35+ Clever Dish Towel Craft Ideas
10 Comments 
Saving a pretty dish towel for something crafty? Here are a bunch of ideas to get your creative juices flowing, many requiring just a few supplies and simple sewing. You’ll notice a few of these projects have been featured previously on Tipnut but there are plenty of new goodies too, I’ll be adding more to this list as I come across them. Enjoy!
mmmcrafts.blogspot.com
Bib: Edges are finished with bias tape. Bib template download included. Also see this project that uses ribbing to make these (pulls over head).
bkids.typepad.com
realsimple.com
Picnic Flatware & Holder: This holds four 6-piece flatware sets and four plates. Also see this picnic roll.
instructables.com
marthastewart.com
Sewing Machine Cover: Keep your sewing machine dust-free with this quick & easy project.
marthastewart.com
artsycraftybabe.typepad.com
Coin Purse Keychains: Zipped and holds a key ring.
obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com
obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com
Drawstring Shoe Bag: You’ll need a bit of cord or ribbon and twill tape.
curlypops.blogspot.com
obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com
Curtains: Super easy to make, simply stitch on little ornaments and add clip-on cafe curtain rings.
westcoastcrafty.wordpress.com
whatsthatgonnabe.blogspot.com
Book or Diary Cover: Make a pretty cover for your journal or diary.
elefantz.com
onepearlbutton.com
Reusable Lunch Bag: Supplies include iron-on vinyl, elastic hair band and a button.
firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com
madewithlovebyhannah.com
No-Sew Kitchen Stool Covers: (for stools with a padded top) You’ll also need iron-on adhesive or fabric glue, embroidery floss or yarn, cord, a hot glue gun and staple gun.
inmyownstyle.com
Aprons
Here are a bunch of ideas for using them to make aprons, you’ll find both full & half sized patterns, and even a few cuties for the kiddos. I’ll be adding to this collection as I find more goodies, enjoy!
polkanuts.blogspot.com
Simple: You’ll also need up to 3 yards of ribbon, takes only minutes to make!
sdmikke.blogspot.com
instructables.com
Half: What you need: two yard-long pieces of ribbon, two big buttons, scissors, a needle, and thread.
realsimple.com
onepearlbutton.com
Double Ruffle: Top two ruffles are made with pretty fabric.
alittleofthis---alittleofthat.blogspot.com
montessoribyhand.blogspot.com
With Bottom Ruffle: Strips of fabric for waist & ties, bottom ruffle and pocket.
lubirdbaby.com
vanessachristenson.com
Full: You’ll also need some twill tape or ribbon. Features a gathered top and pockets.
thepickledweasel.blogspot.com
marthastewart.com
Child Size: The design is as clever as can be and is accomplished in just minutes with a few simple stitches.
familyfun.go.com
ihavetosay.typepad.com
Child’s Art Apron: Super cute design featuring a row of crayon pockets.
obsessivelystitching.blogspot.com
madebypetchy.blogspot.com
Cute Hostess: Ric-rac for trim and fabric strips for waist & ties, bottom edge.
bittycakes.wordpress.com
bfranklincrafts.com
Easy Full: You’ll need double fold bias tape, ric-rac and fabric scraps for pocket.
mybyrdhouse.blogspot.com
pinkpistachio.com
Does any one have a pattern for a study shopping bag for grocerys?
I want to be able to make them so they last..so I don’t need to store
the plastic any more..
Thanks in advance
I make reusable shopping bags by reusing, birdseed and dog food, actually any type of feed bag that can be washed out. They are very sturdy and some of mine have held up for years!
I cut one of the store bags up carefully and used it as a pattern. I did enlarge it some.
I ment Sturdy not study shopping bag
Hi pshilling, you’ll find loads of different patterns here: 35 Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make
Thanks so much for linking to my projects; I appreciate it so much!
I’m off to look at the other dishtowel goodies!
Thank you So much for allowing us to download your
beautiful vintage apron collection! Love your site
I’m looking for a pattern to knit accross the top of a dish towel that has a longer end with a button so it can be placed over a handle so you can dry your hands. My mother used to make them but didn’t pass along how she did it.
saw a craft at a local show and would like to make it. Does anyone know how to make a “housewife” of a roll of paper towels (body), a wash cloth (head covering, steel wool (hair) and a dish towel wrapped around the “body” for a skirt? Painted face on paper towels.
Does anyone know how to put together two dish clothes in order to make a pair of britches?