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October 27, 2008

Huckaback Towel LinenMe

A huckback weaving pattern, also known as huggabag, huck-a-back, huckabag or simply huck, is an old weave that is still used nowadays for towels. The name ‘huckaback’ may have been adapted from ‘hucksters’, known from around 1200. Hucksters were pedlars and used to sell linens in markets, after carrying goods on their backs.

According to Patricia Baines, an author of several publications on flax and linen, huckaback pattern produces a specific uneven surface which allows towels to absorb water better and dry off quicker. Many derivations of the huckaback weaving pattern have been found in folk weaving, especially in Germany and Scandinavia.

Huckaback towels have a good grip, are sturdy and extremely absorbent. Towels made of huckaback weave fabric dry the skin very effectively; towel-drying your skin with huckaback also stimulates the blood supply leaving you revitalised and fresh.

Huckaback towels won’t take up as much space in your wardrobe as conventional cotton towels, they are perfect for spa or the beach, and are durable, lightweight and environmentally friendly.

LinenMe has a selection of huckaback towels on offer, in several colours and sizes. Natural huckaback towels from our Lara collection come in three sizes – guest towels (35cm x 50cm), hand towels (50cm x 70cm) and large bath towels (100cm x 150cm). Distinctive stripe designs are used for our Natural Linum, Natural Lucas and White Lucas huckaback towels.

Huckaback Towel Blue

LinenMe also offers several huckaback towel sets – luxurious White Lucas, Cream Lara or Natural Linum. Take your pick and we suspect you may never want to go back to using non-linen towels again!

megan huckaba
2021-07-05

For a number of years, I've searched for terminology related to my family surname of Huckaba. We've traced my family's origins to England, but this is the first I've learned about the huckaback weave. What fun! I do hope to purchase some towels with this weabe for my family members. My lineage also has a fair amount of German. What a great, informative post!
I'm hoping to source these towels from somewhere in the United States, or have them shipped there.

Megan

Patricia Clow
2021-01-28

Where can I buy Hacklebacks towels in Great Britain please?

Annerie Lotter
2017-06-13

Were in South Africa can I buy huckaback towel material to make my own towls please

Thanks

Annerie

linenme_19
2017-06-16

Dear Annerie,

You could buy it from LinenMe.com - Fabrics

Regards,

Inga

In reply to by Annerie Lotter (not verified)

Akash Mehta
2011-08-25

Excellent information. I was looking around for this information from long time

VT
2010-03-09

Thanks so much for the information on huckaback towels. I've been trying to find a good definition of huckaback towels for a while now.

jorden morris
2009-10-31

excellent. Really helpful information

Sharron
2020-01-22

Antique white linen huckaback towels sell on on-line auction sies for $8 - $15, depending on size and condition. If they have fancy monograms and / or handmade lace attached, then double that. Lovely things!

In reply to by marina moseley (not verified)

marina moseley
2019-10-29

I have a few huckaback towels from 1930' or 1940's are these worth anything I have kept them because they are old and in very good condition,some unused.

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