Un-Paper Towels

Back in December, I got my hands on my mother’s old serger. It was a gift she received many years back from my father but was never able to use it. My younger sister had it for a while trying to figure out how to use it but was unable to find video help online–the instruction video is a VHS tape so it gives you an idea of what decades it is from.

I asked my sister since she couldn’t figure it out if I could have a go at it. I have a little bit more sewing and machine experience than her and I wanted to see if I could get it up and running. Well…I sure did! It was definitely tricky figuring out how to thread it, but I am so excited for the adventures I am going to have with this little toy.

For my first project with it I wanted to make something simple. I decided to make so fabric “paper” towels for my kitchen. We don’t use a ton of paper towels, but they still do sit on our counter and are an available convivence. I want to remove them and keep them in the cupboard for emergencies only.

Years ago, I made little burp cloths for my daughter when she was an infant. The burp cloths were simply flannel with terry cloth on one side. They were great for all things baby and toddler messes. These have since become my cleaning wash rags and they are the best! I love the flannel for wiping up liquid and the terry cloth has the texture for more challenging messes.

For this project, I wanted to use flannel for this same purpose. I am omitting the terry cloth because I want these to be like paper towels as I already have wash rags like I mentioned AND I want to be able to roll them up easily around my towel holder without the bulk.

Un-Paper Towels

Supplies:

• (2) 10″ squares of flannel
• Serger or Sewing Machine (If you don’t have a serger, you can use an overlocking stitch on a sewing machine or a zig zag stitch)
• Basic sewing notions
• Plastic Snaps plyers and buttons (KAM)
• Plastic canvas (optional)
• Needle

Instructions:

Layer your 2 pieces of flannel wrong sides together. You can pin or clip the edges to keep it from shifting but I find that it still shifts on me using those methods. I love to use Thermoweb’s SpraynBond Basting Spray.

Next. with your serger or sewing machine, stitch around the entire perimeter. Tuck in the loose thread ends if using a serger by hand using a needle.

Additional Fun:

The plastic canvas is to make a tube for your towels to roll up on. Cut a piece of plastic canvas slightly larger than it needs to be to wrap around you towel holder. Using a plastic snaps press plyer, place 5 snaps on each side. Snap up the tube and roll your towels onto it!

Finished!

Need a video tutorial? Check out below or on my YouTube Channel!

Happy Sewing!

Continue to bloom by choosing JOY ~ Julia