Indian researchers improved the quality and weaving performance of yarns utilized for weaving terry towel fabrics. They developed a bicomponent yarn comprising cotton and a water soluble synthetic fiber. The synthetic fiber exhibited good compatibility with cotton during spinning. After weaving, researchers dissolved the water soluble part of the yarn. This process reduced the twist level and resulted in a higher space in each loop. The resulting towel exhibited improved water absorbency, higher abrasion resistance, softer hand, and lighter weight than towels woven using conventional yarns. The process had no adverse effects on lightfastness or washfastness. 9 refs.