How to Make Hand Towels from Bath Towels: 4 Easy Steps!

Making hand towels from bath towels is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to reuse old or extra large towels.

The process involves a few simple steps including cutting the bath towel to the appropriate size, folding and stitching the edges, and personalizing your hand towel if desired.

Many people have old bath towels in their home that are no longer in use. Rather than discarding these towels, they can be repurposed into hand towels.

This not only reduces waste but also provides an affordable way to replenish your supply of hand towels.

Repurposing bath towels into hand towels not only saves money but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste.

Additionally, you can customize these towels to match your washroom decor. So, before tossing away your old bath towels, consider transforming them into practical and stylish hand towels.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Hand Towels from Bath Towels

Step 1: Choose Your Bath Towel

Look for a good quality, absorbent cotton bath towel that is wearing thin in places but still has lots of good fabric to work with. Stay away from towels with holes, as these will be more difficult to work with.

Step 2: Cut the Bath Towel

• Lay the towel flat and cut it in half widthwise using sharp scissors. This will leave you with two similarly sized rectangular pieces of fabric.
• If the towel is large, you may want to cut each half again so you end up with four smaller rectangular towels instead of two.

Step 3: Hem the Cut Edges

• Carefully fold under and press a 1⁄2 inch hem along each cut edge using an iron. Use pins to keep the hem in place as you work.
• Sew the hem in place using a sewing machine set to a medium stitch length or sew by hand using a hidden stitch like the whip stitch or slip stitch.

Step 4: Add Hanging Loops

• Cut strips from spare terry cloth about 1 inch wide x 5 inches long. Fold them in half lengthwise and stitch along the long open edge to create hanging loops.
• Place one at a corner of each cut towel and stitch in place by machine or hand. Trim any excess length.

There you have it – custom hand towels made from old bath towels! Adjust sizes as needed depending on how large you want your hand towels to be.

Importance of Selecting the Right Bath Towels for Making Hand Towels

Durability and Longevity

• Selecting high-quality bath towels ensures the durability of the hand towels.
• Durable towels can withstand regular use and washing, extending the lifespan of the repurposed hand towels.

Absorbency for Effective Use

• The right bath towels, known for their absorbent qualities, contribute to effective hand drying.
• Choosing towels with optimal absorbency enhances the functionality of the repurposed hand towels.

Fabric Comfort and Feel

• Towels made from comfortable fabrics, such as cotton, provide a pleasant touch for hand towels.
• The right fabric contributes to a soft and luxurious feel, enhancing the user experience.

Ease of Cutting and Hemming

• Quality towels with well-constructed edges simplify the cutting and hemming process.
• Choosing towels with proper stitching and fabric density ensures a clean finish for the repurposed hand towels.

Aesthetic Appeal

• The condition and appearance of the bath towels directly influence the final look of the hand towels.
• Stains or wear on bath towels may detract from the visual appeal of the repurposed hand towels.

Environmental Considerations

• Repurposing bath towels aligns with sustainable practices, reducing textile waste.
• Choosing quality towels supports a more sustainable lifestyle by promoting reuse and minimizing the need for new materials.

Practicality in Everyday Use

• The right bath towels provide a practical foundation for hand towels in terms of size and thickness.
• Practicality ensures that repurposed hand towels are well-suited for their intended use in various settings.

Economic Value

• Investing in quality bath towels for repurposing represents a cost-effective approach.
• Quality towels contribute to the creation of durable hand towels, reducing the frequency of replacements and overall expenses.

Selecting the right bath towels is crucial for crafting high-quality hand towels that offer durability, functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal while contributing to sustainable and economic practices.

Washing and Maintaining Hand Towels

Guidelines for Washing Newly Created Hand Towels

Pre-Wash Preparation

• Wash Before First Use: It’s essential to launder the newly created hand towels before initial use to remove any residual chemicals or debris.
• Separate Colors: If using a variety of colored towels, wash similar shades together to prevent color bleeding.

Washing Techniques

• Use Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle washing cycle to protect the fabric and maintain the integrity of the hand towels.
• Mild Detergents: Choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent to avoid potential skin irritation and preserve the fabric.

Water Temperature and Drying

• Warm Water: Use warm water for washing to ensure effective cleaning without subjecting the towels to extreme temperatures.
• Air-Dry or Low Heat: Air-dry hand towels or use a low-heat setting in the dryer to prevent excessive wear and tear.

Tips for Maintaining the Longevity of Repurposed Hand Towels

Proper Folding and Storage

• Avoid Overcrowding: Store hand towels with adequate spacing to prevent wrinkles and maintain their shape.
• Neat Folding: Fold towels neatly to minimize creases and make them easily accessible.

Rotation to Distribute Wear

• Rotate Towels: Regularly rotate hand towels to distribute wear evenly, preventing overuse of specific areas.
• Designate Towels for Specific Uses: Assign towels for specific purposes to avoid excessive wear from tasks like cleaning or heavy-duty drying.

Avoid Harsh Cleaning Agents

• Chemical-Free Cleaners: When cleaning spills or stains, opt for mild, chemical-free cleaning agents to preserve the fabric.
• Prompt Stain Treatment: Address stains promptly to prevent them from setting and becoming harder to remove.

Regular Inspection

• Check for Wear: Periodically inspect hand towels for signs of wear, fraying, or weakened areas.
• Repair or Repurpose: Mend any minor damages promptly or consider repurposing the towels into smaller cleaning cloths if significant wear occurs.

Sustainability Practices

• Reuse and Recycle: Encourage the reuse of hand towels for various purposes before considering disposal.
• Contribute to Textile Recycling Programs: Discourage unnecessary waste by participating in textile recycling initiatives when repurposed towels reach the end of their lifecycle.

Conclusion

Creating hand towels from bath towels is a simple and cost-effective way to repurpose your old linens. By following the steps, you can transform your bulky bath towels into convenient, absorbent hand towels that are perfect for everyday use.

Remember to cut the towel into smaller sections, trim any loose threads, and hem the edges for a polished finish.

Whether you’re looking to update your bathroom decor or simply make better use of your resources, converting bath towels into hand towels is a practical and sustainable solution.

With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can save money, reduce waste, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something useful with your own hands. So why not give it a try and give your old bath towels a new lease on life?

Happy towel making!