How to Make a DIY Towel Scarf / Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial
If you’re constantly losing your kitchen towel, having it slip off your shoulder, or grabbing for it only to find… nothing—this simple sewing project is going to fix that for good.
This DIY towel scarf keeps your towel right where you need it—hands-free, comfortable, and ready for whatever kitchen mess comes your way.
No slipping. No searching. No frustration.
And the best part? It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and a great way to use up fabric scraps.
Why You’ll Love This Towel Scarf
- Keeps your towel right at your fingertips
- Comfortable to wear around your neck
- Great for drying hands, wiping counters, and cooking cleanup
- Uses scrap fabric
- Makes a fantastic gift
- Once you make one… you’ll probably end up making a stack.
Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 kitchen towel
- Cotton fabric (quilting cotton works great)
- Rotary cutter + mat + ruler (or scissors)
- Pins or clips
- Sewing machine
- Iron + ironing board
- Label (optional)
A Note About Towel Size
Kitchen towels vary quite a bit, but most fall in this range:
- Width: 15″–18″
- Length: 25″–28″
The sample shown uses a 16″ x 26″ towel.
You can use:
- Terry cloth
- Linen
- Any towel you like
Remove any tags before starting.
Step 1: Cut and Prep the Towel
- Fold the towel in half lengthwise
- Cut along the fold to create two pieces
- Trim edges to clean up uneven or fuzzy sides
Step 2: Create the Towel Pleats
This is what helps the towel sit nicely inside the neck band.
Fold the towel in half and mark the center
Open it up (right side facing up)
Bring the side edge to the center point, press fold.
Fold it again onto itself so the hemmed edge is lined up with the folded towel underneath, to create a ayered pleat.
Flip the towel over and fold again to line up with the center point. Pin in place
Repeat on the other side.
👉 Pin everything in place.
Helpful tip:
Do a quick basting stitch about 1″ from the raw edge to hold everything together. It’s optional—but honestly, it saves headaches later. Stitch length 4-5
Step 3: Measure and Cut the Neck Piece
To get the measurement of the fabric for the neck piece, measure the width of your folded towel.
Width
Example:
Folded towel width = 4″
Now calculate:
Double it → 4″ x 2 = 8″
Add 1¼” for bulk (or 1½” for thicker towels)
👉 Final cut width: 9¼” wide.
Length:
You can make the scarf as long as you want. The average length is about 43 inches. I like mine a little longer and cut it to 44 inches.
Cut your fabric 42″–44″ long (standard fabric width on a bolt works perfectly)
Trim off selvage edges before cutting.
The neck piece measures 44 x 9 1/4 inches.
Step 4: Sew the Neck Band Tube
Place the fabric right sides together horizontally.
- Fold the bottom edge to meet the top edge. (There should be 4 layers of fabric).
Measure 3″ from the top left folded edges to mark the tube opening in the center. MAKE A SMALL CLIP AT THIS POINT THROUGH ALL LAYERS.
- Unfold and fold in half horizontally again, matching up clipped points.
Pin in place. (Use different colored pins to mark the opening)
Sew along the long edge with a ½” seam allowance
Backstitch at start and end
Skip the 3″ opening
Press the seam open.
I LOVE this little mini iron for things like this!
Step 5: Insert the Towel (Magic Step ✨)
This is the fun/awkward-but-brilliant part.
Fold the bottom edge of the towel up a bit, then attach a safety pin to the end of the towel.
Feed the towel through the fabric tube.
Use a turning tool or stick to push it in.
Flatten the towel, bringing its folds against the fabric tube’s fold. Align center points carefully.
Pin in place
Repeat for both ends.
Step 6: Stitch the Ends
Sew each end with a ½” seam allowance
Backstitch at the beginning and end of seams.
Trim seam allowance slightly
Then turn everything right side out by pulling the towel through the opening you left unsewn.
👉 You’ll end up with a super clean finish—no bulky overlaps.
Step 7: Close the Opening + Shape the Neck
Flatten out the neck piece with the opening edge at the bottom.
Press the edges.
Fold the neck piece in half, lining up the opening and folded edges. (Open edge on top).
- Press and place pins on the opening edges.
- Clip in place.
Topstitch from pin to pin close to the edge (about ⅛”). Backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam.
This also helps narrow the neck for a more comfortable fit
Step 8: Topstitch
For a polished look, topstitch the edge of the neck piece where the towel meets the fabric.
Stitch ⅛” from the edge
Add a second row 1/4 from the previous stitching.
It gives it that “store-bought but better” finish.
Step 9: Add a Label (Optional)
If you love adding personality to your projects:
Place a label at the center back of the neck
It’s a small detail—but it makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
That’s it!
A quick, practical, and actually useful sewing project you’ll use every single day.
Great Gift Idea 🎁
These make perfect:
Mother’s Day gifts
Housewarming gifts
Handmade kitchen sets
Pair one with:
A cute dish towel
Homemade treats
Or a matching apron
Have fun sewing!
