If you’ve got a stack of old towels hiding in your linen closet — too worn for guests but too good to toss — it’s time to give them new life! With just a bit of sewing, those faded or frayed towels can become beautiful, eco-friendly bathroom essentials and thoughtful handmade gifts.
In this guide, we’ll walk through 10 creative towel upcycling projects, each with step-by-step instructions. Grab your scissors, thread, and imagination — and let’s turn those towels into treasures!
10 Eco-Friendly Bathroom Sewing Projects You’ll Love to Gift
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4] Reversible Makeup Remover Mitt
6] Reusable Swiffer / Duster Covers
8] Towel-Backed Bathrobe (Kimono Style)
Extra Tips for Working With Towels
Frequently Asked Questions About Upcycling Old Towels
1] Reusable Spa Gift Set
Why it’s great:
This quick project transforms small towel scraps into soft, reusable face pads, washcloths, and a cute drawstring pouch. It’s ideal for replacing disposable cotton rounds and makes a charming self-care gift.
You’ll need:
– Old towel (preferably soft terry or microfiber)
– Cotton fabric (for the pouch)
– Drawstring cord or ribbon
– Sewing machine or hand needle
– Scissors, pins, thread
Instructions:
– Cut your towel: Trace circles (about 3″ diameter) for face pads or 6″x6″ squares for mini washcloths.
– Finish edges: Sew a zigzag stitch or serge the edges to prevent fraying.
– Make the pouch: Cut a 10″x8″ rectangle of cotton fabric. Fold the top edge down ½ inch twice and stitch to form a casing.
– Sew the sides: Fold right sides together, sew along the side and bottom edges, then turn right side out.
– Insert the drawstring: Thread the ribbon through the casing with a safety pin.
Gift tip: Roll up your pads, tuck them into the pouch, and tie with twine. Add a small bar of handmade soap for a spa-worthy touch.
2] Hair-Drying Turban
Why it’s great:
This easy-sew towel turban dries your hair faster and more gently than regular towels. It’s also perfect for gym bags or gifting in a spa set.
You’ll need:
– One large towel
– Elastic or a small button
– Sewing machine, scissors, pins
Instructions:
– Cut your shape: Fold your towel lengthwise and cut a large curved triangle (about 24″ long, 10″ wide at base).
– Sew edges: Fold under ½ inch along all edges and stitch neatly.
– Add the button: Sew a button on the center of the wide end.
– Attach the loop: On the pointed end, sew a small elastic loop or a short strip of bias tape.
To use: Twist your hair into the wrap and secure the loop around the button.
Gift tip: Add embroidered initials or a fabric tag with “Handmade with Love.”
3] Patchwork Bath Mat
Why it’s great:
Soft, absorbent, and eco-friendly — this DIY bath mat uses up multiple towels and adds a cozy, handmade touch to any bathroom.
You’ll need:
– 2–3 old towels
– Backing fabric (canvas or an old bedsheet)
– Non-slip rug pad or shelf liner
– Sewing machine, pins, thread
Instructions:
– Cut towel strips: Cut towels into even strips (4″x20″ works well).
– Arrange your pattern: Mix and match colors for a patchwork effect.
– Sew strips together: Stitch along long edges, right sides facing, then press seams flat.
– Attach the backing: Place the patchwork top and backing fabric right sides together; sew around edges, leaving a 4″ opening.
– Turn and topstitch: Turn right side out, press flat, and topstitch around the edges for a polished look.
Optional: Hand-stitch or glue a non-slip pad underneath.
Gift tip: Roll it up with a ribbon and label it “Handmade Spa Mat.”
4] Reversible Makeup Remover Mitt
Why it’s great:
A perfect zero-waste bathroom swap — soft on one side, gently exfoliating on the other.
You’ll need:
– Old towel
– Soft cotton or flannel
– Paper template (mitt shape)
– Thread, pins, sewing machine
Instructions:
– Create your pattern: Draw a simple oval mitt shape (about 8″x6″).
– Cut your fabric: One from towel, one from flannel, and one from each for the back.
– Assemble: Place towel and flannel right sides together, sew around the edge, leaving an opening at the bottom.
– Turn and finish: Turn right side out, tuck in the opening, and topstitch for durability.Gift tip: Sew a set of three and pair with a jar of DIY cleanser or a face mask mix.
5] Towel Bath Pillow
Why it’s great:
Add a touch of luxury to your bath routine with this soft, supportive pillow.
You’ll need:
– One towel
– Quick-dry foam, fiberfill, or microbeads
– 2–4 suction cups
– Sewing machine, scissors, pins
Instructions:
– Cut your towel: Two rectangles (approx. 12″x8″).
– Sew edges: Place right sides together, stitch around leaving a 3″ opening.
– Stuff: Insert foam or filling to desired firmness.
– Close the opening: Hand-stitch closed neatly.
– Add suction cups: Sew them onto the back corners or attach with loops.
Gift tip: Pair it with bath salts and a loofah for a “Relax & Recharge” gift set.
6] Reusable Swiffer / Duster Covers
Why it’s great:
Skip disposable pads and make washable, eco-friendly ones that fit your mop or duster perfectly.
You’ll need:
– Old towel
– Sewing machine
– Elastic or Velcro (optional)
Instructions:
– Measure: Check your mop head dimensions and add 1″ seam allowance.
– Cut fabric: Two towel pieces the same size.
– Sew sides: Stitch three sides together, leaving one short end open.
Optional: Add elastic or Velcro strips for a snug fit.
Gift tip: Package a few in a basket with a bottle of natural cleaning spray labeled “Eco Home Kit.”
7] Baby Hooded Towel
Why it’s great:
Soft, snuggly, and sustainable — this makes a wonderful baby shower or new parent gift.
You’ll need:
– One large towel and one smaller one
– Sewing machine, thread, scissors
Instructions:
– Prepare towels: Cut the smaller towel into a 10″x10″ square for the hood.
– Attach the hood: Fold the square diagonally and place on one corner of the large towel (wrong sides facing).
– Sew in place: Stitch along the edges of the triangle to secure it to the towel.
– Finish edges: Add bias tape or decorative trim if desired.
Gift tip: Add embroidered initials or a small applique like a star or heart.
8] Towel-Backed Bathrobe (Kimono Style)
Why it’s great:
Turn your old towels into a cozy, absorbent robe that looks store-bought but costs next to nothing.
You’ll need:
– 2–3 matching towels
– Bathrobe or kimono sewing pattern
– Sewing machine, pins, scissors
Instructions:
– Cut fabric: Follow your pattern using the towels as fabric pieces.
– Assemble: Sew the shoulders and side seams.
– Add sleeves: Attach towel sleeves following the pattern instructions.
– Create the tie: Use leftover towel fabric or matching cotton for a belt.
– Finish seams: Use a zigzag stitch or serger to reinforce edges.
Gift tip: Present it with a candle and homemade bath soak for the ultimate “At-Home Spa” gift.
9] Hanging Hand Towels
Why it’s great:
A classic, functional gift that replaces paper towels and brightens any bathroom or kitchen.
You’ll need:
– Half a towel
– Fabric (for the top flap)
– Button or snap
– Sewing machine
Instructions:
– Cut towel in half: Each half makes one towel.
– Gather the top: Sew a gathering stitch across the top edge.
– Make the flap: Cut a 7″x10″ piece of fabric, fold in half, and sew around, leaving an opening. Turn and press.
– Assemble: Insert the towel top into the flap and sew securely.
– Add closure: Sew on a button and buttonhole or snap.
Gift tip: Make matching sets in coordinating fabrics for a polished, practical present.
10] Zero-Waste Bathroom Set
Why it’s great:
Combine your scraps into one cohesive, eco-friendly set — great for gifting or for your own bathroom makeover.
You’ll need:
– 2 reusable face pads
– 1 wash mitt
– 1 hanging towel
– 1 drawstring pouch
Instructions:
– Cut and sew: Follow the earlier instructions for each item.
– Bundle: Fold neatly and tie with a fabric ribbon.
– Personalize: Add a tag or label reading “Zero-Waste Spa Set.”
Gift tip: Place in a small woven basket or recycled glass jar for extra charm.
Extra Tips for Working With Towels
– Pre-wash and dry before cutting to avoid shrinkage later.
– Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter — towel fibers can be thick.
– Finish edges with zigzag or serger stitches to prevent fraying.
– Mix textures: Pair terry with cotton, waffle weave, or flannel for a professional look.
– Upcycle creatively: Even small towel pieces can be turned into appliqués, patchwork, or filling for pet toys.
Repurposing old towels isn’t just good for your wallet — it’s great for the planet. By turning worn linens into new, useful creations, you’re reducing waste, saving resources, and giving your bathroom (or someone else’s) a handmade upgrade.
These ten projects prove that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand. Whether you sew a set of reusable spa pads, a cozy bathrobe, or a thoughtful zero-waste gift kit, you’ll love the satisfaction of transforming “old” into “beautiful and useful.”
So, dust off that sewing machine, grab those towels from the back of the closet, and get creative. Your next handmade gift might just come from the laundry pile!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Upcycling Old Towels
Question: What can I make out of old towels besides cleaning rags?
Answer: You can make so much more than just cleaning cloths! Old towels are perfect for sewing projects like reusable face pads, bathmats, spa wraps, hanging hand towels, and even bathrobes. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into beautiful, practical gifts and eco-friendly bathroom accessories.
Question: Do I need a sewing machine to upcycle towels?
Answer: Not necessarily! While a sewing machine makes things faster and neater, many towel upcycling projects can be hand-sewn using a simple running or whip stitch. For example, makeup remover pads, wash mitts, and reusable dusting pads are easy to sew by hand — just make sure to use a strong needle and sturdy thread.
Question: How do I prepare old towels before sewing?
Answer: Before starting any project, wash and dry your towels to remove detergent residue and shrink them to their final size. If they’re heavily worn, trim away frayed edges and patch thin spots. You can also mix and match towel colors to create fun, coordinated sets or patchwork-style projects like bathmats and robes.
Question: Are upcycled towel projects safe to gift?
Answer: Yes… as long as your towels are clean and in good condition. For gifts, it’s best to use towels that are stain-free and soft or combine old towel backing with new fabric fronts for a fresh look. Add a personalized touch like embroidery, bias trim, or natural packaging (such as twine or reusable fabric wraps) to make your handmade gift feel special.
Question: How can I make my upcycled towel projects more eco-friendly?
Answer: Great question! Use thread and trims made from natural fibers like cotton or linen. Repurpose materials you already have — such as old pillowcases for linings or leftover ribbon for drawstrings. Packaging gifts in reusable pouches, baskets, or fabric wraps adds charm while keeping everything waste-free.