Are you looking for an environmentally friendly, cost-effective way to reduce reliance on single-use products such as paper towels? Reusable paper towels are a great alternative that can help reduce waste while saving you money in the long run. Plus, making them yourself fun, easy, and affordable!
If you’re ready to start making reusable paper towels, here are a few tips and tricks on how to make reusable paper towels.
In this blog post, we’ll explore all the ways you can make reusable paper towels with materials you already have lying around your house—all while reducing your environmental impact. Read on to discover how to turn those old fabrics into useful cleaning supplies and create a more sustainable lifestyle!
What Will You Need?
Making reusable paper towels is easy and cost-effective, as you only need a few simple materials to start. You will need:
- Fabric (any type of old clothing or fabric scraps)
- Quilting batting or cotton filler
- Thread
- Scissors
- Sewing machine (optional but recommended)
Once you have all the materials collected, it’s time to start making your reusable paper towels!
10 Easy Steps on How to Make Reusable Paper Towels
Step 1. Preparation of Fabric:
Start by washing and drying your fabric thoroughly. This is essential as it ensures any shrinkage occurs before you start sewing. Cut your fabric and batting into squares. The size you choose will be the size of your reusable paper towels, but a good starting point is 12×12 inches.
Step 2. Baste the Fabric:
Place a piece of batting between two pieces of fabric and pin in place. You can use either quilting pins or basting spray to secure them together. This will help keep your fabrics from shifting while you sew.
Step 3. Sew the Fabric:
Now that your fabric is pinned, it’s time to sew it. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a straight stitch and start sewing around all four sides of the fabric square. Leave a small gap (about 2 inches) on one side.
This gap will be later used for turning the fabric right-side out. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to secure the stitches. If you’re hand sewing, use a basic running stitch.
Step 4. Turn the Fabric right out:
After sewing, you need to turn the fabric right-side out. Reach in through the gap you left and carefully turn the fabric square right-side out. Make sure you push out the corners to get a nice sharp edge.
Step 5. Iron and Topstitch:
Next, iron the fabric square to flatten it and give it a clean, professional look. Once ironed, it’s now time to topstitch. Topstitching is a simple straight stitch that goes around the edge of your fabric square. This gives your reusable paper towels a finished appearance and closes the small gap you left for turning the fabric right-side out. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your topstitching.
Step 6. Check the Edges:
Carefully check to make sure all your edges are enclosed properly. If any edges are still open, simply sew them shut using a basic running stitch or a zig-zag stitch. Be careful not to pull the thread too tight, which could create a bumpy edge.
Step 7. Optional Embellishments:
Now, it’s time to add any optional embellishments you want on your reusable paper towels. Use fabric paint or embroidery thread to add patterns and designs to your paper towels. This is optional but can add a fun touch to your finished product.
Step 8. Trim the Edges:
Once you have added any embellishments, it’s time to trim the edges of your reusable paper towels. You can use scissors or a rotary cutter to do this. Make sure to leave at least 1/4 inch around the edges so that the fabric will not unravel.
Step 9. Prepare for Use:
Now that your reusable paper towels are complete, it’s time to prepare them for use. Launder the finished towels in the same manner you would with regular laundry. This helps to remove any remaining fabric dust or loose threads. Once washed and dried, your reusable paper towels are ready to be used!
Step 10. Store and Use:
Store your reusable paper towels in a convenient, easy-to-reach location, such as a kitchen drawer or a basket on the counter. Use them just like you would use a regular paper towel. The beauty of these towels is that once dirty, they can go directly into your laundry instead of the trash can.
This helps reduce waste and saves you money in the long run. Keep making and using these reusable paper towels; you will certainly see a positive impact on your budget and the environment!
By following these simple steps, you can easily make your reusable paper towels and start reducing your reliance on single-use products. So why give it a try today? You won’t regret it!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a quality fabric to make your reusable paper towels. Cotton is durable and absorbent, making it an ideal choice.
- Make sure you wash and dry all fabrics before beginning the project. This will help to shrink any extra fabric so that your finished product fits perfectly.
- Choose a thread that matches the color of your fabric. This will help the stitches blend in and improve the overall look of your paper towels.
- To make a two-sided paper towel, cut 2 pieces of cotton batting the same size as your fabric square and sandwich them between 2 pieces before sewing.
- If you want to add more absorbency to your reusable paper towels, you can add an extra layer of cotton or quilt batting before topstitching. This will make them even more absorbent and useful in the kitchen!
Making reusable paper towels is a great way to save money and reduce waste while still maintaining high-quality cleaning supplies. By following these simple steps and tips, you can easily create your own sustainable cleaning solution that you can use repeatedly!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid using fabrics that do not hold up well to repeated washing and drying. If the fabric starts to fray, it will not be able to stand up to regular use and laundering.
- Don’t pull the thread too tight when you are sewing; this can create bumpy edges and make your paper towels less attractive.
- Do not trim the edges too closely or leave them too long. Make sure to leave at least 1/4 inch around the edges so that the fabric will not unravel.
- Avoid using poor quality thread for your project, as cheap thread will break more easily and create more work in the long run.
- Don’t use overly thick or stiff fabrics, as this can make it harder to sew the paper towels together. Choose fabrics that are soft and flexible for best results.
By avoiding these mistakes and following the instructions above, you can create high-quality reusable paper towels that stand up to regular use and laundering!
What Glue is Used on Paper Towels?
Glue is not typically used on paper towels. However, some manufacturers may use a light adhesive to keep the towels together when stacked. This adhesive will usually dissolve in water so it won’t be noticeable on the towel. If you are making your reusable paper towels, there is no need to use glue as sewing the edges together is all that’s needed to secure the fabric.
If you want to add a bit of extra strength, you could use an adhesive such as fabric glue or heat-n-bond to hold the edges together temporarily before sewing. This will help keep your paper towels in place while you work and ensure they stay securely sealed when finished.
No matter what glue you decide to use, test it out on a scrap piece of fabric first. This will ensure that the glue does not damage your towels or leave any residue behind. With just a bit of care and attention, you can easily create strong and durable reusable paper towels that will come in handy for years!
Conclusion
Taking a few minutes to make your own reusable paper towels can greatly reduce our carbon footprint while protecting the environment. Moreover, creating a sense of accomplishment in this small activity may have long-term effects on our commitment to sustainability.
We must all remember that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestral parents but borrow it from our children and grandchildren. Our actions today will determine their future tomorrow – by doing something as simple as making reusable paper towels, you can make a small but meaningful change in terms of sustainability for the generations to come.
Hopefully, the article on how to make reusable paper towels has provided you with the necessary information to create your own sustainable cleaning solution. So why don’t you get started on creating your own set of reusable paper towels right now? Let’s all take action and actively participate in protecting the planet!
