Often, bath towels get a little threadbare. You want a spa-like bath experience so you want to upgrade, but you don't want to just throw those towels into the landfill. And you don't have to. Old bath towels are perfect for crafting.
The plush, water-absorbing texture makes them the ideal fabric for so many different types of projects. It's versatile, durable, and can be really cute if you choose the right towels. The resulting look is surprising, and you'll find yourself wondering why you didn't try to make something with this fabric before now. Luckily, we've collected the best towel upcycling ideas around the web in the list below.
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Bath mat with a towel
An old towel is the perfect foundation for a new bath mat. After all, how many times have you tossed a towel down on the floor to step onto when you get out of the tub? Make that towel a bit more special with this tutorial. You'll learn how to add a really creative tassel edging. You can change up the colors to match your own bath decor. It's a little bit fun and festive but also practical. Get the tutorial here.
An old towel is the perfect foundation for a new bath mat. After all, how many times have you tossed a towel down on the floor to step onto when you get out of the tub? Make that towel a bit more special with this tutorial. You'll learn how to add a really creative tassel edging. You can change up the colors to match your own bath decor. It's a little bit fun and festive but also practical. Get the tutorial here.
Beach towel tote
The following project by Sew Very Crafty is the perfect summertime DIY. Turn a beach towel into stylish tote that you can show off. Now you have the perfect bag for packing up sunscreen, shades, and your favorite book the next time you hit the beach.
The following project by Sew Very Crafty is the perfect summertime DIY. Turn a beach towel into stylish tote that you can show off. Now you have the perfect bag for packing up sunscreen, shades, and your favorite book the next time you hit the beach.
Washcloth from a bath towel
Take a bath towel and cut it up to create washcloths. You'll have to prep the edges with a sewing machine and an awl, then you can crochet around the fabric for a personalized touch. It's a great way to upcycle an old towel that has just a few threadbare areas. You can create sets of these to give as gifts or use in your guest bathroom. If you're knowledgable about crochet then you can even alter the design to use an edging of your choice. Get the tutorial here.
Take a bath towel and cut it up to create washcloths. You'll have to prep the edges with a sewing machine and an awl, then you can crochet around the fabric for a personalized touch. It's a great way to upcycle an old towel that has just a few threadbare areas. You can create sets of these to give as gifts or use in your guest bathroom. If you're knowledgable about crochet then you can even alter the design to use an edging of your choice. Get the tutorial here.
Swiffer pad cover from a towel
Swiffer sweepers are so convenient. However, if you use the disposable pad covers with them then they aren't as great. Either you run out of pads or you stock up and spend a lot of money. Plus, you do the planet an injustice when you toss out that cover after a single use. Keep the convenience but remove all of the problems when you make your own reusable Swiffer pad cover from old towels or any other cotton fabric. Get the tutorial here.
Swiffer sweepers are so convenient. However, if you use the disposable pad covers with them then they aren't as great. Either you run out of pads or you stock up and spend a lot of money. Plus, you do the planet an injustice when you toss out that cover after a single use. Keep the convenience but remove all of the problems when you make your own reusable Swiffer pad cover from old towels or any other cotton fabric. Get the tutorial here.
Hooded bath towel
The following project by Make and Takes proves you can make a fun hooded bath towel from old towels. Only limited sewing skills required to put this piece together!
The following project by Make and Takes proves you can make a fun hooded bath towel from old towels. Only limited sewing skills required to put this piece together!
Pillowcase from a bath towel
You probably haven't ever thought of making a pillowcase from a towel. However, once you've done it, you'll wonder why you hadn't thought of it sooner. The plush feeling of terrycloth under your head is perfect for a good night's rest. These are an excellent DIY touch for your guest room, although you might find yourself sneaking in there to steal the pillows from your guests. This is a super simple tutorial that requires the use of a sewing machine. Get the tutorial here.
You probably haven't ever thought of making a pillowcase from a towel. However, once you've done it, you'll wonder why you hadn't thought of it sooner. The plush feeling of terrycloth under your head is perfect for a good night's rest. These are an excellent DIY touch for your guest room, although you might find yourself sneaking in there to steal the pillows from your guests. This is a super simple tutorial that requires the use of a sewing machine. Get the tutorial here.
Bag with a towel
As you might have noticed, you can use a bath towel to make almost anything that you would make from other fabric. A simple tote bag is a great beginner sewing project. Make one with a towel for a durable, water-absorbent way to carry your things. It's the perfect beach bag, but you can also take it to the farmer's market. Before you know it, people will be asking you if you can make them a towel bag too. Get the tutorial here.
As you might have noticed, you can use a bath towel to make almost anything that you would make from other fabric. A simple tote bag is a great beginner sewing project. Make one with a towel for a durable, water-absorbent way to carry your things. It's the perfect beach bag, but you can also take it to the farmer's market. Before you know it, people will be asking you if you can make them a towel bag too. Get the tutorial here.
Caddy from a towel
This bathroom caddy is the perfect project if you want to create something unique but functional using an old towel. The plush thickness of the towel makes it an excellent decor choice in the bathroom. Hang it on the wall and it fits right in, but it also looks special and unique. The pockets are the perfect size to hold just about anything you need—from your face wash to your toothbrush. The project does require a lot of folding and sewing, but it's not nearly as intimidating as you might think. Get the tutorial here.
This bathroom caddy is the perfect project if you want to create something unique but functional using an old towel. The plush thickness of the towel makes it an excellent decor choice in the bathroom. Hang it on the wall and it fits right in, but it also looks special and unique. The pockets are the perfect size to hold just about anything you need—from your face wash to your toothbrush. The project does require a lot of folding and sewing, but it's not nearly as intimidating as you might think. Get the tutorial here.
Chair cushions from an old towel
Use old towels to make new chair cushions. You can use them anywhere, but they're particularly perfect for poolside lounging. Getting wet won't harm the towels at all, since they're made to absorb water. Moreover, they give you that leisurely, beachy, summer vibe. If you already have old towels, then this is a smart way to turn them into something new. You might also keep your eye out for cheap sales on beach towels to create a matching set. Get the tutorial here.
Use old towels to make new chair cushions. You can use them anywhere, but they're particularly perfect for poolside lounging. Getting wet won't harm the towels at all, since they're made to absorb water. Moreover, they give you that leisurely, beachy, summer vibe. If you already have old towels, then this is a smart way to turn them into something new. You might also keep your eye out for cheap sales on beach towels to create a matching set. Get the tutorial here.
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