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Folding Terms You Need for Towel Animals

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.
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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

  1. Skim the Key Takeaways and pick the three moves you will need.
  2. Open the Pillar tutorial and follow the steps.
  3. When you get stuck, jump back here and scan the letter that matches the move in the step.
  4. After posing, add a belly band or dowel spine for the display, then review Display Ideas for finishing.

Keep Folding

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.

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Cruise Towel Animals… Swan, Elephant, Hanging Monkey

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.
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5 days ago

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October 29, 2025

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Elephant, Monkey, and Swan Towel Animals

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

  1. Square the towel Lay it flat. Align edges so rolls stay straight.
  2. Double roll to center Roll each long side tightly toward the middle to create a V valley.
  3. Fold in half Bring the two roll ends together so the valley faces out.
  4. 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.
  5. Seat the body Set the base down and curve the neck into an S shape.
  6. 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

  1. Body roll From the long edges of a bath towel, make a double roll to center. Fold in half so the valley faces out.
  2. 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

  1. Build the body Roll the bath towel into a long tube and fold into the classic monkey shape.
  2. Head Roll the hand towel into a tube and shape a round head.
  3. Rig the hanger Set two binder clips on the flattest part of the hanger shoulders. Angle pads slightly toward the hook.
  4. Seat the hands Clamp each “hand” fully into a clip so loops are not pinched by metal edges.
  5. Balance the torso Add a soft tie around the waist behind the back to stop slow slips.
  6. 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

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

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Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face

Picking the right towel size makes folding easier and your shapes cleaner. This guide shows common sizes in inches and centimeters, how each size behaves in folds, and which animals we use them for in our tutorials.
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Published

6 days ago

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October 28, 2025

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Picking the right towel size makes folding easier and your shapes cleaner. This guide shows common sizes in inches and centimeters, how each size behaves in folds, and which animals we use them for in our tutorials.

Key Takeaways

  • Bath Towel is the workhorse for most bodies. Aim for about 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm).
  • Hand Towel is perfect for heads and details. Aim for about 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm).
  • Face Towel works for shims and minis. Aim for about 12 × 12 in (30 × 30 cm).
  • Bath Sheet is optional for oversized builds. About 40 × 63 in (100 × 160 cm) gives dramatic volume but needs stronger supports.

Niko’s Note 🐾 Mid weight cotton terry grips better than plush spa towels. Skip fabric softener so folds hold.

Comparison Table… Common Sizes and Uses

Size name Typical inches (range) Typical centimeters (range) Our go to spec What it is best for
Bath Sheet 35–40 × 60–70 90–100 × 150–180 40 × 63 in (100 × 160 cm) Oversized animals, dramatic swans, photo backdrops
Bath Towel 27–30 × 50–58 70–76 × 127–147 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm) Main bodies for swan and elephant, hanging monkey body
Hand Towel 16–20 × 28–40 40–50 × 70–100 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm) Heads, ears, trunks, detail rolls
Face Towel (Washcloth) 12 × 12 30 × 30 12 × 12 in (30 × 30 cm) Base pads, shims, mini animals

Sizes vary by brand. The “Our go to” column matches the towels we fold with in our videos and photos.

Which Size For Which Animal

  • Swan 1 × Bath Towel body… optional Face Towel under the belly as a base pad when displaying on a shelf.
  • Elephant 2 × Bath Towels for body and legs… 1 × Hand Towel for head and ears… short dowel inside the trunk when you want a strong curl.
  • Hanging Monkey 1 × Bath Towel body… 1 × Hand Towel head… two binder clips and a non slip hanger for the hands.
  • Minis Hand or Face towels for quick practice shapes.

Fit, Weight, and Fabric

  • Weight Choose mid weight cotton terry. Ultra plush looks luxe but fights tight rolls and relaxes faster.
  • Weave Standard loop terry grips well. Waffle or microfiber is slick and will loosen quickly.
  • Conditioning Wash towels before first use to remove coatings. Skip fabric softener. A tiny splash of white vinegar in the rinse can help keep fibers grippy.
  • Color Bright white photographs well. If you prefer color, avoid dark dyes that may transfer when damp.

Measuring and Converting

If your towel tag lists centimeters, divide by 2.54 to get inches. If it lists inches and you need centimeters, multiply by 2.54.
Examples

  • 70 × 135 cm → 27.6 × 53.1 in (we round to 28 × 53 in)
  • 50 × 100 cm → 19.7 × 39.4 in (we round to 20 × 39 in)
  • 30 × 30 cm → 11.8 × 11.8 in (we round to 12 × 12 in)

Storage and Care

  • Keep a dedicated folding set so display towels stay bright and grippy.
  • Wash warm with a small amount of detergent. Do not use fabric softener.
  • Dry fully, then store flat in a tote with your small tools… binder clips, soft ties, gel dots, short dowels.

Keep Folding

FAQ

Are bath sheets required No. They are fun for larger animals but add weight and need more support.
Can I mix sizes from different brands Yes. Check the tags and aim for the “Our go to” specs so folds match our tutorials.
Is microfiber ever useful Microfiber can work for a quick practice, but it slides in tight folds and will not hold a crisp crease.
What if my towels are slightly smaller or larger Use them. Adjust roll tension and add hidden supports when needed.

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Binder Clip Hanger Hack for the Towel Monkey

Hanging monkeys look amazing on a doorframe or shower rod, but towels can slip on smooth hangers. This support guide shows our fast binder clip hack that locks the monkey’s “hands” in place without damaging the towel. It takes two minutes and uses parts you probably have at home.
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Published

7 days ago

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October 27, 2025

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Hanging monkeys look amazing on a doorframe or shower rod, but towels can slip on smooth hangers. This support guide shows our fast binder clip hack that locks the monkey’s “hands” in place without damaging the towel. It takes two minutes and uses parts you probably have at home.

Watch it in action See the binder clip hack in our YouTube tutorial: Binder Clip Hanger Hack demo.

Key Takeaways

  • Use two medium binder clips on a non slip hanger. Clamp the towel “hands” into the clips so the monkey stays put.
  • Place clips on the flattest part of the hanger shoulders. Angle slightly inward so gravity tightens the grip.
  • Add a soft waist tie behind the back to stop slow slumps. Hide the knot under the outer wrap.
  • Protect towel loops with smooth jaws or a small strip of tape on the clip pads.

Niko’s Note 🐾 Clip, hang, then twist the hanger a quarter turn to face the room. Photos will look best straight on.

What You Need

Item Qty Recommended spec Purpose
Bath Towel 1 About 28 × 53 in (70 × 135 cm) cotton terry Monkey body
Hand Towel 1 About 20 × 39 in (50 × 100 cm) Monkey head
Binder Clips 2 Medium size, smooth jaws Clamp the hands
Non Slip Hanger 1 Flocked or rubberized shoulders Base to hang from
Soft Tie (elastic hair tie) 1 Fabric covered Hidden waist band
Optional gel dots 2 Clear removable Extra grip on slick rods

Need sizing refresh See Towel Sizes… Bath Sheet, Towel, Hand, Face.

Step by Step… The Binder Clip Rig

  1. Build the monkey Follow the head and body steps from the Pillar tutorial. Leave the “hands” ready to grip.
  2. Prep the hanger Choose a non slip hanger. If using a smooth plastic hanger, add a small strip of painter’s tape where the clips will sit.
  3. Place the clips Open two medium binder clips. Set them on the flattest part of each shoulder, about two finger widths from the ends. Angle the clip pads slightly toward the hook.
  4. Seat the hands Lift the towel hands into each clip. Close the clips so fabric sits fully inside the pads. Confirm loops are not pinched by metal edges.
  5. Balance the body Lift the hanger. If the torso settles downward, add a soft tie as a hidden waist band behind the back. Tighten just enough to hold shape.
  6. Hang and face the room Place the hanger on a rod or hook. Twist the hanger so the monkey faces forward. Tuck loose ends and fluff.

Fit Guide… Where To Put The Clips

  • Shoulder sweet spot Use the longest flat section of the hanger shoulders for maximum grip.
  • Angle inward Point the clip pads a little toward the hook so gravity pulls hands deeper into the clips.
  • Even height Match clip height on both shoulders so the head sits level.

Travel and Safety Notes

  • Hotel hangers Many hotel hangers have anti theft heads. You can still clamp clips to the shoulders. If the shoulders are very slick, add a small gel dot under each clip.
  • Avoid sharp teeth Only use smooth jaw clips or cover metal edges with a small strip of tape.
  • Dry towels only Moisture relaxes folds and can mark fabric under pressure. Fold and hang when fully dry.
  • Respect weight limits This hack is for towels only. Do not hang from light fixtures or narrow decorative rods.

Troubleshooting… Quick Fixes

Problem Why it happens Try this
Hands slip out of clips Pads are slick or angled wrong Add a small strip of painter’s tape inside pads and angle clips toward the hook
Torso slides down Gravity and no waist anchor Add a soft tie behind the back as a waist band
Head tilts forward Head roll too soft Add an inside fold or tighten the roll, then re seat in a cradle
Hanger rotates on rod Rod is slick Add gel dots on hanger shoulders or use a flocked hanger

Watch the Video Walkthrough

Skip step photos and see the binder clip hack in motion. Watch our demo on YouTube: Binder Clip Hanger Hack demo.

Keep Folding

FAQ

Will binder clips damage my towels Use smooth jaw clips or cover the pads with a bit of painter’s tape. Avoid clips with sharp teeth.
Do I need a special hanger A non slip flocked hanger works best. Smooth plastic hangers are fine with a little added grip.
How do I stop the monkey from rotating Place a small gel dot under each clip or use a hanger with rubberized shoulders.
What size towel should I use Use a Bath Towel for the body and a Hand Towel for the head. See our sizing guide for inches and centimeters.

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