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.
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!
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