How to Recycle Those Old Towels
by Teresa Higginbotham - Tightwadtess@aol.com
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I look at our old towels and start to see the telltale strings at the
side. I know it's time to throw them out. I certainly can't use
them for guests but I can see a perfectly good towel still in the
center. To throw this towel out now would be a waste of money and
resources. Here are a few ways to keep using that towel, but in a
different form.
First of all look at the savable areas of your towel. Can you reuse
almost all of it or does it have thin spots throughout. If you can
hold up the towel and see through it, it may be time to toss it.
But, if you can see usable squares then try converting the towel to
one of these items.
1. Washcloths--the average washcloth is 10" x10". So cut your towel
into squares of 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" and sew a double hem around them.
If you have a serger then you just need to serge around the edge
cutting off the inch.
2. Rags--This is the easiest part. You can convert the towel into
cleaning rags by cutting it into 12 x 12 squares. You can hem the
squares as for the washcloths or just leave it.
3. Washing Mitts--Measure around your hand or your child's hand.
Add a 1/2 inch seam around the outside of your drawing and then cut
two pieces of towel in that pattern. Sew around the edge 1/2-inch
seam and hem the bottom.
Reader Comment: I will be reading more. I HATE throwing things away. Glad I
found the tips on recycling old towels. I think I'm going to start using
them to make bags for keeping toiletries when traveling. I could make
a small pockets and put little toothbrushes, soaps, etc. Thanks again...LaRita
4. Apron--You can make a half apron by draping the towel around your
front and cutting accordingly. Attach pieced strips to make the ties
or use material scraps. You can also piece together more than one
towel and make a full apron. You just need another smaller square
for the top half and pieces for neck strap.
5. Make dishtowels--Cut the towel in a rectangle 25" x 16 " and hem.
6. Make into a hair cap for after the shower. You know when you get
out of the shower and wrap that towel around your head and you look
down and it falls off. Why not make a fitted cap and wear it
everywhere--put the kids on the bus, go to the store, attend
church...maybe not.
7. Make a dog bed liner. Piece together pieces of towels and either
sew them into a dog pillow or make a washable blanket for the dog bed.
Reader Comment: I have a mop that uses those disposable pieces. Those are
expensive. Instead I cut old towels to fit, throw them in a bucket, then
launder them. Doesn't cost a thing!...Sheila
8. Cut into smaller towels to use in the car for kid messes.
9. Cut them into 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" pieces and put some filler between
them to make potholders.
10. If enough of the towel is reusable cut it into a large bag to
store wet swimming suits. If it is not large enough them piece
several towels together. Put a seam at the top and draw through a
rope or tie.
There are plenty of ways to reuse old towels. Pretty soon you'll
just be waiting for one to fray!
Reprinted with permission.
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How to Make Diapers from Old Towels
