Can bamboo be used in making kitchen towels?  OK... anything CAN be used, but is it GOOD to use for that purpose.

Comments

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 15:53

claudia (not verified)

I have used a bamboo/cotton yarn for towels and it was very soft and seemed absorbent enough.  I believe it is better to use bamboo for blankets and clothing rather than towels but I am not much of an expert. 

I checked on Cotton Clouds, one of our trusty advertisers, and they sell bamboo kits for towels so I guess it's probably a good choice.  Irene Schmoller, owner and founder of Cotton Clouds, knows her fiber so I would trust her judgment in this case.

Hope that helps,

Claudia, Weavolution co-founder

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 16:47

laurafry

Depends on the format.  The Bambu 12 and 7 from Silk City is highly absorbent.  The problem with it for towels is that it releases moisture slowly.  If you live in an arid climate they will dry more quickly than if you live in a humid climate.

The 8/2 and 16/2 bamboo from Halcyon is much more tightly twisted so likely won't absorb as quickly as the softer twisted Bambu.

If I used bamboo for towels, I would combine it with cotton or linen rather than use it 100%.  Just my personal preference.

Cheers,

Laura

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 19:59

tomrsey (not verified)

Thank you for the information.  I have a "50/50 bamboo /combed /cotton", hand painted - and was going to use it for accent stripes in the towels.  The bulk of the towels would be cotton.  The bamboo/cotton thread is from Newton Country Yarns, and is 1600 yds/pound. 

It sounds like it would ok if it was in a towel.  

Does the fact that it is handpainted make a difference.  Are the colors stable for all the washing that a kitchen towel would get?

 

Thanks again for your help. 

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 20:05

laurafry

Depends.  Cellulose fibres are famous for running.   During wet finishing, do not *soak* the cloth but put it through the washing machine on warm water.  If there is any colour bleed, rinse, rinse, rinse until it runs clear.  Then into the dryer and a hard press (if so desired).

Cheers,

Laura

Tue, 11/03/2009 - 08:23

tomrsey (not verified)

Thanks Laura!!  I will heed the warning and go carefully with the washing.   

 

Thanks again for your help.

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