Hanging dishtowel tutorial

I have recently been asked about these little hanging dish towels that I make and thought that a tutorial might be in order. This is my first tutorial....so be patient with me if it isn't the most informative....;) This is not an original idea, but the ones I made in the past have had a pot holder for the hanger, and they were just so bulky to sew. I decided to try making one with a fabric hanger instead of the pot holder and I like it so much more. Anyway...here goes!!! First, pick a coordinating fabric that goes with the dishtowel you would like to use. Next, cut two 8" squares from the fabric and one 8" square from a piece of batting. I use the Warm and Natural batting for these but any low loft batting will do.

Make a little sandwich with the fabric squares right sides together and the batting on the bottom.

Cut a matching piece of ribbon approx. 4" long. Pin the ribbon in a loop between the two layers of fabric.

Sew with 1/4" seams all the way around, leaving a 2" opening for turning.

Turn square right side out. Your batting should now be on the inside and your ribbon loop should be on the outside. Pin 2" opening shut and top stitch all the way around.

Are you still with me? Are you confused?

Place your ruler on the inside of your square matching the side corners. (the loop corner being the top) Mark a line from corner to corner. This will be your sewing line as you sew the towel on.

Press your dishtowel in half.

Along the pressed crease, sew a basting stitch. You can also use a gathering stitch if your machine has one. You can also do this by hand if you want.

Gently pull the loose ends to gather your dish towel in the middle.

Lay your fabric square on top (with marked line up) matching the corners to each side of the gathered towel.

Taking care to make sure the towel is laying straight, sew across your marked line. (don't forget to change your stitch length back to the normal setting)

And, WAH-LAH! There you have it. Easy peasy, lemon squeazy!

These make great neighbor gifts for Christmas. Add a little tag that says, "May the Christmas Spirit 'hang around' all year long!"

**Yes, that is some sort of splatter on my oven door. Funny how I didn't see it until I took the picture!

Happy Sewing!!