Today’s project is a quick and dirty DIY.
Okay…so not dirty at all really. I mean clean. As in cute, crisp, clean flour sack towels!
We aren’t making the flour sack towels though. Instead we’re designing plain store bought ones into cute ones.
You can find flour sack towels at Walmart, Target, and most stores that sell kitchen towels.
Just take your flour sack towels and add a fabric pen design. Apply a hot iron to set the design and…Ta da!
You can bust out a ruler and make it look perfect, but I prefer to let it be a little imperfect. Human. Quirky. Personable. :)
From slightly wavy stripes, to hand drawn stars, to dots, to plus signs. The designs are really simple and quick to do, but make a big impact.
The trick is not to get too fancy. Repetitive patterns work best. Keep it simple, and you can’t go wrong.
If you have a really steady hand and great hand writing, try writing out song lyrics or a family recipe? Just be aware that the markers can catch on the fabric quite easily. Consider writing in short strokes. Maybe use all caps?
Now let’s talk fabric markers…
I personally prefer a medium tip marker. The fine tip is too hard to see, the large tip is too chunky and hard to control. The medium tip is just right. It shows up thick and dark, but not so thick that you lose control over the detail of your design.
As far as marker brands…. I have only used fabric Sharpies or Tee Juice markers and both have worked great. I am sure any marker specifically marked as fabric permanent markers should work fine.
The best part of this DIY is that it’s not only cute, but it’s practical and functional. Flour sack towels are my go to favorite towel. They are nice and light and big for draping over rising bread, and yet are still absorbent enough to clean up messes.
Pair some with some wood burned rolling pins or spoons and a gift card to a kitchen shop, and you have the perfect holiday gift for the baker in your life.
ooh…or it can make a good bridal shower gift!
Or maybe as a gift for yourself. ;) I made these for others, but I think I might pick up some more towels and gift some to myself as well!
Happy holiday gift making!
Thanks for sharing! This is going on my list of homemade gifts to make this year!
Awesome. Thanks Sandra!
I’ve never used a flour-sack towel before, but I’m always annoyed with how small my kitchen towels are when I have bread rising, so I guess I’ll have to try one… and of course make it pretty like these. =)
hi! I loved this post… The towels are so cute! I have never used them before though and am wondering where you purchase them? Thanks! :)
Thanks Amy! Goodness. I can’t believe I forgot to mention that. I’ll add it now. I got mine at Walmart, but you can get them at Target or almost any store that sells kitchen towels.
These are so simple and pretty! I love them!
xoxo
Thanks Courtney!
Such a great idea! So cute!
I just found your site on craftgawker and already HEART you. Great and stylish project!
aw. thanks Carmody!
So simple and yet so fun! I’ve never used fabric pens before. How do these wash up? Does the design fade over time or does the “permanent” aspect of the marker actually remain permanent? Thanks!
Thanks Kate! Good question. They have softened somewhat, but not truly faded. I have been using and washing these towels at least weekly for almost two years and the ink has held up great. I’m sure that can depend on marker brand and fabric material, but these markers on cotton towels has been consistently permanent. I hope that helps!
How fun! I just recently discovered these towels and have been using them to cover my fresh baked bread. Now I can doll them up a bit! Love the polka dot one. Oh, and I found my towels at Fleet farm..
I love using them for that too! I’ll have to look into Fleet Farm. Thanks!