Cotton Flour Sack Towels

It is interesting how the cotton sacks used to store and carry grains, and other staples in the 1800s became a household tool we simply cannot do without. 

A flour sack towel is a soft, highly absorbent cloth woven from 100% cotton or linen. It’s thinner than the standard kitchen towel but thicker with a tighter weave when compared to cheesecloth. 

Flour sack towels may look humble but outperform many fabrics in versatility. With uses that extend from cleaning to cooking to quilting - is there anything this cloth cannot do? We think not! 

Types of Flour Sack Towels

If you’re thinking of stocking up on these towels, here are the two most common variants of this cloth you’ll come across when shopping.

• Unbleached Cotton: As the name says, unbleached flour sack towels are not subjected to any color treatment whatsoever. Typically, these are made from pure organic cotton and have a natural appearance. Being 100% chemical-free makes these flour sack towels safe for use around food and the kitchen.
• Pure White Cotton: If natural-looking unbleached kitchen towels don’t match your taste, you might want to check out pure white cotton flour sacks. We recommend going for those made from certified organic cotton. They do not contain chemicals or whitening agents but look fresh and lively all the same. 

Benefits of a Using Flour Sack Towels

Flour sack towels are a great alternative to regular cotton kitchen towels or even paper towels. Day-to-day household chores are incredibly easy with these utilitarian towels. Take a look at a few of the numerous benefits of using flour sack towels.

1. Breathable

   Cotton aces the breathability contest. So, naturally, a towel woven from pure cotton fibers will always allow good airflow. True, you may not need a breathable cloth to clean the kitchen counter, but when wrapping bread loaves to keep them fresh and crusty, an airy fabric always helps. Flour sack towels are also great to cover your dough when making bread because their breathability will ensure that the flour remains moist and at the same time allow the dough to rise.

2. Lightweight 

   A flour sack towel is light enough to cover a rising dough without getting in the way of the process. You also don’t need to restrict these just to kitchen use. Thin, soft, and light towels with hemmed edges are good to have around during hosting or dining. 

3. Environment-Friendly

   Flour sack towels are the perfect tools for an eco-conscious household.  They’re made from natural, biodegradable organic cotton, which has a substantially lower carbon footprint than regular cotton. The cultivation of an organic variety of cotton is less water-intensive and is grown without any pesticides. 

4. Versatile

   Flour sack towels are endlessly versatile. While their high absorbency and quick drying qualities suit cleaning chores, their breathability helps keep food fresh. You can also use them to strain broth and stocks anytime you’re missing a cheesecloth. 

   If you’re into DIY crafts, use flour sack towels as a canvas. In fact, the famous Vincent Van Gogh often relied on flour sacks for his art whenever he was out of supplies.

5. Easy to Customize and Embroider

   The light and airy flour sack towel have been a favorite among embroidery fans. Think of them as a blank canvas that can be personalized with fascinating patterns. Quick tip - Before embroidering, give your towels a good wash to reduce the risk of shrinkage.

6. Easy Care

   Caring for this fabric is hassle-free. It’s washer and dryer safe (refer to our detailed care guide below). Avoid bleach and harsh detergents for best results and longevity.  

7. Upcycle-Friendly

   Don’t dispose of your dingy and trite flour sack towels. Instead, get crafty and turn them into pillowcases, kids’ clothing, embroidered artwork, curtains, and reusable grocery bags - possibilities are endless!

8. Lint-Free and Resists Pilling

   You won’t find many fabrics resisting lint and pilling as flour sack towels do. Ordinary kitchen towels start looking old and raggedy within a few washes. Not organic cotton flour sack towels - These thin, woven cotton don’t collect lint or pill no matter how hard you wipe. They’re ideal for cleaning or polishing silverware and precious china without fraying or leaving any fuzz behind. 

9. Absorbent and Quick Drying

   Both cotton and linen are known for their high absorbency, and so are the flour sack towels made from them. Their material makes them soak up and release moisture fairly quickly. They aren’t just super absorbent but also quick-drying.

10. Long-Lasting

    High-quality cotton flour sack towels only get better with age - No pilling, fading, collecting lint, or shrinking. And even after you feel they’ve served you well, upcycle them by including them in any DIY arts or craft project.

How to Wash and Care for Your Flour Sack Towels

Flour sack towels will last you longer than any high-end fabric, and that too minimal fuss. You only need to keep the following things in mind:

• When your pack of flour sack towels arrives, wash them first before using them. It’ll make it softer and more absorbent.
• Plant-based fibers don’t do well with bleach and softeners. It’s best to stay clear of them. Instead, wash these towels by hand or in the washer on a gentle cycle. 
• There may be times when back-to-back cleaning will give your towel a stench. If that happens, fill your washer with hot water and pour a cup of white vinegar. After the cycle, add half a cup of baking soda and wash again. This hack will also boost the absorbency powers of the towels.
• Flour sack towels are dryer safe. However, we recommend air drying to keep them to protect their natural fibers.