Abstract: A durable launderable towel has a thermobonded core of thermoplastic and other fibers. The towel has at least one cover sheet which is preferably formed with apertures and has a limited stretchability. Limited stretchability may be achieved by prestretching and heat setting the cover sheet prior to assembly into a towel. The towel is also densified in a field pattern and is typically densified at the peripheral edge. Embossing is preferably used to form these densified areas. The combination of thermobonding the core, embossing and the use of apertured cover sheets results in a towel having the softness, drape and feel approaching that of cloth. By controlling the embossing on the wiping surface of the towel, a towel with surfaces having different wipe dry characteristics and textures can be produced.

Abstract: A durable launderable towel has a thermobonded core of thermoplastic and other fibers. The towel has at least one cover sheet which is preferably formed with apertures. The towel is also densified in a field pattern and is typically densified at the peripheral edge. Embossing is preferably used to form these densified areas. The combination of thermobonding the core, embossing and the use of apertured cover sheets results in a towel having the softness, drape and feed approaching that of cloth. By controlling the embossing on the wiping surfaces of the towel, a towel with surfaces having different wipe dry characteristics and textures can be produced.