I don’t know about your family, but mine has been known to use up a boat load of paper towels when I’m not looking. Like, an absolutely ridiculous amount. I have often felt like the paper towel police, monitoring each person as they reached for the roll. The silly thing is that this is a very easy problem to solve, and I only recently thought of a solution. Partly, I came up with this during the pandemic when we ran out of paper towels (again), and I needed something quick. Then, I realized it’s also the solution to our overuse issue. Reusable, double-sided flannel towels kept neatly in a basket on the counter! That’s right…I made paper towel-sized flannel towels for my kitchen now, to wipe up what I call “clean” spills and to dry off wet hands.
What’s a “clean” spill, you ask? I consider it to be a quick water drip wipe-up, a clear liquid spill, or even a ring from a cup that overflowed. Basically anything that isn’t going to ruin the towel, or make it gross. For example, I do not use our flannel towels to wipe up oil, goop, food, or anything sticky. We definitely still use paper towels for those things. One word of caution…never use your flannel towels to clean up broken glass…it can ruin your washing machine, and that would be terrible! But let me tell you, using the flannel towels for clean spills and hand drying has made a huge difference! We are now using only half of the paper towels we used to use! And I made a lot of flannel towels, so I just collect the used ones in a bucket in the laundry room, and throw them in the washer once a week! So easy!
Do you already sew? If so, this is a quick and easy project.
Or maybe this will be your first project? I’m so excited you’re starting here, because you’re going to do great! If you have never sewn before, please check out my post called Sewing 101 to practice the basic skills you’ll need to complete this project.
Either way, you’re going to love the end result. By the end of the project, you’ll have useful reusable flannel towels ready to start using in your kitchen today! Here is wheat you will need:
- Flannel fabric, any pattern you like (The amount you buy depends on how many towels you would like to make. Each towel uses about 2 square feet of fabric, since they’re double sided.)
- Sewing Machine OR Serger Machine
- Sewing Scissors
- Thread to match the flannel fabric (unless you are using a serger, then this is not needed)
- Your Washing Machine (TIP: Always pre-wash fabric before sewing anything to allow for possible shrinkage of the fabric, and also to help with excess lint removal that will gum up your sewing machine faster.)
- Pinking Shears (ONLY needed if not using a serger machine)
Instructions for making Double-Sided, Reusable Flannel Kitchen Towels:
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1. Purchase your flannel fabric. I find mine from many places…online, the arts and crafts store (check out their clearance section if you’re not particular on pattern), and even at thrift stores! |
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2. Machine wash and dry your new flannel fabric. |
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3. Measure and cut flannel in to 12″ X 12″ squares. |
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4. Match two squares together and set aside (these will be sewn together to become one towel). Repeat until all squares you’ve cut are paired. |
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5. For those using a SERGER MACHINE: Simply serge the two squares together, with right sides facing OUT, and trim off excess thread. ALL DONE!!!!! (For those using a SEWING MACHINE: Sew each pair of squares together all the way around all four edges, leaving about a 3/8″ margin from the edge. After sewing, use your pinking shears to cut close to (but not so close that you cut it off!), the seam you sewed. This corrugated edge will prevent fraying. ALL DONE!) |
I just got some cute flannel fabric to make some more of these for our house, since I am making them little by little to build up our supply. I like doing things this way sometimes, since it is easier for me to spread out both the amount of time it takes to make them and the cost. I think I will get my new additions done this week while you’re working on yours…that way, we can work on them “together,” even though you’re at your house and I’m at mine. You’ll know that someone else is applauding your efforts, and sending you joy as you work. How fun it will be to see the pictures of your completed flannel towels in the comments below. So fill up your cup with your favorite warm drink, and off we go! Have a fantastic day, friends!