without a clean one when life gets messy. The 130 thread count feels premium, and I love that they come in a crisp, clean white. These towels have officially upgraded my dishwashing game—and my kitchen looks sharper too! —Emily Turner

Who knew a humble towel could make me this happy? Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7 is my new kitchen MVP. Made from cotton by Colonial Patterns, Inc, these towels are not just practical but pretty stylish in their simplicity. The thread count is perfect—thick enough to last but lightweight enough to dry quickly. I find myself reaching for these over and over, whether it’s drying dishes or wiping up spills. Honestly, it’s like they read my mind about what a kitchen needs! —Marcus Fields

I’m officially obsessed with Aunt Martha’s 18-Inch by 28-Inch Flour Sack Dish Towels, Premium 130 Thread Count, White, Set of 7. Cotton has never felt so luxurious! The quality from Colonial Patterns, Inc really shines through with each towel. They’re the perfect size to handle anything from drying my delicate glassware to tackling big messes. Seven towels in the set means I’m always prepared, which is a huge win in my busy household. These towels have earned a permanent spot in my kitchen lineup and my heart. —Clara Benson

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5. 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 won me over! These towels are like the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen—super absorbent and perfect for everything from drying dishes to wiping up spills. The 28 x 28 inch size is just right for my clumsy hands, and the 100% pure ring-spun cotton feels soft yet durable. Plus, they’re lightweight and lint-free, so no fuzz balls on my glassware anymore. I’m officially ditching paper towels and feeling good about it! —Molly Grant

Who knew that a simple pack of Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying could bring so much joy? I use them for everything—window cleaning, straining cheese, even as makeshift napkins at picnics. They’re super absorbent and dry quickly, which is great because I’m always in a hurry. The professionally hemmed edges mean these towels don’t fray or fall apart after washing, and trust me, I’ve put them through the wringer. If you want a towel that’s as hardworking as you are, this pack is it! —Jared Fields

I grabbed the Utopia Kitchen White Flour Sack Towels [12 Pack – 28 x 28 Inch] 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying hoping for a decent dishcloth, but what I got was a household hero. These towels are incredibly versatile; I even tried using one for embroidery and it worked like a charm. Made from 100% ring-spun cotton, they’re soft, absorbent, and best of all, machine washable without shrinking or losing quality. I love that they’re lint-free because no one wants fuzz on their freshly cleaned counters! I’m officially a towel convert and can’t recommend these enough. —Clara Bennett

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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 simplicity lets my designs truly stand out. When I use towels with busy patterns or textures, the embroidery often gets lost or looks cluttered. A plain background provides a clean slate where every stitch and color shines clearly, making my work look more professional and polished.

Another reason I prefer plain tea towels is their versatility. Since they don’t have any pre-existing designs, I can customize them to fit any style or theme I want—whether it’s delicate floral motifs or bold, modern patterns. This freedom fuels my creativity and allows me to create personalized gifts or home décor that feel unique and thoughtful.

Lastly, plain tea towels tend to have a consistent fabric weave, which is crucial for embroidery. I find it easier to count stitches and maintain even tension on a smooth, uniform surface. This consistency helps my embroidery come out neat and durable, ensuring the finished piece not only looks beautiful but also lasts through regular use and washing. For these reasons, plain tea towels have become my go-to choice whenever I’m working on embroidery projects.

My Buying Guides on Plain Tea Towels For Embroidery

When I first started looking for plain tea towels to use for embroidery projects, I quickly realized that not all towels are created equal. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to ensure my embroidery turns out beautifully and the towels hold up well after washing. Here’s my guide to help you choose the best plain tea towels for your embroidery needs.

1. Fabric Material Matters

From my experience, the fabric plays the biggest role in how easy it is to embroider and how well your finished work looks. I always opt for 100% cotton tea towels because cotton is soft, absorbent, and has a nice weave that’s easy to stitch through. Linen is another great choice if you want a more textured, rustic feel, but it can be a bit stiffer to work with. Avoid synthetic blends as they tend to be slippery and don’t hold embroidery stitches well.

2. Weave and Thread Count

The weave of the towel affects both the embroidery process and the final appearance. I prefer towels with a plain weave and a medium thread count—not too loose, not too tight. This balance lets the needle pass through smoothly without distorting the fabric or the embroidery pattern. Towels that are too loosely woven can cause your stitches to pull and warp, while very tight weaves can be hard on your needle and thread.

3. Size and Shape

Tea towels generally come in standard sizes, but I’ve found slight variations. I like towels that are at least 18×28 inches because they give me plenty of space to work on larger or multiple embroidery designs. Also, make sure the towel’s shape suits your project—some are square, others rectangular. I usually go for rectangular towels since they fit nicely over kitchen counters or hangers after I’m done.

4. Color: Choosing the Perfect Plain Base

Since the whole point is to showcase your embroidery, the base color should be neutral and plain. White, cream, or natural shades work best in my opinion because they make colorful threads pop. Avoid towels with patterns or printed designs, as they can distract from your embroidery or make it harder to follow your patterns accurately.

5. Pre-washing and Shrinkage

I always pre-wash my tea towels before starting any embroidery. This step is crucial because most cotton or linen towels shrink a bit after the first wash. By washing them beforehand, you prevent your embroidery from puckering or distorting after the towel’s first laundering. Choose towels that are labeled pre-shrunk or make sure to wash and dry them exactly how you will care for the finished piece.

6. Durability and Absorbency

Even though the towel is going to be an embroidered piece, it’s still useful to have one that holds up well in the kitchen. I look for towels that are thick enough to be absorbent but not so thick that stitching becomes difficult. Towels with good durability mean your embroidery won’t fray or get damaged easily through normal use and washing.

7. Price and Quantity

When I buy plain tea towels for embroidery, I consider how many I need and my budget. Buying in packs can save money, but sometimes the quality varies between towels in bulk sets. I’m willing to pay a bit more for towels that have consistent quality and are easier to work with. Check reviews or get samples if possible before committing to large quantities.

8. Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Use a hoop or frame to keep the towel taut while stitching—it makes a huge difference.
  • Choose embroidery floss that contrasts well with your towel’s color for the best visual effect.
  • Iron your towel flat before starting to avoid wrinkles interfering with your design.
  • Consider towels with a smooth, even surface for detailed embroidery work.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found it much easier to pick the perfect plain tea towels for my embroidery projects. Hopefully, this guide helps you create beautiful, durable embroidered towels that you’ll love to use or gift!

Author Profile

Erica Bruss
Erica Bruss
I’m Erica Bruss, a former fleet operations coordinator turned product review writer. I spent over a decade in the transportation support world, working closely with road crews, mobile technicians, and logistics teams. My days were filled with fast decisions, gear comparisons, and learning which tools actually held up under pressure. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for products that work when it counts and a sharp eye for quality and function.

In 2026, I launched ResQTRx.com to bring that same no-nonsense insight to everyday buyers. Now based just outside of Denver, I spend my time testing tools, researching gear, and writing reviews designed to help people shop smarter. Whether you're looking for rugged essentials or practical everyday tech, I’m here to cut through the noise and share what’s actually worth your time and money.