Hello, sustainability seekers! Today, we’re diving into a project that’s both practical and planet-friendly: making your own unpaper towels. If you're ready to ditch disposable paper towels and embrace a zero-waste lifestyle, this DIY project is perfect for you. Let’s explore the benefits, ease of making them, and fabric choices to ensure you create functional and stylish unpaper towels for your home.
Why Switch to Unpaper Towels?
Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about why unpaper towels are worth the switch:
- Environmental Impact: Disposable paper towels contribute to deforestation and landfill waste. By opting for unpaper towels, you significantly reduce your paper waste and your environmental footprint.
- Cost Savings: While the initial investment in materials might be higher, unpaper towels are reusable and durable. Over time, they save you money compared to continuously buying disposable paper towels.
- Versatility: Unpaper towels are not just for spills. Use them for everything from cleaning surfaces to wiping your hands, or even as napkins during meals.
- Customizable and Stylish: You can choose fabrics and patterns that match your home decor, making them not just functional but also a charming addition to your kitchen.
How to Make Your Own Unpaper Towels
Creating your own unpaper towels is simpler than you might think. With just a few materials and some basic sewing skills, you’ll have a stack of eco-friendly towels ready to go. Here’s how:
Materials Needed:
- Fabric: Flannel is a fantastic choice for unpaper towels due to its softness, absorbency, and durability. You can also use cotton or terry cloth if you prefer.
- Sewing Machine (optional): While you can hand-sew these, or leave them unhemmed, a machine will make the process faster and neater.
- Thread: Match your thread color to your fabric for a polished look.
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter: For cutting your fabric.
- Pins or Fabric Clips: To hold your fabric pieces together while sewing.
Instructions:
1. Choose Your Sizes: Decide if you want to make 10x10 inch or 6x10 inch towels. The larger size works well for general use, while the smaller size is great for napkins or quick clean-ups.
2. Cut the Fabric:
For 10x10 inch towels: Cut your fabric into 10x10 inch squares.
For 6x10 inch towels: Cut your fabric into 6x10 inch rectangles.
Note: If you would like hemmed edges, You will want to add half an inch to both measurement so that you can sew a 1/4 inch seam. I don't hem my edges. I feel that they roll more evenly without the hem, but I do serge my edges as you'll see in step 4.
3. Prepare the Fabric: If you're using flannel, you might want to pre-wash it before cutting to prevent any shrinkage later. Flannel has a tendency to shrink, so this step helps ensure your towels retain their size after washing
4. Finishing Touches: If desired, you can add snaps or Velcro to keep the towels rolled or folded neatly in a dispenser. This step is optional but adds a nice touch of convenience.
5. Repeat: Repeat this process until you have the desired amount of unpaper towels for your roll. Alternatively, you can fold and store in a basket. I keep 35-40 of these rolled around a PVC tube for use in my kitchen, and a second roll in my pantry so that I always have a set while washing. It takes a little bit of time to make a large set, but the investment is well worth it. You can also start with a smaller number and slowly add to your collection.
Fabric Options:
While flannel is our top recommendation, here’s a quick rundown of fabric choices:
- Flannel: Soft, absorbent, and perfect for kitchen use. It’s also relatively inexpensive and comes in a variety of patterns.
- Cotton: Lightweight and easy to care for. It’s a good all-around choice and widely available.
- Terry Cloth: Highly absorbent, though it may be a bit bulkier and more challenging to sew.
Tips for Success:
- Pre-Washing Fabric: Always pre-wash your fabric to minimize shrinkage.
- Stitching: For added strength, consider using a double stitch or serging the edges to prevent fraying.
- Maintenance: Wash your unpaper towels with regular laundry. You can use them repeatedly, and they’ll become even more absorbent over time.
There you have it—your very own unpaper towels ready to help you live a more sustainable life. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of creating something useful and beautiful with your own hands. Happy sewing and here’s to a cleaner, greener home!
For more tips and DIY projects on zero waste living, stay tuned to the blog. Together, we can make a difference, one stitch at a time!
