11 August 2010

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.

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7 happy thoughts:

GirlHouse said...

I love the laundry room towel with big ricrack!
Your bathroom re-do is so inspiring. I would really like to paint the kids bathroom, but paint just isn't in the budget. Thank you for these great ideas!!!

Nancy said...

That is an inexpensive way to make towels special. Stores charge a fortune for towels like these.

Unknown said...

Isn't that funny. We must be all thinking about housewarming ideas lately. I just did a post last week on embellished towels.

http://boyohboyohboycrafts.blogspot.com

Amanda @ Healthy House on the Block said...

Chris, this is SO cute! What a great tutorial you did, too -- I may just have to use it! :)

Tasha said...

Super cute! I am a bit obsessed with the Heather Bailey Pop Garden line right now too :) It is a great way to make towels look so much nicer.

Anne said...

Those turned out so cute!! I linked to your tutorial over on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-embellished-towel/2010/08/11/

--Anne

Kat @ Black Kats Design said...

The towels turned out so cute! Thanks for the step by step directions, as I'm not the best sewer.

I’m hosting a new link party “Cheap Thrills Thursday”. It’s for creative ideas that cost under $20. If you have a project you’d like to share, I’d love for you to stop by and join in Thursday!

Kat

www.BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com

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