Quiltingboard Forums - Kitchen towel to Bag holder

Last month I posted about my birthday gift of kitchen towel to make bag holders.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-150895-1.htm
I promised a tut when I got started so here we go.

First I buy thin ribbon to make loops.
[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag1.jpg[/IMG]

I make a large generous loop and sew it on well anchored away from the quad folded corners of the towel.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag2.jpg[/IMG]

I use narrow elastic 1/4 inch and pull it to the opposite side of towel until it is maxxed. Since I need 2 for the top and bottom I go ahead and cut another one the same length.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag3.jpg[/IMG]

I anchor the elasic well about an inch in from the side seam and and inch down from the top seam. No need to go from side to side as there is a side seam.
[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag4.jpg[/IMG]

With the needle down and elastic pulled taunt, use a wide zigzag to sew the elastic on. You will need to pull the material through from the back so it doesn't bunch up behind the needle.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag5.jpg[/IMG]

Stop the elastic one inch from other side seam. Do the bottom of towel the same way.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag6.jpg[/IMG]

Fold the towel right side in and change to a straight stitch on your machine. ( I usually do all the elastics first for multiple towels then finish them all with a straight seams after )

IMPORTANT: To avoid dealing with the bulky quad folds in the corner, place the needle about an inch or near your loop and sew towards the side seams. Then just sew straight down the side.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag7.jpg[/IMG]

Do the same thing at the bottom and end up off to an angle. Be sure to use plenty of anchor stiches at each start and stop since a lot of pulling on this material from stuffing in and taking out of bags.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag8.jpg[/IMG]

Turn right side out and stuff with bags from the grocery store.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/.../bags/bag9.jpg[/IMG]

I hope you find this easy and fun. I like this more than cutting yardage and dealing with raw edges. This is also a fun fast project for young beginner seamstresses, it's very forgiving with mistakes.

[IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/...bags/bag10.jpg[/IMG]

Tips:
1)Terry cloth is ok but those are so small the holder is very small and slender. So I look for the linen or cotton type towels at the dollar tree.

2) I do not prewash but I tell who ever I give this gift to wash it in the dish sink with warm water and dish soap to avoid dye on other cloths / items. You can prewash but I think they look limpy if I do.

3) Be careful of towel with a print picture. Some have one print picture on one end and some have a double print. When you open the towel of a double print, one picture will be upside down unless is it like a floral print. You'll know if it looks right.

4) I have seen these decorated with a little faux aprons trimmed in lace to hide a plain tube. Sew jingle bells on Christmas bags so it ting tings with each tug.

5) Great for dad in the workshop, the sewing room, bathroom and dorms.

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me anytime~! ENJOY~!