Ground cloth (or ground weave) is the base fabric layer of a terry towel - the woven foundation from which the pile loops emerge.
Structure
A terry towel has two structural elements:
- Ground cloth: Tightly woven base (warp and weft)
- Pile: Loops rising from the ground cloth
The ground cloth anchors the pile securely and provides structural integrity.
Importance
Quality ground cloth:
- Holds pile securely (loops don't pull out)
- Provides durability
- Maintains shape through washing
- Supports the towel's weight
Cheap towels may have weak ground cloth, allowing loops to pull loose and the towel to deform.
Visibility
In quality towels, dense pile covers the ground cloth - you shouldn't see it through the loops. Visible ground cloth indicates sparse pile or poor construction.
Related Terms
- Pile - The raised loops
- Warp - Vertical threads
- Weft - Horizontal threads
- Pile density - How packed the loops are