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Did you know that tea towels originated in the 19th century in England? Fine chinaware was cleaned by the mistress of the household. After the Industrial Revolution, tea towels were manufactured in large quantities. Decorative tea towels are also popular as collectibles in England and Ireland. Printed ones are hung up as wall decorations while some are sold as tourist souvenirs.
A tea towel is one of the most versatile kitchen textiles you could come across. They have a wide range of uses, from covering up hot scones to drying wet cutlery. However, you can tell it apart from an ordinary dish rag or cloth simply by its looks and cleanliness. A tea towel should be spotless as its uses require it to be pristine clean at all times.
Before buying a tea towel, make sure that the stitching is done properly. There should not be any chance of frayed edges and loose stitches.
You can line a serving tray with the tea towel and place the teapot, milk jug, tea cups and saucers and bread basket on it. This is done to catch any drips or spills. Rolls, baguettes and breads can be kept warm by covering them up with a tea towel. There are special tea towels called waffle tea towels. They have a waffle-style embossed print and can be used to cover up hot waffles on the breakfast table.
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This is an extra large tea towel for holding larger pots and pans. |
Embroidered Ermentrude Tea Towels These two towels in a pack have different designs. |
This tea towel made of 100% cotton comes in a colourful print. |
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This towel is ideal for assorted, odd kitchen jobs. |
Ulster Weavers Waffle Tea Towel 'Escape' this is a cotton tea towel with embroidery. |
Blue 'Garden Visitors' Tea Towel This pretty towel with birds makes a wonderful gift! |
