DIY Reusable Paper Towels
FREE DIY Reusable Paper Towel Tutorial
It has been on my mind for a while to make some reusable paper towels for my kitchen, and this afternoon I sat down and did it! It only took a couple hours and now I have a whole set of soft, pretty, reusable towels. These are totally washable, can be used again and again, are better for the planet, and save me from buying paper towels constantly! Plus, they are much softer on the skin than paper which is a plus too! I am so excited for these and want to share with you how I made them. Here is my free DIY reusable paper towel tutorial!
MATERIALS
While my preferred method is to use a serger, I’ll also show you how to make these using a sewing machine. Unless you sew a lot of garments, you likely don’t own a serger. But that doesn’t need to stop you from making these! Today I’ll show you how to use either machine for these reusable paper towels. The preparation steps are the same, no matter what machine you use.
Preparation
Prewash material if desired (I always do!). Iron the fabric smooth. Cut into desired number of equal sized squares. My preference is 11″x11″ but you can choose whatever size you want- the process is the same no matter what.
On a piece of paper, at one corner, mark 2″ from the corner on each edge. Draw an arc connecting the points.
Cut along the arc. Then, trim the paper down so that you have a smaller template piece to use to cut the fabric corners.
Lay the template on one corner of the fabric so the straight edges line up. Cut the curve. (While you could freehand cut the curves, using the template makes sure that all the corners match.) Do this with all four corners.
TIP: I prefer to stack multiple pieces of fabric and cut through several layers at once to save time!
You are ready to sew!
Using a Sewing Machine
Start by sewing a straight line all the way around the edge of the fabric using a 1/4″ seam allowance. While technically this step can be skipped, I find that it just helps the fabric hold up longer than a zigzag on its own, because flannel is SO prone to fraying. Use a short straight stitch, and backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam.
Sew a zigzag stitch all the way around the edge of the reusable paper towel. The zigzag should go right to the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying. Make your stitch length short and your stitch width wide. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
Skip ahead to the “Finishing” section!
Using a Serger
Serge around the edge of the reusable paper towel. Let your knife trim about 1/8″ or so- jut enough to cut and enclose the edge. Use the tensions for your machine that you would for a medium weight non-stretch fabric, and a differential of 1.
Finish the thread tails using your desired method. Unsure which to use, or looking for a new option? Take a look at our blog post on finishing serger tails!
Finishing your Reusable Paper Towels
Press the cloth well.
You’re done!
Now that you completed your first reusable towel, you are ready to make more! Make a stack of them (10-20 is a good start). These can be folded and stacked in a drawer or basket, or you can have them on a roll like regular paper towels!
To roll the towels, save an empty tube from a previous paper roll. Roll one cloth around it. The begin again rolling another, making sure the end of one piece isn’t right against the start of the next- this will keep the bulk evenly spread. Continue rolling all your towels. The flannel will stick to itself easily. Place the tube on a paper towel holder and you’ll be able to easily grab one off!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial!
Are you a newer or beginner sewist? Curious about starting to sew clothes? Check out our Boo and Lu Basics collection for adults and children, and Accessory collections! If you are an advanced sewist you might enjoy one of our newer garment patterns! Check them out here!
If you try these out we would love to see! Share your sew in our wonderful group of sewing enthusiasts for support, encouragement, and all things sewing!
