Upcycled Home Cloths: How to Make Cloth Napkins & Towels from Textile Waste
Repurposing old towels or shirts into cloth napkins, dish towels, or cleaning cloths is an excellent way to reduce waste while creating practical and eco-friendly alternatives.
Materials
- Old Towels or Shirts: Choose fabrics that are absorbent and durable, like cotton or linen.
- Sharp Fabric Scissors: For cutting the fabric into the desired shapes and sizes.
- Ruler or Tape Measure: To measure and cut the fabric accurately.
- Pins or Fabric Clips: To hold the fabric in place while you cut or prepare for any folds.
- Sewing Machine or Needle & Thread (Optional): If you prefer a more durable finish, you can sew the edges.
- Iron & Ironing Board: To press the fabric and set any folds.
- Damp Cloth (Optional): For pressing and creating smooth, neat edges.
Instructions
Step 1: Select & Measure Your Fabric
- Choose an old towel or shirt that is clean and free of stains.
- Decide on the size of your cloth napkin or towel. A typical napkin size is 18” x 18” or 20” x 20” inches, but you can adjust according to your preference.
- For dish towels or cleaning cloths, a size of around 12” x 12” inches is ideal.
- Using a ruler or tape measure, measure out your fabric and mark it with pins.
Step 2: Cut the Fabric
- Use your sharp fabric scissors to cut the fabric according to the measurements you’ve taken.
- If you are using a shirt, you may need to cut the sleeves or any seams to ensure you have a flat piece of fabric. (Image below)
Step 3: Neaten the Edges (Optional)
- If you want to prevent fraying, fold over the edges of your fabric about ¼” to ½” inches and press with an iron to create a smooth finish.
- You can sew along the edges using a sewing machine or hand stitch for extra durability. If you prefer a no-sew method, you can use fabric glue or a no-sew adhesive tape to bond the edges
Step 4: Fold & Press
- Fold your fabric in half, either for napkins or towels, to create a tidy finish.
- Use the iron to press down the folds. A damp cloth can help set the creases and smooth out the fabric.
Step 5: Use Your New Cloth Napkin or Towel
- Once your napkins or towels are cut, folded, and pressed, they are ready to be used! Simply use them to replace disposable paper products.
Tips:
- Fabric Variety: If you have different towels or shirts with unique patterns or textures, mix them for a fun, eclectic look. Stripes, checks, or solid colors all work well.
- Upcycle Multiple Items: Consider repurposing multiple shirts or towels at once to make a whole set of napkins or dish towels for your home.
- Personalize with Embellishments: You can add fabric paint, embroidery, or decorative stitching to make each cloth unique and tailored to your style.
- Pre-wash Fabric: Before starting, wash and dry your old towels or shirts to prevent shrinkage after they’ve been repurposed.
- Use for Cleaning: Apart from napkins, repurposed cloths are perfect for household cleaning tasks. Their absorbency makes them ideal for wiping down surfaces or drying dishes.
- Gift Idea: These eco-friendly napkins and towels can also make thoughtful gifts when bundled together with a cute ribbon.
This article is part of our Textile Upcycling Series. For more creative ways to repurpose fabric waste, visit Waste Free ’23 University – Section 7.
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