Can you make kitchen towels that hang easily and look good? Yes, you absolutely can! Making your own hanging kitchen towels is a wonderful way to add personal touches to your kitchen decor and keep your towels handy. This guide will walk you through various methods, from simple no-sew options to charming crocheted designs, ensuring you can create stylish and practical kitchen linens for any taste. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right materials to finishing touches that make your DIY kitchen towels truly special.
Why Make Your Own Hanging Kitchen Towels?
Creating your own hanging kitchen towels offers a blend of creativity, practicality, and personalization. You get to choose the exact fabrics, colors, and embellishments that suit your kitchen’s style. Plus, it’s an incredibly satisfying way to repurpose materials or create unique gifts.
- Personalization: Match your kitchen’s color scheme or add a pop of personality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Often cheaper than buying specialized hanging towels.
- Sustainability: Repurpose fabric scraps or old tea towels.
- Gift-Giving: Handmade items are always cherished gifts.
- Functionality: Keep towels off counters and within easy reach.
Choosing Your Materials: The Foundation of a Great Towel
The type of towel you choose as your base and the materials you use to make them hang will significantly impact the final look and feel.
Fabric Choices for Towels
For the towel itself, consider materials that are absorbent and durable.
- Cotton: A classic choice. Look for terry cloth for absorbency, or cotton prints for decorative towels.
- Linen Blends: Offer a touch of elegance and good absorbency.
- Flour Sack Towels: Lightweight, highly absorbent, and easy to embellish.
Materials for Hanging Mechanisms
This is where you get creative! There are many ways to attach your towels so they can hang.
- Fabric Scraps: For creating loops, ties, or decorative elements.
- Buttons: Classic and easy to attach.
- Velcro: A quick and secure fastening.
- Snaps: Another secure and neat option.
- Ribbon or Twill Tape: For creating hanging loops.
- Crochet Yarn: For beautiful crocheted kitchen towels or decorative toppers.
- Towel Toppers: Pre-made magnetic or snap-on towel toppers are a convenient option.
- Kitchen Towel Clips: Ready-made clips that attach directly to the towel.
Method 1: The Easy No-Sew Kitchen Towel Project
For those who shy away from sewing machines, this is the perfect easy kitchen towel project. These no-sew kitchen towels are quick to make and incredibly functional.
The Simple Loop Method
This involves creating a fabric loop that allows you to hang the towel over a hook or knob.
What You’ll Need:
- A kitchen towel (terry cloth, microfiber, or cotton)
- A strip of fabric (about 2 inches wide and 6-8 inches long)
- Fabric glue or strong double-sided fabric tape
- Scissors
- Optional: Decorative ribbon or trim
Steps:
- Prepare the Fabric Strip: Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press the fold.
- Fold Again: Fold the raw edges in towards the center fold, pressing again. This creates a neat, double-folded strip.
- Create the Loop: Take the folded strip and form a loop. Overlap the ends by about ½ inch and secure with fabric glue or double-sided tape. Let it dry completely if using glue.
- Attach to the Towel: Decide where you want the loop on your towel. A corner or the middle of one edge works well.
- Secure the Loop: Apply fabric glue or double-sided tape to one side of the fabric loop. Press it firmly onto the towel. You can also place a small piece of contrasting fabric over the loop and towel for extra security and a decorative touch, again securing with glue or tape.
- Add Flair (Optional): Glue a small ribbon or trim piece over the attachment point for extra decoration.
The Button & Buttonhole Method
This method requires a sewing machine for the buttonhole, but the rest is no-sew. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can use a button and fabric glue to attach a loop of ribbon or cord instead.
What You’ll Need:
- A kitchen towel
- A button
- Sewing machine with buttonhole capability (or strong fabric glue)
- Scissors
- Matching thread (if using a sewing machine)
- Optional: Contrasting fabric scrap
Steps:
- Prepare the Towel: If you want to create a neater edge for the buttonhole, fold over about 1 inch of fabric along one edge and press.
- Create the Buttonhole: Using your sewing machine, sew a buttonhole on the folded edge. If you don’t have a sewing machine, skip this step and proceed to attaching a loop with glue.
- Attach the Button:
- Sewing Machine: Place the button on the opposite corner of the towel from the buttonhole. Use your sewing machine and matching thread to securely sew the button in place.
- No-Sew: Cut a loop from ribbon or sturdy fabric (about 4-5 inches long). Fold it into a loop and secure the ends with fabric glue or double-sided tape. Once dry, glue this loop securely to the corner opposite where your buttonhole would be. Then, glue the button over the loop’s attachment point for extra hold.
- Hang: Thread the button through the buttonhole to hang your towel.
Method 2: Sewing Your Own Hanging Kitchen Towels
For those comfortable with a sewing machine, you can create more integrated and durable hanging solutions. These craft kitchen towels can be made to perfectly match your kitchen.
The Fabric Tab Holder
This is a classic and sturdy way to make your towels hang neatly.
What You’ll Need:
- A kitchen towel
- A strip of fabric (about 2 inches wide and 8-10 inches long) – contrasting or coordinating
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors
- Pins
- Optional: Snap fastener or button
Steps:
- Prepare the Tab: Fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along the long edge with a ¼-inch seam allowance.
- Turn and Press: Turn the fabric tube right side out. Use a pin or a loop turner. Press the tube flat with the seam centered on the back.
- Fold the Tab: Fold the tube in half to form a loop, aligning the raw edges. Press well.
- Prepare the Towel: Fold over about ½ inch of the top edge of your towel towards the wrong side. Press. Fold over another 1 inch and press again, creating a double-folded hem.
- Attach the Tab: Insert one raw end of the folded fabric tab into the hemmed edge of the towel, with the loop pointing upwards. The folded edge of the tab should align with the raw edge of the towel’s hem. Pin securely.
- Sew the Hem: Sew along the bottom edge of the hem, catching the tab securely within the fold. Use a straight stitch. You can reinforce this by sewing again along the top folded edge of the hem.
- Add Fastener (Optional): If you want a closure, add a snap fastener or sew on a button to one end of the tab and create a corresponding buttonhole on the other end, or simply sew the tab end back onto itself for a permanent loop.
The Pocket Towel
This design incorporates a fabric pocket that can hold the other end of the towel, creating a self-contained hanging unit.
What You’ll Need:
- Two kitchen towels (one for the base, one for the pocket)
- Sewing machine
- Matching thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors
- Pins
- Optional: Decorative trim, button
Steps:
- Prepare the Pocket Towel: Take the second towel and decide on the size of your pocket. A good size is about 4-5 inches high. Fold the top edge down by ½ inch twice to create a hem. Sew this hem.
- Create the Pocket: Fold the pocket towel in half horizontally, right sides together. Sew along the two side edges with a ½-inch seam allowance, leaving the top (hemmed) edge open. Turn right side out and press.
- Prepare the Base Towel: Take your main towel. Decide where you want the pocket to attach – typically about halfway down.
- Attach the Pocket: Place the pocket onto the front of the base towel, aligning the raw bottom edge of the pocket with the desired location on the base towel. Pin in place.
- Sew the Pocket: Sew the pocket to the base towel along the bottom edge, using a straight stitch close to the raw edge. You can add decorative stitching or trim here for extra flair.
- Secure the Top: Fold the base towel in half vertically. Tuck the open, hemmed edge of the pocket towel over the folded edge of the base towel. The pocket should now enclose the folded edge of the base towel. Pin securely.
- Sew the Top Edge: Sew along the folded top edge, securing both the pocket and the base towel together. Use a straight stitch. You can sew a second line of stitching or a decorative stitch for added strength and style.
- Add Fastener (Optional): You can sew a button onto the front of the pocket and create a buttonhole on the back flap, or use a snap fastener.
Method 3: Crocheted Kitchen Towels and Towel Toppers
For a touch of handmade charm, crocheted kitchen towels or decorative towel toppers are a fantastic choice. These add texture and visual interest.
The Crocheted Towel Topper
This is a popular way to make any standard kitchen towel hangable. It’s a quick crochet project and can be customized with different colors and stitches.
What You’ll Need:
- Cotton yarn (worsted weight is common)
- Crochet hook (size appropriate for your yarn, usually H/8 or I/9)
- A kitchen towel
- A button
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Crochet Pattern Basics (Example):
This is a simplified example. Many variations exist!
- Measure and Plan: Fold your kitchen towel in half. Measure the width where you want the topper to go. This measurement will influence your starting chain. You want the topper to be snug but not too tight.
- Starting Chain: Chain a length that, when stretched slightly, matches your towel’s folded width. For example, if your towel is 10 inches wide when folded, chain about 20-25 stitches (depending on your yarn and hook).
- First Row: Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook and in each chain across.
- Subsequent Rows: Chain 1 (does not count as a stitch), turn. Sc in each stitch across. Repeat for desired height. You’ll want it tall enough to wrap around the folded towel and secure with a button.
- Buttonhole Row: Work a few sc, then chain a few stitches (this creates the buttonhole), skip the same number of stitches, then continue with sc to the end of the row.
- Finishing: Fasten off and weave in all ends.
- Attach: Fold the crocheted piece in half. Place it over the folded edge of your kitchen towel. Sew a button onto the opposite side of the crocheted piece so it fits snugly through the buttonhole.
Full Crocheted Kitchen Towel
You can crochet an entire towel from scratch. This takes more time but results in a truly unique item.
What You’ll Need:
- Cotton yarn (dishcloth weight or cotton blend)
- Crochet hook (size recommended on yarn label)
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Crochet Pattern Basics:
- Choose a Stitch: Simple stitches like single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), or double crochet (dc) work well for absorbency. Textured stitches like granny stitch or linen stitch can also be beautiful.
- Starting Chain: Chain a width suitable for a kitchen towel (e.g., 30-40 stitches for a medium-sized towel).
- Work Rows: Crochet in your chosen stitch pattern, back and forth, until the towel reaches your desired length.
- Edging: For a finished look, add a border of single crochet or a decorative stitch around all four sides.
- Hanging Loop: You can crochet a loop directly onto the towel or attach one afterward using a yarn needle and matching yarn. Alternatively, use a kitchen towel clip to hang the finished crocheted towel.
Other Clever Hanging Solutions
Beyond sewing and crocheting, there are simpler ways to make your towels hangable.
Using Kitchen Towel Clips
These are incredibly easy to use. You simply clamp the clip onto the corner of your towel and attach the other end to a hook, drawer pull, or oven handle.
- Types: Look for clips with built-in loops, magnets, or carabiner-style attachments.
- Benefits: No modifications to the towel needed, very quick to attach and detach.
- Considerations: Ensure the clip is strong enough to hold the weight of a wet towel.
Fabric Towel Holders
These are often decorative fabric pieces that have a loop or snap closure, designed specifically to hold a folded kitchen towel. You can buy these pre-made or easily create your own using fabric scraps and a few simple sewing steps (similar to making the fabric tab holder, but without attaching it directly to the towel).
- DIY Fabric Towel Holder: Make a fabric loop (like the tab holder above), add a snap or button closure, and simply loop your folded towel through it.
- Versatility: These holders can be moved between different towels.
Tips for Success and Beautiful Results
- Pre-wash your fabrics: This prevents shrinkage and color bleeding after you’ve finished your project.
- Use good quality thread: Especially for sewn items, strong thread ensures durability.
- Press as you go: Ironing seams and folds makes your finished project look much more professional.
- Contrast or Coordinate: Decide if you want the hanging mechanism to blend in or stand out as a decorative element.
- Consider the weight: A bulky or heavily embellished towel might require a stronger hanging solution.
- Think about placement: Where will you hang these towels? This might influence the design or the type of fastener you choose. For example, a towel near a sink might need a more robust hanging method than one purely for decoration.
Maintaining Your Hanging Kitchen Towels
Proper care ensures your beautiful hanging hand towels last longer and remain hygienic.
- Regular Washing: Wash towels frequently, especially if used for drying hands or dishes.
- Gentle Detergents: Avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce absorbency.
- Drying: Tumble dry on a low setting or hang to dry. Ensure they are completely dry to prevent mildew.
- Check Fastenings: Periodically check buttons, snaps, or glued attachments for wear and tear. Repair as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best fabric for a kitchen towel that will be hanging?
A1: Absorbent and durable fabrics like cotton terry cloth, microfiber, or 100% cotton are excellent choices. For purely decorative hanging towels, linen blends or patterned cottons also work well.
Q2: Can I make hanging kitchen towels without a sewing machine?
A2: Absolutely! The no-sew kitchen towels method using fabric glue or strong double-sided fabric tape is very effective. You can create loops, attach buttons, or use ready-made kitchen towel clips.
Q3: How do I attach a hanging loop to a towel that already has finished edges?
A3: For sewn options, you can create a fabric tab and carefully stitch it to the existing hemmed edge of the towel. For no-sew, use strong fabric glue or double-sided tape to attach a fabric loop or ribbon.
Q4: What are towel toppers used for?
A4: Towel toppers are decorative attachments, often crocheted or made with fabric and a button/snap, that allow you to hang a folded kitchen towel over a hook, knob, or handle without needing to sew the loop directly onto the towel itself.
Q5: Are crocheted kitchen towels practical?
A5: Yes, when made with cotton yarn, crocheted kitchen towels are very absorbent and durable. The open weave of crochet can also promote faster drying, which can be a benefit.
Q6: Where can I find kitchen towel clips?
A6: Kitchen towel clips are widely available online (e.g., Amazon, Etsy) and in home goods stores, craft stores, and sometimes even in supermarkets or discount stores.
Q7: How wide should the fabric strip be for a hanging loop?
A7: For most projects, a fabric strip about 2 inches wide before folding works well. This creates a loop that is about ½ inch wide once folded and sewn, providing a good balance of strength and aesthetics.
Making your own hanging kitchen towels is a rewarding craft that adds both beauty and practicality to your home. Whether you opt for a quick no-sew kitchen towels project or a more involved sewn or crocheted kitchen towels creation, the result will be a stylish and functional addition to your kitchen. Experiment with different methods and materials to find your favorite ways to craft these essential kitchen linens!