DIY Hanging Dish Towel Pattern

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Twigandthistle.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Making your own hanging dish towel is simple and fun. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your kitchen, this project requires minimal sewing skills and materials. Instead of buying overpriced towels, you can create unique ones at home. With a bit of fabric, a button, and a kitchen towel, you can design a practical and stylish item. Plus, these towels make great gifts for friends or family. Ready to get started? Follow this guide to craft your very own hanging dish towel. Let’s jump into the creative process and enjoy making something both useful and beautiful.

Getting Ready for Your Project

1. Gather Materials: Collect fabric, thread, scissors, pins, sewing machine, measuring tape, and button.

2. Choose Fabric: Pick a durable and absorbent material like cotton or linen.

3. Measure and Cut: Measure the desired length and width of the towel. Cut the fabric accordingly.

4. Safety First: Wear safety glasses when cutting fabric. Keep fingers away from the sewing machine needle.

5. Set Up Workspace: Ensure a clean, well-lit area. Keep all tools within reach.

6. Pre-Wash Fabric: Wash and iron the fabric to prevent shrinkage later.

7. Pin Fabric: Pin the edges of the fabric to keep them in place while sewing.

8. Thread Machine: Use a matching thread and ensure the sewing machine is properly threaded.

9. Sew Edges: Sew a hem around the edges to prevent fraying.

10. Attach Button: Sew a button at the top center of the towel.

11. Create Loop: Cut a small piece of fabric, fold it, and sew it into a loop. Attach the loop to the top of the towel for hanging.

12. Final Check: Inspect the towel for any loose threads or missed stitches. Trim any excess threads.

Gather Your Supplies

1. Fabric: Choose a durable, absorbent fabric like cotton or linen. These materials work well for dish towels.

2. Thread: Use a strong, matching thread to ensure your towel holds up to frequent use and washing.

3. Sewing Machine: A basic sewing machine will speed up the process and provide sturdy seams.

4. Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for cutting your fabric cleanly and accurately.

5. Pins: Use pins to hold your fabric pieces together while you sew.

6. Measuring Tape: Accurate measurements are crucial for cutting your fabric to the right size.

7. Iron: Pressing your fabric before sewing helps achieve neat, professional-looking results.

8. Button: A button will secure the hanging loop. Choose one that complements your fabric.

9. Needle: A hand-sewing needle is needed for attaching the button.

10. Pattern Template: A template will guide you in cutting the fabric to the correct shape and size.

Skill Level and Time Commitment

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 1-2 hours

1. Gather Materials: 10 minutes
2. Cut Fabric: 15 minutes
3. Sew Edges: 30 minutes
4. Attach Hanging Loop: 20 minutes
5. Final Touches: 15 minutes

How to Make a Hanging Dish Towel

1. Gather Materials:

   • Dish towel
   • Fabric for the top (about 1/4 yard)
   • Button
   • Needle and thread or sewing machine
   • Scissors
   • Pins
   • Iron

2. Cut Fabric:

   • Cut a piece of fabric for the top part of the towel. It should be about 6 inches wide and 12 inches long.

3. Fold and Iron:

   • Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other. Iron the fold to make it crisp.

4. Sew the Sides:

   • Sew along the two long sides, leaving the short end open. Turn the fabric right side out and iron it flat.

5. Attach to Towel:

   • Place the open end of the fabric around the middle of one short end of the dish towel. Pin it in place.

6. Sew Fabric to Towel:

   • Sew the fabric to the towel, making sure to catch both sides of the fabric in the seam.

7. Create Button Loop:

   • Fold the top of the fabric down to create a flap. Sew a small loop of fabric or ribbon to the end of the flap.

8. Attach Button:

   • Sew a button onto the main part of the fabric, positioned so the loop can hook over it when the flap is folded down.

9. Finish Edges:

   • Trim any loose threads and iron the entire towel to give it a neat finish.

10. Hang and Use:

• Hang your new dish towel on a hook or oven handle using the button loop.

Helpful Hints for Success

Measure twice, cut once. Always double-check your measurements before cutting fabric. This saves time and prevents waste.

Use a rotary cutter for straight, clean edges. Scissors can sometimes create jagged cuts.

Pin fabric pieces together before sewing. This keeps everything aligned and makes sewing easier.

Choose absorbent fabric like cotton or linen. These materials dry dishes well and are easy to clean.

Reinforce the hanging loop with extra stitching. This ensures it can handle the weight of a wet towel.

Pre-wash fabric to prevent shrinking. This keeps your finished towel the right size after washing.

Use a fabric marker to outline your pattern. It’s easier to follow than chalk or pencil.

Iron seams flat before sewing. This makes stitching smoother and more precise.

Common mistakes to avoid:

Skipping the pre-wash. Fabric can shrink, ruining your final product.

Not reinforcing the loop. The towel might tear when hung.

Using non-absorbent fabric. Towels won’t dry dishes well.

Alternatives for materials or methods:

Velcro instead of buttons for the hanging loop. Easier to attach and detach.

Bias tape for edges. Gives a clean, professional finish.

Old t-shirts or sheets as fabric. Great for upcycling and cost-saving.

Budgeting for Your DIY

Fabric: $10-$15 for a yard of cotton fabric. You can use old clothes or sheets to save money.

Thread: $2-$3 for a spool.

Buttons: $3-$5 for a pack. Check your sewing kit for extras.

Sewing Machine: $100-$200 if you don't already have one. Borrowing one is a cheaper option.

Scissors: $10-$15 for a good pair. Kitchen scissors can work in a pinch.

Pins: $2-$3 for a pack. Paper clips can be a substitute.

Measuring Tape: $3-$5. A ruler can also work.

Iron: $20-$30 if you need one. Borrowing is a budget-friendly choice.

Total Cost: Around $150-$280 if buying everything new. Using items you already have can cut costs significantly.

Personalize Your Dish Towel

Fabric Choices: Use cotton, linen, or terry cloth for different textures. Cotton is soft and absorbent, linen dries quickly, and terry cloth is great for heavy-duty drying.

Colors and Patterns: Choose solid colors for a minimalist look, or go with bold patterns like stripes, polka dots, or floral prints to add some flair.

Hanging Mechanism: Instead of a button, try a snap or Velcro for easy attachment. You can also use a loop to hang the towel on a hook.

Embroidery: Add a monogram, fun design, or even a seasonal theme to personalize your towel.

Trim and Edging: Use lace, ribbon, or piping to give the towel a unique border. Contrasting colors can make the trim stand out.

Size Variations: Make smaller towels for hand drying or larger ones for dish drying. Adjust the pattern to fit your needs.

Pockets: Add a small pocket to the towel for holding small items like scrubbers or sponges.

Double-Sided: Make the towel double-sided with different fabrics on each side. This can add versatility and durability.

Themed Designs: Create towels with holiday themes, seasonal colors, or special occasions in mind. This makes them great for gifts.

Eco-Friendly Options: Use recycled fabrics or organic materials to make your project more sustainable.

Eco-Friendly Crafting Ideas

Old T-Shirts make great dish towels. Cut them into rectangles, then hem the edges to prevent fraying.

Recycled Fabrics from thrift stores or fabric scraps can be used. Look for cotton or linen, which are absorbent and durable.

Natural Dyes can add color. Use things like beet juice, turmeric, or coffee to dye your fabric.

Wooden Buttons or reclaimed hooks can be used for hanging. Avoid plastic; wood or metal is more eco-friendly.

Organic Thread is a good choice for sewing. It’s biodegradable and often stronger than synthetic options.

Upcycled Belts or straps can be used for the hanging loop. Attach them securely to one corner of the towel.

Hand-Sewing reduces energy use compared to a sewing machine. It’s also a relaxing activity.

Minimal Packaging is key if giving these as gifts. Wrap them in reusable fabric or paper instead of plastic.

Your DIY Towel Awaits

You've got all the tools and steps to create a hanging dish towel. Grab your fabric, sewing machine, and buttons. Follow the pattern and instructions carefully. Don't rush; patience is key. If you make a mistake, no worries, just fix it and keep going. Once done, you'll have a functional and stylish towel ready to hang in your kitchen. Plus, you can customize it to match your decor. Enjoy the satisfaction of making something with your own hands. Happy sewing!