Sew Your Own Reusable Unpaper Towels: Free Pattern & Tutorial

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Sew Your Own Reusable Unpaper Towels: Free Pattern & Tutorial

Hey guys! Are you tired of constantly buying paper towels only to throw them away after a single use? Do you want to reduce your environmental impact and save some money at the same time? If so, then you're in the right place! In this article, I'm going to show you how to sew your own reusable unpaper towels using a free sewing pattern and easy-to-follow instructions. These unpaper towels are not only eco-friendly and cost-effective but also super cute and customizable. So, grab your sewing machine and let's get started!

Why Make Unpaper Towels?

Before we dive into the sewing pattern, let's talk about why you should consider making unpaper towels in the first place. There are so many benefits to using these reusable alternatives, both for you and the environment. So, let's dive in!

Eco-Friendly

One of the biggest advantages of using unpaper towels is that they are much more eco-friendly than traditional paper towels. Paper towels are made from trees, and the production process requires a lot of water and energy. Additionally, paper towels end up in landfills, where they contribute to pollution. By switching to unpaper towels, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect our planet.

Cost-Effective

Another great reason to make unpaper towels is that they can save you money in the long run. While the initial investment of buying fabric and thread may be higher than buying a roll of paper towels, you'll quickly recoup those costs as you stop buying disposable paper products. Think about how much money you spend on paper towels each month – it adds up! With unpaper towels, you can wash and reuse them over and over again, saving you money and reducing waste. Plus, you can use them for just about anything you would use a paper towel for.

Customizable

Making your own unpaper towels also allows you to customize them to your liking. You can choose your favorite fabrics, colors, and patterns to match your kitchen decor or express your personal style. You can also make them in different sizes to suit different needs. For example, you might want to make smaller unpaper towels for wiping up spills and larger ones for drying dishes. The possibilities are endless!

Easy to Clean

Don't worry about your unpaper towels getting too dirty to clean. Unpaper towels are typically made of fabrics that are easy to care for like cotton, flannel, or even terry cloth. Simply toss them in the washing machine with your regular laundry, and they'll come out clean and ready to use again. You can even throw them in the dryer or hang them up to dry. No special treatment required!

Materials You'll Need

Alright, guys, now that you are convinced to make a set of unpaper towels, let's gather the materials you will need. Here's a list of everything you'll need to get started:

  • Fabric: Choose absorbent fabrics like cotton flannel, cotton terry cloth, or even old t-shirts. You'll need about a quarter of a yard of fabric for each unpaper towel.
  • Sewing Machine: A basic sewing machine will do the trick.
  • Thread: Use a matching thread color or a contrasting color for a fun pop.
  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter: For cutting your fabric.
  • Ruler or Measuring Tape: To measure and cut your fabric accurately.
  • Pins or Clips: To hold the fabric together while sewing.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: For pressing the fabric.
  • Unpaper Towel Sewing Pattern: (Provided Below)

Free Unpaper Towel Sewing Pattern

Here's a simple pattern for making your own unpaper towels. You can adjust the size to your liking, but I recommend starting with a standard size of 10x10 inches. These are a great size to grab and clean up spills without being too bulky.

  1. Download and print the pattern. You can easily find free patterns online by searching for "unpaper towel pattern." Alternatively, you can simply cut a 10x10 inch square using a ruler and scissors.
  2. Cut out the pattern piece.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your materials and pattern ready, let's get to the fun part: sewing! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own set of reusable unpaper towels:

  1. Prepare the Fabric: Wash, dry, and iron your fabric to prevent shrinkage and ensure accurate cutting.
  2. Cut the Fabric: Place the pattern piece on top of your fabric and cut around it, leaving a seam allowance of about 1/4 inch. You can cut multiple layers of fabric at once to speed up the process.
  3. Pin or Clip the Fabric: Place two pieces of fabric right sides together and pin or clip them in place around the edges.
  4. Sew the Edges: Using your sewing machine, sew around the edges of the fabric, leaving a 2-3 inch opening on one side. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.
  5. Trim the Corners: Trim the corners of the fabric to reduce bulk and make it easier to turn right sides out.
  6. Turn Right Sides Out: Carefully turn the fabric right sides out through the opening.
  7. Press the Edges: Use an iron to press the edges of the fabric, making sure the seams are flat and the corners are sharp.
  8. Close the Opening: Fold the edges of the opening inward and press them with an iron. Then, sew the opening closed using a straight stitch or a blind stitch.
  9. Topstitch (Optional): For a more polished look, you can topstitch around the edges of the unpaper towel, about 1/4 inch from the edge.
  10. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-9 to make as many unpaper towels as you like.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you make the best unpaper towels possible:

  • Choose the right fabric: Look for absorbent and durable fabrics like cotton flannel, cotton terry cloth, or even old t-shirts. Avoid fabrics that are too thin or slippery, as they may not be as effective at absorbing liquids.
  • Use a walking foot: If you're using a thick or bulky fabric, consider using a walking foot on your sewing machine. A walking foot helps to feed the fabric evenly through the machine, preventing it from slipping or bunching up.
  • Experiment with different sizes: Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes of unpaper towels to find what works best for you. You might want to make smaller ones for wiping up spills and larger ones for drying dishes.
  • Add snaps or velcro: If you want to attach your unpaper towels to a roll or each other, you can add snaps or velcro to the corners. This will help keep them organized and prevent them from getting lost.
  • Pre-wash your fabrics: Pre-washing your fabrics will help you avoid shrinkage when you put the unpaper towels in the washer. Nothing is worse than putting all that work in to have your towels warp after their first wash!

How to Use and Care for Unpaper Towels

Now that you've made your own unpaper towels, here's how to use and care for them:

Using Unpaper Towels

Use your unpaper towels just like you would use regular paper towels. They're great for wiping up spills, drying dishes, cleaning surfaces, and more. Keep a stack of unpaper towels in a convenient location in your kitchen, such as on the counter or in a drawer. You can also store them on a roll using snaps or velcro.

Washing and Drying Unpaper Towels

When your unpaper towels get dirty, simply toss them in the washing machine with your regular laundry. You can wash them in cold or warm water and dry them in the dryer or hang them up to dry. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of the fabric.

Storing Unpaper Towels

Store your clean unpaper towels in a dry place, such as a drawer or cabinet. You can also roll them up and store them in a basket or container on your counter. If you've added snaps or velcro, you can attach them to a roll for easy access.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A complete guide to sewing your own reusable unpaper towels. By making this small change in your daily routine, you can make a big impact on the environment and save money at the same time. Plus, you'll have a set of cute and customizable unpaper towels that you can be proud of.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And be sure to share your unpaper towel creations with me on social media using the hashtag #unpapertowels. Happy sewing!