How to Make Your Own Bath Towels

Quck answer

Sewing bath towels is a simple process that can be done with a few basic steps. First, gather your materials including a sewing machine, thread, and a bath towel. Next, measure and cut the towel to your desired size, making sure to leave a seam allowance. Then, fold and press the edges of the towel to create a clean finish. Finally, use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to sew the folded edges together. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your seams to secure them. With these steps, you can easily sew your own bath towels.


If you want a bath towel that is customized to your preferred size and color, making your own can be a fun and simple project, especially for those who enjoy sewing. Homemade bath towels also make great gifts for various occasions. In addition, you can use the same method to make hand towels and wash cloths, just by cutting them at different sizes.

Things You’ll Need

  • Terry towel cloth

  • Sewing machine

  • Thread

  • Scissors

  • Tape measure

  • Straight sewing pins

How to Create Custom Bath Towels

Step 1: Select Your Fabric

Purchase a heavy terry cloth or Egyptian cotton with combed loops. The heavier the cotton, the more absorbent the towel. Consider buying the fabric by the yard, depending on the number of towels you plan to make. The standard bath towel size is 30 x 48 inches, but you can adjust it according to your preference. You can find both fabrics at most fabric stores or online on websites like fabric.com and jandofabrics.com.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sewing Machine

Set up your sewing machine on a spacious work table. Plug in the machine and thread it with a cotton-wrapped polyester thread, following the machine’s instructions.

Step 3: Cut the Fabric

Spread the fabric out on a clean, solid surface and remove any wrinkles. Use a measuring tape to measure the desired length of your towels along the outer edges, adding an additional 1/2 inch to both the length and width. This extra allowance will allow you to fold and hem the edges using your sewing machine. Keep in mind that the average bath towel size is approximately 30 x 48 inches, but you can customize it to your desired size.

Step 4: Fold and Secure the Edges

Fold all edges of the fabric by 1/2 inch, using straight sewing pins and your measuring tape to keep the folds in place. Pin the edges every 2 inches to ensure they stay secure.

Step 5: Sew the Edges

Use a tight zigzag thread pattern to sew the edges. Most sewing machines have a zigzag setting that you can use. Stay close to the inner edge of the folds, rather than the outer part. Sew over the edges a second time for added durability. Finally, trim any loose threads.

Step 6: Wash the Towels

Place the towels in the washing machine and wash and dry them two to three times to remove any fuzz and loose fabric.

Tip

If you prefer, you can wash and dry the fabric before hemming the outer edges. Just make sure to cut an even edge afterwards, as the edges will fray in the washing machine.

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