How to Use Tea Towels

Traditionally, tea towels were used to dry fine china and crystal after the costly items were washed. Made from muslin or linen, tea towels were found in the finest homes. Today, tea towels come in an array of colors, fabrics and styles and can be used creatively in several ways.

Things You'll Need

• Tea towels
• Sewing machine
• Curtain rod

Instructions

1. Loosely baste 2 matching tea towels together on 3 sides. Slide in a fresh loaf of homemade bread for a perfect housewarming gift for a new neighbor.

2. Sew matching tea towels together side by side. Fold the top over 1 inch and sew a hem close to the finished edge of the towel. Slide in a curtain rod and hang the tea towels on a kitchen window.

3. Sew tea towels together end to end to create a table runner. Use matching or contrasting tea towels to create place mats.

4. Line a serving tray with a tea towel to catch any drips or spills. This may have been the origin of the name "tea" towel.

5. Line and cover a breadbasket with a tea towel to help keep rolls and breads warm after they are removed from the oven.

6. Use a decorated tea towel to wrap a gift. In this way, you will have given 2 gifts.

7. Hang 2 folded tea towels over the handle of your oven door to add color to your kitchen.

8. Hang your most beautiful tea towels in your guest bathroom. Not only will they add style, they will make your guests feel like they are important.

Tips & Warnings

• Tea towels are often confused with and used like a dishtowel. While linen tea towels are still recommended for drying china and crystal without scratching, they are not recommended for everyday dish-drying use.

References

• Tea Towel Uses