Waffle weave—also called honeycomb—has a distinctive, textured surface. It is a popular linen fabric for towels and other items, both for its charming appearance and its functionality.
The larger the surface area in a woven structure, the greater the fiber volume. This increases the amount of fiber, which in turn enhances absorbency and water retention. That is why waffle fabrics are so well suited to towels.
Design direction
At first, we wondered if it was really necessary to redevelop linen waffle towels, which are already widely available on the market. In fact, commercial waffles vary in design approach, price, and specification. If we were to create one, we resolved to design the finest quality linen waffle—starting with the base yarn.
Mastering twisted yarn
Many weavearth products are based on multiple twisted yarns. Both linen and hemp gain strength when single yarns are twisted together, forming the foundation of durability and longevity. This linen waffle towel follows that philosophy, but here we also focused on maximizing absorbency, moisture retention, and linen’s inherent softness.
We chose a design approach of re-twisting twisted yarns together, creating more space between the threads to form tiny air chambers. By twisting plied yarns together, while at the same time releasing some of the tightness in the singles, we achieved a structure that enhances both softness and performance.
(Close-up photo of the linen waffle towel: you can see the many twisted yarns it is made from.)
This design is not our invention. Traditionally, linen waffle fabrics were made this way. In modern times, cost considerations have largely eliminated such (in a sense) luxurious construction.
Doing everything possible for the best texture
The finishing is done without chemical treatments to prevent shrinkage. Instead, the fabric is gently softened by a mechanical kneading process, allowing it to evolve naturally over time. As a result, it shrinks noticeably when washed, but retains its rich texture. When you touch it, despite its substantial look, it feels soft, fluffy, and surprisingly light.
Washing instructions (request)
One weakness should be mentioned: because this towel maximizes absorbency and water retention, if it is left damp for an extended time, tiny spots of mold may occasionally appear. Please keep it as dry as possible (for waffle towels, we recommend drying in the sun for best results).
(Daitoh)
