Celebrating National Sewing Month

Sew much fun!

This month’s DIY blog (super simple!) features an upcycled hanging dish towel you can keep handy in the house.

Hey, crafty friends! It’s time to celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship that come with National Sewing Month! Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just picking up a sewing kit for the first time, this month’s blog features a VOA Thrift DIY project anyone can enjoy. Let’s embrace the art of sewing and create together—one thread at a time! 

Upcycled Hanging Dishtowel Project 

A sewing machine makes the hanging dish towel the best it can be, but this super simple sewing project can be accomplished by hand if you don’t have a sewing machine. For beginners, we recommend using a running stitch. Scroll to the end for instructions. Otherwise, let’s get started! 

Step 1: Gather materials.  

Step 2: Measure two square pieces of fabric 6-7 inches by 6-7 inches and clean cut around the edges. 

Step 3: Trace a ½ inch inseam around all edges on the ‘non pretty’ side where you want the stiches to show. 

Step 4: Place the patterned/colorful outside pieces together so they are facing each other. Pin edges together if it helps you. Sew around all but one side of the fabric. 

Step 5: Turn the fabric right side out, so the pretty sides are on the outside. Fold under the ends of the unsewn side of the fabric and sandwich the short end of your dish towel between them. You’ll definitely want pins for this part to keep it straight.  

Step 6: Sew straight across the pinned edge.  

Step 7: For these next two steps, you can do what works for you – a yarn and cutting a hole to tie through might be the quickest. But, if you’d like to use a button, first take your piece of yarn or fabric to create a loop and sew it to where the fabric meets the dish towel.

Step 8: On the top of the fabric, roughly 2 inches from the top, hand sew and tightly secure your button to the fabric.  

Step 9: Attach to your refrigerator, oven handle, or cabinet in the kitchen and enjoy! 

We hope you think this project is sew on point! Don’t forget VOA Thrift has you covered for your crafty needs. 

How to: Running Stitch 

Thread the Needle: Cut a piece of thread about 18 inches long. Thread one end through the eye of the needle and tie a knot at the other end. 

Start Stitching: Insert the needle from the underside of the fabric, pulling it through until the knot stops the thread. This hides the knot beneath the fabric. 

Create the Stitch: Push the needle back down through the fabric, about ¼ inch away from the first hole. Pull the thread through. 

Repeat: Continue by pushing the needle up and down through the fabric at even intervals, creating a line of stitches. The longer the stitch, the quicker you’ll finish, but shorter stitches are stronger and more secure. 

Finish the Stitch: When you’ve reached the end of your stitching line, tie a knot on the underside of the fabric to secure the thread. To do this, make a small loop, pass the needle through it, and pull tight. Trim any excess thread.