Dish towels are inexpensive and washable. They also come already hemmed (a handy shortcut when sewing) and can be transformed almost instantly into charming café curtains, kitchen linen bag, cushion covers or a simple table runner. Nothing could be simpler than using them to cover pads of kitchen chairs or a hall bench—just staple and go.
Table Runner
Dish towels can be used to make an attractive table runner. It’s cheerful and easy to clean.
What you will need:
- Dish towels (how many depends on the length of your table)
Instructions:
- Measure the length of your table and add 10 to 20 inches overlap at either end.
- Sew towels together at the bottom and you’re done.
Laundry Bag
A dishtowel makes a handy kitchen laundry bag—ideal for storing used linens between washes.
What you will need:
- 2 Cup hooks
- Dish towels
- 2 Jump rings or clip-on rings
Instructions:
- Measure the width of your dish towel. Use this measurement when screwing in the cup hooks to the inside of the cabinet door under your kitchen sink.
- Fold the towel in half, wrong sides facing; sew sides together. (Tip: Sewing is stronger than the iron-on tape in this case.)
- Sew two jump rings (or use clip-on rings) to the top two corners of the bag opening and attach it to the cup hooks inside the cabinet door.
Café Curtains
French bistro designers know a thing or two about ambiance. Take the classic café curtain - this simple drapery allows sunshine to fill a room while providing the diners inside with privacy and filtered light. Café curtains made from vintage or new dish towels achieve that same effect—with minimal sewing.
What you will need:
- Dish towels (the width of your windows will determine how many you will need)
- 2 Cup hooks
- 2 Jump rings or clip-on rings
Instructions:
- Hand-sew jump rings (or use the clip-on rings) to each top corner of the dish towels.
- Screw cup hooks into the window frame, aligning them where you want top of the corner to fall, and fasten the rings to the hooks.
Dish Towel Pillow Covers
Freshen up kitchen chair cushions with pretty vintage or new dish towels. It’s easier than you think.
What you will need:
- Dish towels
- 2-12” ribbons for each cushion cover
Instructions:
- Sew two dish towels together, right sides facing, on three sides only.
- Machine- or hand-stitch two 12-inch lengths of ribbon equal distance from the edges to the underside of one open edge.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
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