How to Make a Hanging Dish Towel: A Practical and Stylish DIY Guide

A hanging dish towel is a practical and stylish solution to keep kitchen towels in place while adding a decorative touch to your space. Unlike regular dish towels that often slide off oven handles or countertops, a well-made hanging dish towel stays securely attached, making it more convenient for drying hands and cleaning spills. Whether you want to create a simple looped towel or one with a pot holder for extra support, learning how to make a hanging dish towel is an easy and rewarding DIY project. With just a few basic materials and some simple sewing techniques, you can craft a functional kitchen accessory that enhances both organization and efficiency.

What Are Hanging Dish Towels?

Hanging dish towels are designed to stay fixed in one place, often featuring a loop, button, or hook for easy hanging. They are commonly used on oven handles, cabinet knobs, or refrigerator handles. Unlike standard dish towels, these are less likely to fall onto the floor, keeping them cleaner and more accessible.

Hanging dish towels come in various styles, from those with sewn-in loops to ones incorporating pot holders for added stability. They can be made from various materials, but cotton and microfiber are among the most popular due to their absorbency and durability.

Materials Needed for Making a Hanging Dish Towel

To create your own hanging dish towel, you'll need a few simple materials. The exact list may vary depending on the method you choose, but here are the essentials:

• A dish towel (cotton or microfiber works best)
• A pot holder (for added structure, if using that method)
• Scissors
• A sewing machine or needle and thread
• A button or snap fastener (for closure)
• A measuring tape
• A marking pen or chalk
• An iron (to press fabric for easier sewing)

How to Make a Simple Hanging Dish Towel

This method is one of the easiest ways to make a hanging dish towel. It requires minimal sewing and can be completed in just a few steps.

1. Choose Your Dish Towel – Pick a towel that complements your kitchen décor and is made from an absorbent material.
2. Fold and Mark – Fold the top portion of the towel in half lengthwise and mark the center with chalk or a fabric pen.
3. Create the Hanging Loop – Sew a fabric loop at the top or attach a pre-made loop for easy hanging.
4. Attach a Button or Snap – Sew a button or snap at the top of the towel to secure it when hanging.
5. Test for Stability – Hang the towel on your oven handle or chosen location to ensure it stays in place.

How to Make Hanging Dish Towels with Pot Holders

Using a pot holder adds a decorative and functional touch to your hanging dish towel. Pot holders provide structure and serve as a convenient flap for securing the towel.

1. Select Your Pot Holder and Dish Towel – Choose a pot holder that matches or contrasts well with your towel.
2. Fold the Towel – Gather the towel width-wise at the center to create a pleated or bunched effect.
3. Attach the Pot Holder – Fold the pot holder in half and sew it along the gathered top of the towel.
4. Add a Button or Fastener – Sew a button or use a Velcro strip on the pot holder flap to keep the towel secure.
5. Hang and Adjust – Try hanging it on your oven handle or cabinet knob and adjust as needed.

How to Hang Dish Towels in the Kitchen

Once you've made your hanging dish towels, there are several practical ways to display them:

• Oven Handles – One of the most common and accessible locations for a hanging towel.
• Cabinet Handles – Great for easy access near the sink or stove.
• Refrigerator Handles – A convenient option if you frequently dry your hands near the fridge.
• Hooks on the Wall – Installing small hooks in your kitchen allows for designated spots to hang multiple towels.
• Under-the-Sink Rod – A tension rod inside the cabinet provides a hidden yet practical way to store hanging dish towels.

Benefits of Using Hanging Dish Towels

• Keeps Towels Off the Floor – No more towels slipping onto dirty floors.
• Adds Decorative Touch – Choose fabrics and colors that enhance your kitchen aesthetic.
• Improves Organization – Reduces clutter on countertops and keeps towels within easy reach.
• Extends Towel Lifespan – Since they stay in place, they are less likely to be overused or misplaced.

Final Thoughts

Making a hanging dish towel is an easy and satisfying project that combines functionality with a personal touch. With just a few basic materials and a bit of creativity, you can create a practical kitchen essential that also enhances your space. Whether you use a simple loop design or incorporate a pot holder for added stability, these towels offer a stylish and convenient solution to common kitchen frustrations.