What kind of stabilizer was it, doesn't seem like its wash away. Not all stablizers are meant to be removed. Try soaking it in warm water with Dawn in the water, I've heard it helps. Instead of cutting the towel, maybe get a thin piece of cotton or terry and put a pocket over the back or something like that. Normally for terry, I use wash away stabilizer on the back, and then topping on the top to keep the threads up like they should be.