Bring that cabin surprise home. This pillar walks you through three classic cruise towel animals… the swan, the elephant, and the hanging monkey. You will see the tools we use, step by step folds, quick fixes, and easy ways to display each animal so it lasts all week.
Watch the fold along Our video covers all three animals with real time fixes. Swan, Elephant, and Hanging Monkey tutorial.
Key Takeaways
- Use mid weight cotton terry. Skip fabric softener so loops grip and folds hold.
- Build tight tubes, set a belly band early, and make key creases last for sharp profiles.
- For long necks and trunks, add a short dowel spine inside the roll.
- Display with removable dots, soft ties, and the binder clip hanger hack for the monkey.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Snap a quick photo when your pose looks perfect. Rebuild to the photo after laundry day.
Tools and Setup
Towels
- Bath Towel about 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm) for bodies
- Hand Towel about 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm) for heads and details
- Face Towel about 12 × 12 in (30 × 30 cm) for shims and minis
Sizing refresher Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face
Helpers
Soft ties (elastic hair ties), short wooden dowels or chopsticks (6 to 8 in), removable gel dots, non slip hanger, two medium binder clips
Swan… Elegant in 6 Moves
You need 1 × Bath Towel
Time 4 to 6 minutes the first time
- Square the towel Lay it flat. Align edges so rolls stay straight.
- Double roll to center Roll each long side tightly toward the middle to create a V valley.
- Fold in half Bring the two roll ends together so the valley faces out.
- Form the neck Hold the joined end and pull the valley up and forward to make a neck tube. Tighten the roll as you go.
- Seat the body Set the base down and curve the neck into an S shape.
- Key crease the beak Pinch the tip to a point. Hold for 2 seconds for a crisp line.
Display Place two gel dots under the base tips. Add a small face towel pad under the belly for lift.
Fixes Neck sliding back add a small washcloth shim under the chest. Beak looks soft re crease last and hold.
Elephant… Sturdy and Photo Ready
You need 2 × Bath Towels and 1 × Hand Towel
Time 8 to 10 minutes
Body and legs
- Body roll From the long edges of a bath towel, make a double roll to center. Fold in half so the valley faces out.
- Set the stance Pull the four corners down to suggest legs. Add a soft tie belly band under the body to stop unrolling. Hide the knot under the back.
Head and ears
3) Head tube Roll the hand towel tightly from a long edge to make a tube.
4) Ears Open the ends slightly and pinch corners to form ears.
5) Trunk curl Insert a short dowel or chopstick inside the center to help the curl.
6) Join Make a shallow cradle fold on top of the body and press the head in so it seats firmly.
Display Place on a tray. Add gel dots under the front feet if the surface is slick.
Fixes Belly unrolls tighten the belly band. Ears sag add a tiny locking tuck behind the head edge.
Hanging Monkey… Clip Rig and Balance
You need 1 × Bath Towel, 1 × Hand Towel, 2 binder clips, non slip hanger, 1 soft tie
Time 6 to 8 minutes
- Build the body Roll the bath towel into a long tube and fold into the classic monkey shape.
- Head Roll the hand towel into a tube and shape a round head.
- Rig the hanger Set two binder clips on the flattest part of the hanger shoulders. Angle pads slightly toward the hook.
- Seat the hands Clamp each “hand” fully into a clip so loops are not pinched by metal edges.
- Balance the torso Add a soft tie around the waist behind the back to stop slow slips.
- Hang and face the room Place the hanger on a rod and twist a quarter turn so the monkey faces forward.
Deep dive Full rig steps and photos Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Monkey
Fixes Hands slip add painter’s tape inside clip pads. Head tilts add an inside fold to stiffen the roll.
Display and Care
- Choose a dry room. Long hot showers relax folds.
- Use removable dots under feet and a small riser under bellies for shelf displays.
- Refresh routine re pinch key creases, tighten belly bands, and dust with a hand pump duster.
- Laundry wash warm with a small amount of detergent. Skip fabric softener so loops stay grippy.
Keep Learning
- Terms Folding Terms You Need for Towel Animals
- Fixes Fixes to Common Towel Animal Mistakes
- Styles by cruise line Towel Animal Styles… Royal vs Carnival vs NCL
FAQ
Do I need bath sheets No. Standard bath towels work for these builds. Use a bath sheet only if you want a larger display.
Will supports damage towels Not if you use soft ties, rounded dowel ends, and removable dots. Avoid pins or adhesives that leave residue.
Can I hang the monkey on any hanger A non slip flocked hanger is best. Smooth plastic works if you add grip and use binder clips.
How long will these hold shape About a week in a dry room with a quick refresh every couple of days.
Sources
- Royal Caribbean towel folding booklet step diagrams and classic styles. Download the booklet PDF
