How to Sew an Inexpensively Embellished Towel Set

This is a super fast, easy and inexpensive gift idea for a Holiday gift, Birthday, Mother's/Father's Day, Wedding gift, Housewarming, or just because (you simply run out of ideas!)
This idea works well on bath sheets as well as hand towels.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• 2 solid color hand or bath towels or bath sheets
• 2" wide coordinating decorative ribbon
• Optional, coordinating fringe, rick-rack, funky sew on motifs, etc.
• Felt fabric initials
• Lightweight iron-on interfacing
• Washable marker (to layout designs)
• Plain paper (for pattern)
• Steam iron

1. 
    
   Ribbons, bows, and lace!

   Measure the short end of the towel, add 2 inches. This is the length of ribbon that you will need for a one end decoration or multiply this number by 2 (for both towels).

2. 
    
   Patterns for the holidays!

   Sew the decorative ribbon onto the front, short edge of the towel.

3. 
    
   Plain towels look sensational!

   Turn under the raw edges of the ribbon, lightly press and sew down on towel.

4. 
    
   Funky, flirty, and fabulous

   If you don't have access to a sewing machine that monograms, you can use pre-made felt/fabric initials. You can also use a template to cut out initial or carefully free hand initial with a marker on paper, use this as a pattern for the felt fabric.

5. 
    
   How did she spell her name?

   Whipstitch the initial above the decorative ribbon as a funky updated monogram. Or add multiple letters for shorter names like "MOM". If you are so inclined, you can use the monogram feature of your sewing machine as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Use any size towel and keep in mind how the towel will be used. This will also determine the amount and type of embellishments to apply.
• Below the ribbon edge, consider adding coordinating fringe. Avoid fringe made out of yarn, only use items that can be safely machine washed.
• Consider adding buttons, or a scattering of pre-made baby-sized bows, etc.
• Go to the One Dollar Store. Get a nice card, a pretty gift bag, some tissue and a bow and there you go!
• ALL fabric, decorative ribbon and fringe should be machine washable.

[cheriekuranko]

on 10/4/2009 Looking for easy ideas for homemade Christmas gifts this year...spending less! This fits the bill. Thanks, 5 stars.

[silkfair]

on 3/12/2009 Great post

[cwengre]

on 3/7/2009 Great homemade gift idea.

[pondsrus]

on 3/6/2009 Another great article. keep up the good work. 5*

[darlenemichaud]

on 2/1/2009 I love this! *****