I use WSS on both top and bottom..adhesive type on the bottom. I would think if you used cut away, you have a chance of cutting the loops of the towel.

I use a tear-away, lightly spray with basting adhesive and place towel on the stabilizer. Sometimes secure the corners with pins. I do not hoop the towel. As topper I use the plastic type WSS to stop the stitches from sinking into the towel.

I use tear away or WSS on the bottom and WSS topping on the top...

I use wash away on the bottom and a topper. To stop the knap from poking through I put a piece of tulle under the topper before I stitch it out. the tulle tars out easily around the edges. It helps hold down the knap. Suzanne

I know according to Kenny on Emblibrary that he suggest to use cut a way as the stabilizer, buy after I discovered Tear and Wash Backing from The Embroidery Store www.embstore.com I was hooked. I use 2 layers on heavy designs and one layer for most regular designs. I use it on terry towels and all my kitchen towels and it is perfect for napkins, also. It comes in 20" x 25 yd rolls and 20" x 50 yard rolls.and is very economical and you get free shipping with $100. order or more. This site has nice thread also. Kay

1-2 layers of topping on top, something crisp rather than limp. Tearaway underneath and spray in place only if I must because dense design.

you seem to have a few answers here hope you find the right one for you. Marian

Never. Tearaway on the bottom - WSS on the top

I don't like the feel of stiffness that comes with using a leave-in stabilizer, so I use a wss on the back and a layer of tulle on top. I remove the tulle that shows and it just tears off. If the towel is thick and heavy, you may have to use a tearaway.