
Cutesy up your kitchen towels with this quick and easy tutorial to show you how you can add a few things to give them a custom look.
I love the monster big cotton towels. They get even better after they are used and washed a few times. They are big enough to tackle any kind of mess going on and do a great job drying dishes. These are the best kitchen towels.
The problem I have with them though… is that they are plain. They are big, and plain, and white. To help them out a little, here is quick and easy tutorial to show you how you can add a few things to give them a custom look.

~ Key Takeaways ~
- Transform plain kitchen towels into adorable and functional pieces with simple sewing techniques.
- Add personality and charm to your kitchen decor using scraps, trims, or applique.
- This beginner-friendly tutorial is quick and perfect for using up leftover fabric.
- Customized kitchen towels also make great gifts for friends and family.
- Let your creativity shine with unique designs and colors that match your style!
Cutesy Kitchen Towels
1) Buy a package of towels. These are the big muslin type that you can get in a 5 pack at Walmart or Target. I really like them. They are larger- and square. They are great at absorption of spills, and somehow they really last a long time! You could totally use the other kind of tea towel with the same result. I just used this kind.
2) Iron them as best as you can. Presentation for sales is not for these packagers I’ll tell you. They are all pretty on the outside, but inside they are a crumpled mess. You will be stitching to the hem , so make sure this area is a little less wrinkled.
3) Pick out your fabric. Choose 1 fabric that is the same measurement as the length of the towel + 1/2″ {for the hem} Cut this into a strip of 3 inches wide + length you need.
4) Pick out your rickrack. Just find something cute. This is the little bit fatter rickrack….kind of the medium width. Not too fat, not too skinny. Just right.
5) Sew it!!! The next steps will show you all about the sewing:
* Gather all your supplies:

* Lay out your towel and mark with a pencil 6 inches from the bottom edge.

* Take your strip of fabric and fold under the edges 1/4 inch and iron

* Lay the strip on the towel and line one edge to the drawn line. Pin in place.
* Lay the rickrack on top of one edge. Tuck under the end.

* Sew all the way around the outside edge. Fold under those sides and tuck in that rickrack. When you are sewing the rickrack down make sure the edge of the fabric strip is getting stitched down too! It should be almost peaking out from under the rickrack.

* Cutesy Kitchen Towel finished:

Remember this one— Same idea and process:

hee hee, I just love it 🙂
This will work on any towel– waffle, plaid, you name it. Great for gifts too!
Decorating your kitchen towels is such a fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your space. Whether you’re using scraps from your fabric stash or experimenting with new designs, this project lets you get creative while making something practical. Plus, these cute towels make thoughtful, handmade gifts for friends and family. So grab your supplies, start stitching, and let your personality shine in your kitchen!
Additional Kitchen Tutorials
- 5 Sewing Projects for the Kitchen
- Free Lunch Bag Pattern
- Casserole Quilted Hot Pad Pattern Free
- How to Make Hotpads
- Quilted Hot Pad with Pocket Pattern
FAQ’S
What kind of towels work best for this project?
Plain, flat-weave cotton or linen towels are ideal. Towels with a smooth surface are easier to sew and decorate.
How do I keep the edges of my fabric embellishments from fraying?
Use pinking shears, apply a fabric sealant, or turn under the edges and stitch them down for a clean finish.
Can I wash the towels after decorating them?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use washable materials and secure your stitches well so the decorations stay intact after washing.

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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I've made these before too. They are so fun, easy, and adorable. By the way, what is that adorable fabric of the women with fruit bottoms? SO freaking cute!
I know it is way cute huh?! i am going to be on the lookout for that one. lol
I know it is way cute huh?! i am going to be on the lookout for that one. lol
Fabulous informative post updating for the Kitchen Towels.
I hav my towels and have faabric and ric-rac for them to do in the patriotic colors of my kitchen. I made my valance, placemats and planning potholders all to match. Thank you so much for this idea to finish off my kitchen theme!! I grew up using this kind of towel (not willingly) and remember folding a pleating the edges so the fold would stay for mom to hem them, then we girls would embroidery on them. Such fun growing up with a creative mom!!
judy- what a wonderful memory. Glad you found the tutorial and it was just what you needed! I’d love to see- share it on facebook or email it to me. 🙂
I found the cute fabric of ladies on beach at fabric.com. The name of fabric is Fruit Ladies patchwork. So cute
I’ve been doing this very thing for years and years. Having been raised on a farm, then a ranch, these towels were lovingly referred to as Flour Sack Towels and absolutely LOVED by everyone. I still buy and embellish for family members who can’t get enough of them. I also machine embroider them or hand embroider designs on to them.