Custom tea towels have become a popular product for designers, illustrators, and small brands. They are practical, giftable, easy to ship, and perfect for showcasing artwork.
If you’re considering creating custom tea towels for the first time, you likely have questions about materials, printing, order quantities, and market requirements.
This FAQ-style guide answers the most common questions designers ask before placing an order—especially when selling to the US and Australian markets.
What Fabric Is Best for Custom Tea Towels?
For most designers, cotton is the best choice.
Cotton tea towels are:
- Soft and absorbent
- Durable for daily use
- Suitable for detailed printing
- Easy to care for
Linen or cotton-linen blends are also used, but cotton is generally preferred for printed designs due to its balance of quality, cost, and print performance.
What Printing Method Works Best for Detailed Artwork?
For artist-designed tea towels, digital reactive printing is often the best option.
This printing method allows:
- High-resolution detail
- Accurate color reproduction
- Better color fastness after washing
- A softer hand feel compared to traditional printing
It is especially suitable for illustrations, paintings, and designs with multiple colors or fine lines.
Is Small-Batch Tea Towel Printing Possible?
Yes. Small-batch production is increasingly important for designers and independent brands.
Many designers prefer:
- Testing new designs before scaling
- Producing limited editions
- Avoiding large upfront inventory
With digital printing, small order quantities can be produced without compromising quality, making it easier for designers to start or expand their product lines.
What Size Is Standard for Custom Tea Towels?
While sizes may vary slightly by market, common finished sizes include:
- Approximately 45 × 65 cm
- Approximately 50 × 70 cm
These sizes work well for:
- Kitchen use
- Wall or hook display
- Gift packaging
If you are selling internationally, choosing a widely accepted standard size helps simplify production and logistics.
How Should I Prepare My Design Files?
To achieve the best print results, design files should typically be:
- High resolution (300 DPI recommended)
- In RGB or CMYK, depending on printer requirements
- Saved as TIFF, PSD, or high-quality PDF files
Designs with clean edges, clear contrast, and sufficient margins tend to print best on fabric.
If you are unsure, many printers can review files before production.
Tea Towels for the US vs Australia Market: Any Difference?
The product itself can be the same, but naming and presentation may differ.
- In Australia, the term tea towel is standard
- In the United States, dish towel is more commonly used
Many designers selling internationally simply adjust:
- Product titles
- Descriptions
- Tags and SEO keywords
Without changing the actual towel, fabric, or print.
How Long Does Production and Shipping Usually Take?
Production timelines depend on order size and printing method, but for digital printing:
- Production is often completed within a short timeframe
- Small orders can be processed efficiently
- Air shipping is commonly used for international delivery
For designers running launches or seasonal collections, shorter lead times are a major advantage.
Is Custom Tea Towel Production Suitable for New Designers?
Yes. Custom tea towels are often chosen by new designers because:
- They have a low barrier to entry
- Small orders are possible
- Designs can be tested with minimal risk
- They appeal to a wide customer base
Tea towels are both functional and decorative, making them easy to sell online, in gift shops, or at markets.
Final Thoughts
Custom tea towels are a practical and flexible product for designers who want to turn artwork into physical goods.
By understanding:
- Fabric options
- Printing methods
- Market-specific naming
- Small-batch production
You can make informed decisions and launch with confidence.
Whether your customers call them tea towels or dish towels, high-quality printing and thoughtful design are what truly make the product stand out.
