A lavabo towel should be folded so the priest can take it without unfolding it, the embroidered cross faces out, and the loose edges stay away from the basin. The method takes about ten seconds once you have practiced it. This guide walks through the fold step by step and explains how the server presents the towel at the washing of hands.
Why the Fold Matters
A neat fold is not decoration. It gives the priest a dry surface to take, keeps the ends out of the water, and lets the server hold the towel securely on the forearm. A towel that is bunched or twisted is hard to take with wet hands and may trail in the basin. The fold also protects the embroidery and makes the towel easy to put away after Mass.
What You Need
- A clean, pressed lavabo towel (11 × 17 in or 10 × 14 in is typical).
- A flat surface — the credence table or a sacristy counter.
- Clean hands; a server should not handle the towel with soiled fingers.
Step by Step
- Lay the towel flat, embroidery down. Smooth out the creases with the palm of your hand. The side that will face the priest should be clean and flat.
- Fold one long edge to the center. Bring the left long edge to the middle of the towel, then do the same with the right long edge. You now have a long strip with the raw edges hidden inside.
- Fold the strip in half or in thirds. Fold the strip crosswise so the embroidered motif ends up on the outside. A single fold gives a longer towel; two folds give a compact pad that sits neatly on the forearm.
- Drape it over the server's forearm. Place the folded towel over the left forearm, with the embroidery facing out and the loose edges toward the server's body, away from the basin.
How the Server Holds It
The server stands at the priest's left, holding the basin with one hand and the folded towel over the other forearm. When the priest has washed his hands, the server steps forward slightly and presents the towel. The priest takes it, dries his fingers, and returns it. The server then takes the towel to the linen basket — not back to the drawer.
If the server is a child, practice the sequence before Mass with an empty basin. The goal is a smooth, unhurried movement that does not distract from the liturgy.
Folding a Purificator
A purificator is folded differently: it is narrower and is folded into a band so it can be draped over the chalice. The usual method is to fold it in thirds lengthwise, then in half or in thirds crosswise, with the embroidered cross visible. The purificator is not a hand towel and should not be used as one.
Folding a Corporal
The corporal is a large square folded into thirds both ways, so it opens into a square with the cross in the center. It is folded with the cross inside after Mass to protect any particles. The fold is more formal than the lavabo towel and is usually taught to sacristans and altar servers separately.
Common Mistakes
- Folding with the embroidery out too early. The motif ends up hidden inside the fold. Start with the embroidery down and finish with it facing out.
- Making the towel too thick. Too many folds make a bulky pad that is hard to take with wet hands.
- Letting the ends hang over the basin. Keep the loose edges toward the server's body.
- Returning a used towel to the drawer. Used towels go to the linen basket, even if they look dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you fold a lavabo towel?
A: Lay it flat with the embroidery down, fold both long edges to the center, then fold the strip in half or in thirds with the motif facing out. Drape it over the server's forearm with the loose edges away from the basin.
Q: Which side of the lavabo towel faces out?
A: The embroidered side faces out when the towel is folded, so the priest sees a clean, finished surface. The raw edges and the back of the embroidery stay inside the fold.
Q: How many times do you fold a lavabo towel?
A: Three folds are typical: two long edges to the center, then one crosswise fold (or two for a compact pad). The towel should be thick enough to dry the hands but not bulky.
Q: Does the server hold the towel or the basin?
A: The server holds the basin with one hand and the folded towel over the other forearm. After the washing, the server presents the towel and then takes it to the linen basket.
Q: Can a lavabo towel be folded like a purificator?
A: No. A purificator is narrower and is folded into a band for the chalice; a lavabo towel is folded into a pad for drying hands. The two cloths have different shapes and jobs.
For the full guide, read What Is a Lavabo Towel? Browse the lavabo towel collection and the matching lavabo set.
