Four ways with TEA TOWELS

IF THEY’RE TOO CUTE TO DRY YOUR DISHES WITH, GO GET CREATIVE

BANNER

Turn over the top of your tea towel about 3cm, then pin and sew along edge to create a tube-like opening. Insert a piece of dowel about 20cm longer than width of the tea towel (ours was 70cm), then tie ribbon or string to either end of the dowel before hanging.

TOTE

Cut 15cm off the bottom of 2 tea towels, then place the tea towels on top of each other, right sides out, to form a bag shape. Pin 2 lengths of canvas tape (ours were 4cm x 1m) on either side of the bag about 12cm in from the sides and 16cm in from the top. With right sides facing in, pin the tea towels together, sew the bottom and sides, then turn the right way out again.

BAG HOLDER

Turn over 4cm at the top and bottom of your tea towel, then pin and sew along. Fold the tea towel in half lengthways, right side facing in, then sew down the long side to make tube.

Cut a small slit at the top and bottom, and insert 2 pieces of thin elastic (20cm x 1cm). Thread the elastic through, tighten to create small openings and knot the ends together. Sew a loop of thin ribbon or tape to the top for hanging and turn the right way out. Put recyclable bags in the top and pull them out from the bottom as needed.

CUSHION COVER

To create an envelope opening at the back, fold your tea towel so the top and bottom overlap by 10cm. Pin and sew together the sides about 2cm in from edge to form open-flanged sides, then insert your cushion inner. (Note: the measurements given here may need to be adjusted slightly so your cushion inner fits snugly.)