Sew a kitchen towel with a loop in under an hour

A hanging kitchen towel is a rectangle of fabric with a loop sewn into one corner or edge so it can hang from a hook or drawer pull. You need two pieces of fabric (the front and back), thread, a needle or sewing machine, and about 30 minutes. The loop is the only tricky part — it's a folded strip of fabric sewn between the two layers before you close the seams.

Most kitchen towels are made from cotton or linen because these fabrics absorb water and hold up to washing. A finished towel is usually 16 to 18 inches wide and 24 to 28 inches long, though you can make yours any size. The loop itself is typically 2 to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide when finished, which is large enough to slip over a standard hook.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two pieces of fabric the same size, press them flat, and mark where the loop will go before you start sewing.
  • The loop is made by folding a strip of fabric in half lengthwise, pressing it, and pinning it between the two towel pieces before sewing the seams.
  • Sew three sides of the towel closed with the loop trapped inside, then turn the whole thing right-side out through the opening on the fourth side.
  • Close the fourth side by hand with a ladder stitch or by machine, then press the finished towel flat and wash it once before use.

Cut and prepare your fabric pieces

Start by cutting two rectangles of fabric to the same size. If you are using a rotary cutter and mat, measure and mark your lines with a ruler or quilting square. If you are using scissors, fold the fabric in half, cut one rectangle, and use it as a template for the second piece so they match exactly. Press both pieces flat with an iron set to the heat level your fabric can handle — cotton takes medium to high heat, linen takes medium.

Lay one piece flat on your work surface with the right side (the side you want to show) facing up. This is where you will pin the loop. Decide which corner or edge the loop will hang from — most people put it in the top right or top left corner, about 1 inch in from both edges. Mark this spot lightly with a pencil or fabric pen so you know exactly where to position the loop.

Make and attach the fabric loop

Cut a strip of fabric 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. This will become your 1-inch-wide, 2-inch-long loop after you fold and sew it. Fold the strip in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other, so it is now 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Sew along the long edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using either a sewing machine or a needle and thread.

Turn the tube right-side out by pulling one end through the other — this is easiest if you use a safety pin or a loop turner. Press the tube flat so the seam runs down the middle of one side. Now fold the tube in half to make a loop about 2 inches long, and press it again so the fold holds.

Pin the loop to the right side of your first fabric piece at the spot you marked, with the raw edges of the loop pointing outward and the fold of the loop pointing inward toward the center of the towel. The loop should sit between the two fabric pieces when you sew, so it will be hidden inside the finished towel until you turn it right-side out.

Sew the towel pieces together

Place the second fabric piece on top of the first, with right sides facing each other. The loop will be sandwiched between them. Pin around all four edges, making sure the loop stays in place and the corners line up. Leave a 4-inch opening on one side — this is where you will turn the towel right-side out later.

Sew around all four sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance, using a sewing machine or a needle and thread. Start at one corner and sew slowly around the edges, removing pins as you go. When you reach the opening, backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the thread. The loop will be caught in the seam at the corner where you pinned it, which is exactly what you want.

Trim the corners diagonally about 1/4 inch from the stitching, cutting away the excess fabric at each corner. This reduces bulk and helps the corners lie flat when you turn the towel right-side out. Be careful not to cut through your stitches.

Turn the towel and close the opening

Reach through the 4-inch opening and grab the fabric at the opposite corner, then pull the entire towel through the opening so the right sides are now facing outward. Use a blunt tool like a chopstick or the back of a spoon to gently push the corners out from the inside so they are sharp and square. Press the entire towel flat with an iron, paying special attention to the edges and the opening.

Close the opening by hand using a ladder stitch, also called a slip stitch. Thread a needle and knot the end. Bring the needle up through the fold of fabric on one side of the opening, then slide it across to the opposite side and up through that fold. Go back and forth, sliding the needle through the fold of fabric on each side. After every few stitches, pull the thread gently to close the gap. When the opening is closed, make a few small stitches in place and knot the thread on the inside.

Alternatively, you can close the opening by machine. Fold the raw edges inward 1/2 inch on both sides of the opening, press them flat, and pin them together. Sew along the edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, backstitching at the start and end. This creates a visible seam on the outside, which some people prefer for a more finished look.

Finish and care for your towel

Press the finished towel one more time with an iron to remove any wrinkles and set the seams. Wash it once in warm water with mild detergent before you use it — this removes any loose threads and helps the fabric relax. Dry it in the dryer on low heat or hang it to air dry. Once it has been washed, the loop will be fully set and ready to hang.

Hang your towel from a hook, drawer pull, or cabinet knob. The loop should be strong enough to hold the weight of a damp towel without tearing. If you want to make a set of matching towels, use the same fabric and loop placement for each one so they look coordinated when hung together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a sewing machine if I have never sewn before?

Yes. A sewing machine makes the work faster and the seams stronger. Start by practicing on scrap fabric to get a feel for the speed and tension. Sew slowly and keep your hands steady. If you make a mistake, you can always rip out the stitches and try again.

What fabric works best for kitchen towels?

Cotton and linen are the best choices because they absorb water and wash well. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits, which will sag over time. Quilting cotton, linen, or even old cotton sheets work perfectly.

How do I make the loop stronger so it does not tear?

Sew the loop seam twice — once at 1/4 inch and again at 1/8 inch for extra reinforcement. You can also sew a small rectangle of stitches at the base of the loop where it meets the towel corner, which distributes the weight across a larger area.

Can I add decorative stitching or embroidery to my towel?

Yes, but do it before you sew the two pieces together. Embroider or add decorative stitches to the front piece while it is flat and unpinned. This is easier than trying to stitch through two layers after the towel is assembled.

What if my loop is too small or too large?

Measure your hook or drawer pull before you cut the loop strip. The finished loop should be about 1/2 inch larger than the diameter of what it will hang from. If you make a mistake, cut it off, make a new loop, and sew it on in the same spot.