This A to Z glossary explains the folds, rolls, and little helpers we use in our towel animal tutorials. Each entry tells you what it is, when to use it, and a quick cue so you can scan while you fold.
Key Takeaways
- Most shapes are built from tight tubes, triangle bases, and locking tucks.
- Hidden supports are your friend. A soft tie, fishing line loop, or short dowel prevents slow sag.
- Keep towels dry and mid weight so creases hold. Skip fabric softener so the loops grip.
Niko’s Note 🐾 Learn the cue words. Calling out “pinch… crease… tuck” while you fold keeps your hands and brain in sync.
A
Accordion Fold A repeating fan fold used for ears, tails, or decorative ruffles.
Cue fold forward, then back… keep widths even.
Anchor Point The spot that locks a shape in place, like the middle of a belly roll.
Use set the anchor first so the rest of the roll does not drift.
B
Back Seam The long seam where a roll meets itself.
Use hide it on the underside for a clean profile.
Base Pad A folded washcloth under a model to raise the silhouette.
Use swans on shelves or trays.
Belly Band A soft elastic tie hidden around the thickest body roll.
Use elephants and monkeys to stop unrolling.
Binder Clip Grip Smooth jaw clip that becomes the monkey “hands” on a hanger.
See Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Monkey.
C
Compression Band Any soft band that adds gentle squeeze to a roll.
Use under bodies and tails.
Crease A sharp edge formed by strong finger pressure.
Cue pinch, slide, and hold for 2 seconds.
Cradle Fold A shallow trough made by folding edges toward center without overlap.
Use to seat a head onto a body.
D
Dowel Spine A short wooden dowel or chopstick inside a tube.
Use trunks, long necks, and tails. Round the ends.
Double Roll Two opposite rolls meeting in the middle.
Use elephant legs and classic swan bodies.
E
Ear Pinch Pinch a corner and crease to form an ear point.
Use elephant and puppy styles.
Edge Alignment Keeping towel edges even before rolling.
Cue square the towel so rolls stay straight.
F
Fan Fold Another name for Accordion Fold.
Foot Pad A tiny folded square placed under feet to prevent sliding.
Use shelf displays.
G
Gel Dots Clear removable dots that add grip under feet.
Use smooth trays and shelves.
Gathered Roll Roll while lightly bunching the fabric for a tapered tube.
Use necks that need a narrow tip.
H
Hanger Shoulder The sloped area of a clothes hanger where clips or hands sit.
Tip use non slip flocked hangers for the monkey.
Hidden Knot Tuck the knot of a tie under the body.
Cue hide, then fluff.
I
Inside Fold A helper fold that lives inside a tube to stiffen it.
Use heads and trunks.
Invisible Support Fishing line, clear ties, or wire that you cannot see from a few feet away.
Use long poses on display.
J
Join Seam The point where head meets body.
Cue compress both parts as you join so they lock together.
Jaw Fold A small inward fold that gives a muzzle or beak shape.
Use swans and dogs.
K
Key Crease The single crease that defines the silhouette, like the swan beak.
Cue make it last so it stays sharp.
L
Locking Tuck Tuck one roll end under another to prevent unrolling.
Use tails and belly rolls.
Loop Tie A loose loop of fishing line or soft tie hidden under the belly.
Use displays that need days of hold.
M
Micro Adjust Small nudges that refine the pose after the main folds.
Cue adjust, step back, adjust again.
Muzzle Roll A short tight roll that makes a snout.
Use puppies and bears.
N
Neck Tube A long tight roll that becomes a neck.
Tip start tighter at the tip and looser at the base.
O
Over Under Tuck Layer fabric over then under to trap a tail.
Use quick locks that do not need ties.
Offset Roll Start the roll a few inches from the edge for a thicker core.
Use chunky bodies.
P
Pinch and Crease The standard move for sharp edges.
Cue pinch, slide, hold.
Pipe Cleaner Spine Soft wire inside a small roll.
Use mini animals made from hand towels or face towels.
Q
Quarter Turn Rotate the whole model 90 degrees to check the profile.
Cue view front, side, and back before display.
R
Reverse Roll Roll one side forward and the other side backward to create a V valley.
Use elephant legs.
Riser Any small lift under the body.
Use shelf displays so faces read.
S
Saddle Fold Fold both long edges toward center like a taco.
Use bodies that carry a head.
Soft Tie Elastic hair tie or fabric band used as a belly band.
Stabilizer Any hidden piece that stops sway or slide.
Use clips, dots, risers.
T
Tapered Roll A roll that gets narrower toward the tip.
Use tails and beaks.
Triangle Base Fold a rectangle into a triangle to start a strong base.
Use swans and display pads.
U
Underlap Slide one flap under another to hide an edge.
Use camera facing side.
Upright Stance Adjust feet and risers so weight sits forward, not on the seam.
V
V Point Two creases meeting to make a beak or ear point.
Cue crease both sides evenly.
Vent Test Blow lightly through a tube to see if the roll is tight enough.
Use long necks.
W
Washcloth Shim A folded square placed inside a body to boost height.
Wing Fold Pull back a flap and crease to suggest wings.
Use birds and bats.
X
X Tie Two soft ties crossing under a belly.
Use heavy bodies that still slip.
Cross Clamp Two binder clips at angles to stop a hanger slide.
Use hanging monkey.
Y
Y Split Separate a tube into two by pulling halves apart.
Use front legs.
Yoke Fold A shallow fold across the top of a head to flatten it.
Use dogs and bears.
Z
Z Fold A fold that makes three stacked layers.
Use tails that need spring.
Zigzag Ruffle Quick decorative edge using repeated tiny accordion folds.
How to Use This Glossary While You Fold
- Skim the Key Takeaways and pick the three moves you will need.
- Open the Pillar tutorial and follow the steps.
- When you get stuck, jump back here and scan the letter that matches the move in the step.
- After posing, add a belly band or dowel spine for the display, then review Display Ideas for finishing.
Keep Folding
- Pillar: Cruise Towel Animals… Swan, Elephant, Hanging Monkey
- Sizing: Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face
- Hanging: Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Monkey
- Display: Display Ideas… Keep Your Towel Animals Alive Longer
FAQ
Do I need all of these moves to start No. You can build a swan with triangle base, tight tube, and one key crease. Add more moves as you advance.
What towels work best Mid weight cotton terry. See our sizing guide for inches and centimeters.
Will hidden supports damage towels Use soft ties, rounded dowel ends, and removable dots. Avoid pins or adhesives that leave residue.
