Make Your Own Dishtowels

 

I always found it hard to pass up pretty old tablecloths spotted at yard sales. Some had holes, others stained beyond usability. But this old material is the best cotton and linen that you'll find anywhere, so into my buy pile they'd go.

So, what to do?

Turn them into colorful little dishtowels, using the fabric that isn't damaged.

Simply cut into your ideal shape and trim with bias tape. If you want to get really fancy, like we did here, make your own bias tape with contrasting fabric.

You can find bias tape makers at your local fabric shop, and they come complete with directions on how to make your own.

Your kitchen will be smiling in no time.

You can find this and more fun projects in my book: The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.

Images by John Granen

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there, Username: thefarmchicks

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Comments

[Tammy]

That is just one of the sweet ideas I love from your book, Serena! :)

[Natalie V2]

Ah!
Two loves in one post: vintage table cloths, and make 'em new dishtowels. I've been enjoying the mediative joy of crocheting the edges of fat quarters and turning them into dishcloths. I love this idea for salvaging those lovely prints found in old table cloths!
Thank you.

[trisha brink]

Brilliant! Now I have a REAL excuse for buying all those old tablecloths ;)

[Kimberly W. Codron]

Now, why didn't I think of that. Great idea!!

[Salena Faircloth]

EYE CANDY!!!!!! :}

[Michele]

Great idea, I need to try this!

[Vicki O'Dell The Creative Goddess]

LOVE this idea! I have such a huge stack of vintage linens that I hardly use. This is perfect!
BTW, I pinned and stumbled these to share! :)

[Jen]

Oh My Brother! I think I have that exact blue tablecloth you used in the first picture! I too, am always buying vintage table linens and, as recently as Saturday, wondering what to do with them.

Some are soft enough to make a pillow case, which was my original plan, but dish towels! You're a genius! Even if I do make a pillow case or two, I can use the remainder for dish towels!

You made my day!

Jen

[CAROL]

I LOVE old tablecloths! I could never feel right about cutting them up....but these are so cute! Maybe if I find a "holey" one! Thanks for the wonderful ideas!

[amy of four corners design]

so simple, so practical and so recycled - love it all!

[shirley tener]

thx

[Bevy]

I love it. What a fabulous idea. I agree that the fabric is the best out there. I totally love the feel of it.

If only I can get past the thought of cutting a tablecloth up...

[Dorothy P.]

Love those old tablecloths! I've made countless sets of curtains and pillows with them and this summer whipped up a couple of easy skirts, trimmed them with rick-rack and voila! I get more compliments on them!

[Monica]

I just happen to have this very book sitting right in front of me at this very moment :) I do love old linens and love finding new ideas to reuse the worn out ones. Yours are darling :)

[Beverly @ My Sew Sweet Studio]

I have some of those old tablecloths. Dishtowels are a great idea as many of mine are stained or have holes. Thanks for the inspiration to get mine out. Your aprons from vintage sheets are a great idea too.

[Weekend Cowgirl]

So very cute and I have lots of old vintage table cloths I do not use so this would be a great idea!

[Joyce]

You might want to miter the corners of the tape.

[Little Bit]

What a great idea! I have several vintage table cloths but don't use them enough... this is a wonderful way to use them! I'm pinning!! Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com

[Little Bit]

p.s. I'm now following you on bloglovin' little bit from www.decoratewithalittlebit.com

[mrsmole]

The bindings look like they are not cut on bias but cut on-grain especially the checkered one.