Altar linens are the white linen cloths used at the altar: the corporal, purificator, pall, altar cloth and lavabo towel. In short, they protect the sacred vessels and the altar itself, follow strict liturgical norms, and are best made of pure linen. Browse our altar tablecloths and chalice linen sets.
What is the corporal?
The corporal is a square linen cloth, usually about 50 cm, spread on the altar during Mass. The chalice, paten and host rest on it. It is laundered in a special way because it has touched the sacred species, and it is kept in the burse between celebrations.
What is the purificator?
The purificator is a folded cloth, about 47 x 28 cm (18.5 x 11 in); selected models measure 25 x 48 cm (9.8 x 18.9 in). It is used to wipe the chalice and the priest's fingers and lips at Communion, usually marked with a small cross in the centre and laundered with the same care as the corporal. Shop purificator cloth.
What is the pall?
The pall is a stiff square, about 15–20 cm, covered with white linen, placed over the chalice to keep dust and insects out. In the past it was often a card; today it is usually a rigid fabric square matching the liturgical colour or plain white. Browse our chalice palls in cotton and jacquard. For the difference between a chalice pall and a funeral pall, read chalice pall vs funeral pall.
What is the altar cloth?
The altar cloth (or fair linen) covers the top of the altar and hangs down its sides. It is white linen and, by tradition, the altar should be covered with at least one cloth. Many parishes use an under-cloth and a decorated top cloth. See our altar tablecloths.
How do you care for altar linens?
Linens that touch the sacred species (corporal, purificator) get a special first rinse in water before the normal wash, poured into the sacrarium. After that, machine wash on a gentle cycle with white detergent, iron while slightly damp, and store flat or folded, never damp. Embroidered cloths should be dry cleaned.
How to fold a corporal
The corporal is folded in thirds in both directions, which creates nine equal squares when it is opened. After Communion, shake any fragments into the chalice or paten, fold the corporal away from you, and place it in the burse.
- Open the corporal fully on the altar before the chalice and paten are placed on it.
- After Communion, fold the left third over the centre, then the right third over it.
- Fold the top third down and the bottom third up, so the corporal forms a neat square.
- Place the folded corporal in the burse and store it flat until the next Mass.
Corporal sizes and materials: linen vs cotton
Traditional liturgical norms call for white linen. Many parishes also use 100% cotton because it is easy to wash, iron and replace. Our standard corporals are made in Poland from 100% cotton and measure 42 × 42 cm (16.5 × 16.5 in) or 48 × 48 cm (18.9 × 18.9 in); each has a small embroidered cross.
| Material | Tradition | Practical notes |
|---|---|---|
| White linen | Traditional liturgical norm | Durable, crisp, needs careful ironing |
| 100% cotton | Accepted practical alternative | Easy care, soft, widely used in parishes |
Choose the size that fits your altar and chalice; a larger corporal gives more room for the chalice and paten. For the full set, see our chalice linen sets and church corporals.
FAQ
Can altar linens be cotton? Linen is traditional and preferred; cotton is a practical, permitted alternative for some pieces.
How often are altar linens changed? Corporals and purificators should be changed whenever visibly soiled and after each major celebration; altar cloths are changed according to parish practice and feasts.
Lavabo towel sizes and fabrics
The lavabo towel is the small towel used by the priest to dry his hands after the lavabo, the ritual washing before the Eucharistic Prayer. It is also called a finger towel or manutergium. Sizes vary by maker: common sizes are 11 x 17 in (28 x 43 cm), 10 x 14 in (25 x 36 cm) and 20 x 16 in (51 x 41 cm). Our white cotton lavabo towel is approx. 33 x 23 cm (13 x 9.1 in).
Linen or cotton?
Linen is the traditional choice: it is absorbent, lint-free and becomes softer with use. Cotton is softer, less expensive and easy to care for; poly-cotton blends are durable but less absorbent. All three are used for lavabo towels; check the care label before washing.
Care and ironing
Wash in mild detergent, rinse well and iron while slightly damp for a crisp finish. Store the towel flat or folded in thirds so the cross, if present, faces outward. For more detail, see our storing and ironing guide.
Shop our white cotton lavabo towel or browse the full chalice linen sets.
For a deeper buyer's guide, see lavabo towel sizes and fabrics.
Conclusion
Every piece of altar linen has a purpose and a norm. Stock a complete set – corporal, purificator, pall, altar cloth and lavabo towel – from our altar tablecloths, chalice linen sets and lavabo towels. Linen-loving parishes may also enjoy our linen chasubles.
Related reading
Complete the picture with our chalice veil guide and what the burse is for.
Keep linens bright: removing wine stains and the humeral veil.
