Cross Stitched Handtowels
or Baby Burp Cloths
Materials: Aida Cloth, DMC
Thread, Cross Stitch Needle, Cotton Thread, Handtowels.
Tools: Pins, Scissors,
Tape Measure, Sewing Machine, Quick Unpick.
Remember to prewash
Handtowels before starting this project.
Note: I also washed the
cross stitched strips by hand in Lux Soap Flakes to ensure that the thread
colours wouldn’t ‘run’ later and ruin the piece.
Once constructed the piece
should be washed either by hand or in a delicate bag , on a gentle cycle in the
washing machine. (This will ensure the
stitching doesn’t come away and will enhance the life of the piece.)
I had cross stitched
several different designs on strips some years ago with the intention of making
them into decorative handtowels and have only completed the construction of the
pieces in the last few days.
Originally I completed two
daisy style handtowels as gifts for Mothers Day, while the rest of my handiwork
has set idle in a shoebox in amongst other craft supplies.
This blog has helped me to
realise how long (and needlessly) these items have remained incomplete and
given me the push to finish them.
I start by folding the
edges of my pre laundered Aida design, so that I may sew a hem and stop the
item from fraying. I iron the edges to ensure a straight hem and to check that
the fold is even and allows enough of a border around the design. (This is the
great thing about ironing, if you don’t like how the edge looks, just iron it
flat and start again).
Next I ensure that the
cross stitched strip is in the correct position, I pin the strip and take a
step back to take a good look and check that it looks straight. I also check
that the measurement from the bottom of the cross stitched strip to the bottom
of the handtowel are the same measurement on both sides to ensure that the
strip is sitting straight.
I sew one seam on along
each ironed edge to avoid fraying. Then I fold over and iron the edges on each
end. Lay the strip against the handtowel to double check where the folds should
be. Then sew the two end edges. Once the four seams are complete you will be
left with a neat cross stitched strip.
t’s now time to place the
cross stitched strip on the handtowel and decide how far from the bottom of the
handtowel you would like it to be fixed. In my case, depending on the design I
like to place the strip roughly between 4" - 5" or 9 - 12cms from the bottom depending on the
thickness of the cross stitched strip.
Now sew your strip to your
handtowel, being careful to not sew over your pins. (This can result in
stitches being skipped, or the sewing machines needles breaking). When the
first seam is sown check that there aren’t any ‘bubbles’ in the fabric and that
the pins for the second seam are in the position that you require. Then sew the
second seam. Once done, take the time to check your work and ensure it is as
you would like it to be.
If you’ve made mistakes, that’s ok, just get a quick unpick and undo them, re-pin and sew again.
I made the mistake of
thinking that I didn’t need to pin the strips on to the handtowel. It came out
looking like this...
So I thought it best to
pin the rest!
If needed pin the side
sections of the strip (this may not be necessary, as it’s already in place),
and sew the sides down to avoid anymore movement in the strip.
After completing the two
ends of the strip your towel is complete!
Feel free to make your own
as gifts, or for yourself.
Completed Cross Stitched Baby Burp Towel |
Note: I found the cross
stitch designs and patterns for these pieces in books borrowed from the library
and from cross stitch magazines.
I found some cross stitched patterns didn’t fit on prepared Aida which is made specifically for border work. This is why I have used regular Aida and cut the item down to my preferred size later on.