Embellished Towel Mini Tutorial

With money tight, I decided to update towels I had on hand to extend their life and usefulness.  I used materials I had on hand, so the cost was essentially free.  I always save the scraps from other projects for just such an occasion. 

You can see more of my kids' bathroom update HERE.

You'll need the following materials:

• scraps of fabric large enough for the width of your towel plus 1.5", and at least 2" wide.
• iron-on interfacing that is the exact width of your towel and the finished width of your panel. 
• scraps of heat n bond lite or similar product for basting.
• a package of ricrac in your desired color.
• coordinating thread.
• your sewing tools, including your iron and ironing board.
  

 To embellish my towels, I cut a piece of fabric 1.5" wider than my towel, and my desired width plus 0.5". I then interfaced the intended size...leaving 0.25" at the top and bottom for folding under. 

I ironed in both the top and bottom 0.25", and then added some scraps of heat n bond lite to help with keeping the fabric in place.

I positioned the fabric panel where I wanted it on the towel, and ironed it into place.

I cut ricrac the same size as my panel, and then pinned it in place over the fabric panel.

To finish the edges, I folded the ricrac and fabric together and pinned it in place.

I stitched everything together using a red thread for the top of the stitch, and ivory in the bobbin.

I also sewed along each edge.  It isn't perfect, but it will keep the folded edge out of view.

And there you go, my take on embellishing a hand towel with fabric, and ricrac for fun.

Another take on the same theme, for my laundry room, I used giant ricrac, and basted it in place under the fabric panel before I sewed it in place.

I also used a double top-stitch for a decorative touch.

With the giant ricrac, I folded a longer portion of fabric behind the towel.

This method would work for embellishing any towel, and would be a fun housewarming gift or wedding gift.

Featured on Craft Gossip, and One Pretty Thing. 
Linked to Kojo Designs,  Tatertots & Jello, and Be Different...Act Normal.