Swedish-Inspired Striped Cotton Tea Towels (2 PACK)

Bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your kitchen with our Swedish-inspired tea towel set. Each set includes two 100% cotton tea towels featuring classic red and white stripes, perfect for drying dishes or adding a pop of color to your kitchen decor.

History of Tea Towels in Scandinavia

Tea towels, known as "kökshandduk" in Swedish, have been a staple in Scandinavian households for centuries. Their history dates back to the 18th century when linen, abundantly produced in the region, was the primary material used for crafting these essential kitchen items.

In rural Sweden, it was common for families to weave their own tea towels, often incorporating distinctive patterns and colors that represented their local area or family traditions. This practice was not just functional but also a way to pass down family heritage and showcase local craftsmanship.

The use of tea towels in Scandinavia evolved alongside the region's culinary traditions. As coffee became popular in the 19th century, tea towels found a new purpose in covering rising dough for cinnamon buns and other pastries, a practice still common in many Swedish homes today.

The red and white striped pattern, reminiscent of our towels, became popular in the mid-20th century as part of the broader Scandinavian design movement. This style, pioneered by designers like Josef Frank and Astrid Sampe, emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature, qualities that are reflected in the clean lines and bright colors of these tea towels.

In the 1950s and 60s, as Scandinavian design gained international recognition, these simple yet stylish tea towels became popular exports, spreading Swedish aesthetic sensibilities around the world.

Today, while many Swedish households use modern dish-drying cabinets (a Swedish invention from the 1920s), tea towels remain a beloved kitchen accessory. They are valued not only for their practicality but also as a way to add a touch of traditional charm to contemporary kitchens. Many Swedes still use tea towels to cover their famous "fika" spreads – a cultural institution of coffee breaks accompanied by pastries.

Our tea towels pay homage to this rich history, bringing a piece of Swedish tradition to your home.

Features

• Set of 4 tea towels
• Material: 100% cotton
• Size: 20" x 28" (50cm x 70cm)
• Machine washable
• Highly absorbent and quick-drying
• Hanging loop for easy storage

Care Instructions:

• Always wash on hot, regular/heavy duty cycle
• Avoid fabric softener - it leaves a filmy residue
• Rinse thoroughly before washing
• Air dry before placing in laundry hamper

Recipe: Swedish Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)

Enjoy a taste of Sweden with this classic cinnamon bun recipe, perfect for using your new tea towels:

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
• 1 cup milk, lukewarm
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp Russian Mulling Spice

For topping:

• 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
• Pearl sugar or sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl.
2. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Roll out the dough into a large rectangle, about 16x20 inches.
6. Mix softened butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Spread over the dough.
7. Roll the dough tightly from the long side. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place rolls in paper liners or on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Brush buns with beaten egg and sprinkle with pearl sugar or almonds.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade kanelbullar with a cup of coffee, using your new Swedish-inspired tea towels to keep your baking area tidy!