I told you I was going to try and post some simple sewing tutorials so here I am and I promise anyone can do this. It’s an easy tea towel tutorial that can actually be a no sew OR sewing project. The no sew version will work if the tea towel is not going to be used on a daily basis. “Just for show” as my mom used to say.
Both start with cutting a piece of fabric 22 in. x 30 in. You can, of course, make it any size you want but these measurements will give you a nice, generous towel. On your ironing board, press the raw edges of the long sides over 3/4 in. Next press the raw edges of the short sides over 3/4 in.
1.) Your corners will look like this. (See image below.)
2.) Starting with one corner, fold it over making sure the fold line is where the sides come to a “V.” Press well.
3.) Trim the tip of the corner off with sharp scissors.
4.) Fold the sides over again making sure they meet at a diagonal in the center of the corner. Press the corner and sides well. Insert a pin to keep the corner in place. Continue around the towel until all 4 corners are mitered. The first corner or two might be little challenging, but after that they will go very quickly. All it takes is a tiny bit of practice.
For the sewing method: insert the towel in your sewing machine and stitch all around it making sure to catch the mitered corners. It’s a nice custom touch to add a piece of twill ribbon to one of the corners as a hanger. This is totally optional.
For the no sew method: Instead of a stitch line, use Fabric Fusion glue or Fabric Fusion Peel and Stick tape to finish off the sides of the towel. (Source links at the end of the post.)
Of course I feel obliged to recommend the sewing method over the no sew method simply because it’s sturdier and stronger. If you don’t sew, by all means use the fabric glue. Your towels should stand up to at least a few washings. These little towels are the perfect way to add your personality to your kitchen or powder room. Pick out fabric that reflects your style and give them a try!
Here are a few more sewing tutorials:
Tie Closure Pillow Cover Tutorial
Repurposed Shirt Pillow Cover
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Glue
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Peel and Stick Tape
100% Cotton Blue Ticking Fabric
I’m going to use your sew method for college themed graduation party table runners. You’ve saved me a great deal of money since they’ll probably only get used once and I’ve bought the fabric. Like your mom said “they’re only for show!”
I really got into tea towels before Christmas, so many possibilities to add personal touches and great gifts. I notice when I buy tea towels from the store, some wrinkle more than others. I always have to iron them, what kind of blend of fabric do you use?
I just washed a table runner a friend gave me for Christmas. It was made from cotton. Unfortunately she used some type of iron on tape and it all came undone. I had never heard that you can’t wash the iron on tape, and it certainly wouldn’t be good for towels that you would be washing regularly, unless they are just a decorating accessory.
I’m sorry about your table runner. Some iron tape is not permanent. The Aleene’s I linked to above is pretty good but like I said in the post, it might only hold up for a couple of washings. Definitely use the sew method if anything is to be used regularly and washed.
OK now I want some, those are darling and how easy. Pinning!
Thanks looks simple,when my children were young i sewed a lot of their clothing, but just want easy. So,thanks for all the easy things you post for us,i truly appreciate them.
Thanks again Ann
Wonderful tutorial.
Hi Ann, thank you for the tea towel tutorial. It was very clear the way you did with the pictures!
You have a beautiful home , and I love your blog.
Thank you
Lucy in California
Beautifully done. Neat, professional, classy all the way. Good job! Thank you!
Thank you Ann for another great tutorial! You are the best!