Handwoven Turkish Towels: History, Uses, and Decor Tips

The Beauty and Craftsmanship of Handwoven Turkish Towels

Known for their lightweight feel, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, handwoven Turkish towels have become popular decorative and functional pieces for homes around the world. The unique textures and patterns of these towels set them apart from mass-produced varieties, each one embodying the care and skill with which it was created on a traditional loom.

The History Behind the Towels

Turkey has a long and storied history of textile weaving, particularly centered around the cotton growing Aegean Region in the west of the country. Weavers here have passed down design motifs and weaving techniques through many generations, with some patterns dating back hundreds of years.

Handwoven towels emerged as both decorative and highly functional household items. Their lightweight cotton material made them ideal for drying off after hamam (Turkish bath) visits. The colorful stripes and geometric shapes interwoven into them also made them aesthetically pleasing statement pieces to display in the home.

The Weaving Process

While some weavers today use mechanical looms, many continue using traditional vertical looms that require extensive knowledge and technique. The intricate designs in Turkish towels come from the careful interlacing of differently colored cotton yarns, guided by the weaver's hands.

Weavers tie small bunches of yarn to create short fringe details along two sides, leaving the woven fabric loose so it can be easily pulled and shaped. The long cotton fibers allow the towels to be quite lightweight but also highly absorbent and quick drying.

Styles and Design Motifs

Traditional Turkish towels utilize stylized flowers, geometric shapes, and symbols passed down through generations. However, modern handwoven towels also incorporate contemporary patterns and creative new elements.

Some feature bold stripes while others have overall patterns of zigzags, diagonal lines, and intricate blossom shapes. The most common color scheme includes red, blue, purple, green, and tan but weavers can create towels in a rainbow of different color combinations.

Incorporating Handwoven Turkish Towels into Home Décor

Beyond their utilitarian use after bathing, handwoven Turkish towels have become popular decorative elements in modern households and interior design. Their vivid colors, evocative textures, and artisanal origins make them perfect for adding visual interest and global charm.

Displaying Towels Around the Home

One of the simplest ways to highlight these gorgeous towels is hanging them openly in entryways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces. Fold them lengthwise and drape over hooks, rods, ladders, wall mounts, or open towel racks. Group multiple towels together for a bolder statement.

Arrange folded towels in decorative bowls, baskets, or bins place on shelves and tabletops. Roll up towels and stand them upright in vases, pots, cans, or cups to add pops of colors throughout a room.

Repurposing Towels

Cut or sew Turkish towels into smaller pieces to create one-of-a-kind pillow covers, poufs, throws, and table runners. Sew fringe edges together to make circular coasters, placemats, or trivets. Tightly roll up towels and secure with ribbon for unique napkin rings.

For an eclectic table display, layer platters and plates over a large towel. Use towels as impromptu tablecloths or picnic blankets both indoor and outdoors. Sew multiple towels into a vibrant quilt, tapestry, or bedspread.

Caring for Handwoven Turkish Towels

As handmade artisanal items, handwoven Turkish towels require some special care and cleaning methods compared to regular machine-made towels:

• Wash towels separately in cold water using a gentle cycle
• Use a mild detergent and avoid using fabric softener
• Shape the towels while drying to preserve the loose weave structure
• Avoid excessive twisting, pulling, and handling roughly
• Never use bleach when cleaning

With proper care, Turkish towels become more soft and absorbent over time while maintaining their vibrant colors and artisanal appeal for years to come.

FAQs

What are the common design motifs used in handwoven Turkish towels?

Common motifs include stylized flowers, geometric shapes, diagonal lines, zigzags, and other symbols passed down through generations of weavers. Bold stripes and intricate blossom shapes are also popular.

How do you properly care for and clean handwoven towels?

Wash them separately in cold water using a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and do not use fabric softener. Shape and smooth towels while drying to maintain their structure. Avoid harsh handling and never use bleach when cleaning.

What are some ways to decorate with Turkish towels around the home?

Drape folded towels over hooks, rods, racks, ladders, and wall mounts. Roll up towels and display them in vases, pots, cans, or cups. Layer towels under decorative plates, bowls, trays, and more. Use them as impromptu tablecloths or picnic blankets.

How can you repurpose handwoven Turkish towels?

Cut or sew them into pillow covers, poufs, throws, table runners, coasters, placemats, napkin rings, and more. Layer them as backing for decorative trays or boards. Sew multiple towels into a colorful quilt, tapestry, or bedspread.