Sew Custom Tea Towels With Artisan Fabrics

Sew Custom Tea Towels With Artisan Fabrics

Published by NannetteD on 22nd Jan 2026

Tea towels and cloth napkins are year-round workhorses: they make everyday cooking tidier, elevate weeknight dinners, and are one of the fastest ways to turn a favorite print into something you’ll use (and gift) constantly. With just one yard of custom-printed fabric, you can sew a coordinated set of four kitchen towels or dinner napkins—no pattern required.

One-Yard Sewing Project: Tea Towels or Cloth Napkins (Set of 4)

Skill Level: Easy
Approximate Finished Size (each): 17" x 26.5"

This project uses simple double-fold hems for a clean, durable finish—perfect for absorbent kitchen towels, polished dinner napkins, or even bread-basket liners. Sew them in an afternoon, then make more sets any time you want a fresh look for your kitchen or an easy, impressive gift.

Why this is a great “make + gift” project:

  • Fast + satisfying: beginner-friendly hems with a professional result.
  • Print-forward: show off bold patterns, stripes, ginghams, botanicals, or minimal neutrals.
  • One yard goes far: four finished pieces from a single yard (great for curated sets).

Materials Needed:

  • 1 yard (36" x 55" wide) custom-printed fabric from The Textile District (yields four towels/napkins)
  • Sewing machine (or hand-sewing needle)
  • Coordinating thread
  • Iron + ironing board or pressing mat
  • Straight pins or fabric clips
  • Fabric scissors or rotary cutter + cutting mat
  • Clear acrylic ruler or quilting ruler (helpful for squaring corners)
  • Optional: twill tape or a narrow strip of fabric for hanging loops

Best Fabrics for Kitchen Towels & Napkins

For absorbent, hard-working towels and napkins, choose natural fibers. Our cottons and linens printed with fiber-reactive dyes deliver vibrant color with excellent wash durability—ideal for items that get used (and laundered) often.

  • Best for tea towels: Cotton Duck (7 oz.), Cotton Twill (8 oz.)
  • Best for cloth napkins: Cotton Linen Blends (7.37 oz or 7.7 oz.), 100% Linen (7 oz.)
  • Want a softer drape for napkins? Choose linen or a cotton/linen blend.
  • Want a sturdier wipe + hang? Choose twill or duck.

Need help choosing a base? Start here: View Our Fabrics – Custom Printing Guide or order a Ground Fabric Swatch Kit to compare in person.

How to Sew Four Tea Towels or Cloth Napkins from One Yard

1) Prepare Your Fabric

If you’re using The Textile District’s natural-fiber bases, they are already steamed, washed, and dried as part of the finishing process—so you can begin cutting right away if you prefer. The Textile District's fabrics are essentially pre-washed and dried so they are ready to sew and enjoy right away.

If you’re using fabric from another source, it is best to prewash and dry the way you’ll launder the finished towels, then press to remove wrinkles and straighten the grain. 

2) Cut the Fabric Panels (One-Yard Cut Plan)

  1. Lay out your 36" x 55" yard on a flat surface with selvages along the long edges.
  2. Square up one short end so you have a clean cutting line.
  3. Cut the yard in half across the width to create two strips measuring 18" x 55".
  4. Subcut each strip into two rectangles measuring 18" x 27.5".

You’ll have four matching panels. After hemming, each towel/napkin will finish at approximately 17" x 26.5".

3) Press the Double-Fold Hems

Work with one panel at a time, wrong side facing up.

  1. On one long edge, press the raw edge toward the wrong side by 1/4". Press again by another 1/4" to enclose the raw edge.
  2. Pin or clip the hem in place.
  3. Repeat on the opposite long edge.
  4. Press one short edge up by 1/4", then again by 1/4". Pin or clip.
  5. Repeat on the remaining short edge, tucking any loose threads neatly into the folds for clean corners.

4) Stitch Around the Edges

  1. Set your machine to a straight stitch (around 3.0 mm) for a smooth, professional-looking edge.
  2. Starting midway along one side, stitch close to the inner fold (about 1/8" from the fold), pivoting at each corner and continuing around all four sides.
  3. Overlap the first few stitches at the end and backstitch to secure.

Repeat for the remaining three panels.

5) Add a Hanging Loop (Optional)

Hanging loops are especially handy for tea towels—add one to a short edge corner.

  1. Cut a 4"–5" piece of twill tape or a narrow strip of fabric.
  2. If using fabric, fold long raw edges to center, press, fold in half lengthwise, then topstitch to make a sturdy tab.
  3. Form a loop and tuck raw ends under the hem at one corner on the wrong side.
  4. Stitch over the hem seam several times to secure firmly.

6) Press and Finish

Give each piece a final press to sharpen the hems and corners. You now have a coordinated set of four—ready for everyday cooking, casual entertaining, or gifting.

Make It Yours: Variations That Highlight Your Print

  • Curated set: choose one hero print + three coordinating small-scale prints for a boutique look.
  • Mix solids + prints: pair a bold pattern with a subtle blender for an elevated table.
  • Directional prints: rotate panels so motifs “stand” upright on the finished towel.
  • Personalize: add a name tag, simple embroidery, or a contrast hanging loop.

Gift Ideas That Work Any Time of Year

  • Host/hostess: pair a set with a wooden spoon, local jam, or a favorite recipe card.
  • Housewarming: bundle with a candle + dish brush for an easy “kitchen starter” gift.
  • Teacher / thank-you: wrap around a loaf mix or coffee beans.
  • Entertaining: sew a print set for everyday and a second set for dinner guests.

Ready to Sew Your Own Set?

Every design in The Textile District’s catalog is printed to order by the yard using fiber-reactive dyes for rich color and long-lasting wash performance. One yard is all it takes to create four custom tea towels or cloth napkins in your favorite print.

Shop All Fabrics

How to Order Custom Printed Fabric from The Textile District

Each fabric image represents approximately 27" of printed fabric so you can check scale and repeat at a glance.

  1. Choose your base fabric (cottons, linens, and more).
  2. Select your preferred colorway.
  3. Enter your yardage (1-yard minimum).
  4. Add to cart and check out—we’ll print your fabric to order and ship from our USA studio.

If you’d like a recommendation for the best base for towels vs. napkins, send us a note—we’re happy to help.

Need Help Choosing a Base Fabric?

Tea Towel & Cloth Napkin FAQ

  • How many towels can I make from one yard? Four panels from one 36" x 55" yard, finishing around 17" x 26.5" each.
  • Do I need to prewash? Our natural-fiber fabrics are steamed/washed/dried in finishing, so you can cut right away if you prefer. If you’re using fabric from elsewhere, prewash first.
  • What stitch length should I use? A slightly longer straight stitch (around 3.0 mm) looks crisp and helps hems lie flat.
  • Which base is best for napkins? Linen or cotton/linen blends for a softer drape; twill/duck for sturdier tea towels.