Uncommon Unpaper Towels

I have wanted unpaper towels for a long time. I thought they were a great alternative to the paper ones that both cost a lot and fill landfills. The few reasons I didn’t feel like they were all that chalked up to be is because most flannel I found wasn’t easily biodegradable and didn’t have the longest lifespan making their fate also in a landfill. Green Citizen has a great post that goes over some of the mainstream options and how well they hold up.

I finally got on the bandwagon when I purchased my Bernette B38 and found its edge stitching option that rivals a serger. I made some for my then boyfriend (now husband!) and that was nearly 4 years ago and most of them are still going strong. I learned the different kinds of flannel from Joann’s held up to varying degrees but overall better than I expected. While I don’t think they are the best option out there, they are fun, a step in the right direction and more economical.

While the first ones were single layer with a simple serged edges, I have found that dual layers help them double as cloth napkins and let them work harder around the kitchen. I bought this clementine Flannel at Joann’s a few years ago and I keep pushing off making them because of other things to do… there is always one more thing to do, isn’t there? The back side is gingham cotton, also from Joann’s.

I cut two pieces, 8.5” x 10. they’re a bit small but the finished size is approx 7.5 x 9 and they fit perfectly in a tray on my counter.

One side is flannel and one side is cotton.

With right sides together, I traced the corners with a large bottle cap. Other options I have done are teacups and vintage dessert bowls. Whatever you have laying around and however you want your curves to be! I sewed about a 3/8” seam allowance leaving a 2” gap. I back stitched at the beginning and end of my seams because it helped the stitches stay in place when I folded right side out.

I also trimmed the corners around the lines and snipped a few small cuts around the corner. I didn’t cut all the way to the seam but left about 1/8”. This helps them lay flatter when finished.

I then folded them right side out and pressed around the edges paying careful attention around the 2” opening. This is when they really start coming together! If you’re making a bunch at a time, it can be a little tedious to do the same repetitive tasks but they’re almost done!

Last but not least I top stitched around them. I stitched about 1/8” away from the edge. This last step really helped them lay and fold well as well as make them look really professional. The top stitching also closed up the gap where I folded them right side together. For my Christmas ones I used some fun decorative stitches that really give them some festiveness!