Hanging Kitchen Towels DIY Free Pattern 7 Easy Styles

Are you tired of constantly picking up that damp kitchen towel from the floor? It’s a frustratingly common kitchen dance: you dry your hands, hang the towel on the oven or drawer handle, turn around, and swoosh—it slithers to the ground yet again. Not only is it annoying, but it’s also unhygienic.

You’ve probably tried everything. Draping it just so. Folding it a specific way. Tucking it into the handle. Yet, nothing seems to work for more than a few minutes. Bare oven handles and smooth drawer pulls just aren’t designed to hold a towel securely, leaving you with a perpetually messy-looking and inconvenient kitchen.

The solution is a DIY hanging kitchen towel, a simple sewing project that adds a fabric loop or topper with a closure (like a button or snap) to a standard towel. This clever addition allows the towel to hang securely from any oven, cabinet, or appliance handle, keeping it accessible, clean, and permanently off the floor. As a seasoned home crafter, I’ve tried countless ways to keep kitchen towels in place, and these DIY methods are by far the most reliable and rewarding.

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Tired of Kitchen Towels Ending Up on the Floor?

A DIY hanging kitchen towel is a simple sewing project that adds a fabric loop or topper with a closure (like a button or snap) to a standard towel. This allows it to hang securely from an oven or cabinet handle, keeping it accessible and off the floor. It’s the permanent fix to the daily frustration of slipping, sliding towels. This project transforms a simple dish towel into a practical and stylish kitchen accessory that stays exactly where you need it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several free patterns and easy-to-follow tutorials to create your own.

Why a DIY Hanging Towel is Your Next Favorite Project

Making your own hanging kitchen towels is a small project with huge benefits. It’s a quick, satisfying craft that solves a real problem while adding a personal touch to your home. Plus, they make fantastic craft fair best-sellers due to their low cost to make and high practical appeal.

Stays Put: The most obvious benefit! No more bending over to pick up a damp towel from the floor.
Super Practical: Your towel is always within arm’s reach, right where you hung it.
Budget-Friendly: This is the perfect project to use up fabric scraps or give inexpensive dollar store towels a major upgrade.
Perfect Handmade Gift: Create a set for a thoughtful and useful housewarming, holiday, or hostess gift.
Totally Customizable: You can choose fabrics that perfectly match your kitchen decor, create seasonal sets for holidays, or personalize them for gifts.

Your Essential Toolkit: What You’ll Need

For a DIY hanging kitchen towel, you’ll need a hand towel, fabric for the topper (cotton is best), fusible interfacing, a closure like a button or snap, and matching thread. Essential tools include a sewing machine, scissors, pins, and an iron. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started.

Pro-Tip: I recommend using a 90/14 universal needle for most of these projects. It’s strong enough to sew through the thicker layers of the towel and topper without skipping stitches.

Materials

Kitchen Towel: Any standard hand towel or tea towel works. Terry cloth, cotton, and waffle weave are great choices. You can buy them new or upcycle ones you already own.
Topper Fabric: Quilting cotton is ideal because it’s sturdy and comes in endless patterns. Fat quarters are the perfect size for most topper patterns.
Fusible Interfacing: Medium-weight fusible interfacing gives the topper structure and durability.
Closure: This depends on the style you choose. Common options include buttons, KAM snaps, Velcro, or fabric ties.
Matching Thread: All-purpose polyester thread is a reliable choice.

Tools

Sewing Machine
Scissors or a Rotary Cutter & Mat
Sewing Pins or Clips
Iron & Ironing Board
Seam Ripper (just in case!)
Buttonhole foot, KAM snap pliers, or hand-sewing needle, depending on your closure choice.

7 Easy DIY Hanging Kitchen Towel Styles (Free Patterns Included)

Here are seven of the best ways to make a hanging kitchen towel, with methods suitable for every skill level. The seven easiest styles are 1. The 5-Minute Pot Holder Method, 2. The Classic Button Topper, 3. The Modern Hidden-Band Towel, 4. The Simple Tie-Top Towel, 5. The No-Sew Snap Topper, 6. The Removable Towel Topper, and 7. The Beginner Crochet Topper. I have personally tested and selected these 7 styles for their simplicity, durability, and visual appeal, and they have all been updated for 2025. Each tutorial includes a full materials list and step-by-step instructions.

1. The 5-Minute Pot Holder Method (Easiest Ever)

This genius hack uses a store-bought pot holder for an almost instant hanging towel with just one seam.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Hand Towel
- 1 Rectangle Pot Holder with a loop
- 1 Large Button (approx. 1-inch)
- Matching Thread
- Sewing Clips or Pins
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Fold Towel: Fold your towel lengthwise into thirds so its width matches the pot holder.
2. Find Centers: Fold both the towel and the pot holder in half to mark the center with a crease.
3. Align & Pin: Place the pot holder on top of the folded towel, right sides together, aligning the center creases. Pin securely.
4. Sew the Seam: Sew one straight line directly along the crease. Remember to backstitch at the start and end.
5. Attach Button: Flip the towel down. Hand-sew a large button to the top center of the pot holder.
6. Hang: Loop the pot holder’s tab around your oven handle and secure it with the button.

Pro-Tip: Lower your sewing machine’s feed dogs to help position the thick layers under the needle easily, then raise them again right before you start sewing for a smooth stitch.

Pin this 5-minute hack for your next quick gift idea!

2. The Classic Fabric Topper with Button

This is the most traditional and durable style, featuring a custom fabric topper that’s sewn directly onto the towel.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Towel, cut in half widthwise
- 2 pieces of Cotton Fabric for topper (approx. 6.5″ x 9″ each)
- 1 piece of Fusible Interfacing (same size as fabric)
- 1 Button
- Matching Thread
- Free Printable Topper Pattern (link to PDF download)
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prep Topper: Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of one fabric piece. Place the two fabric pieces right sides together and sew around the sides and top with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving the bottom edge completely open.
2. Turn & Press: Trim the corners to reduce bulk, turn the topper right side out, and press it flat with an iron.
3. Prepare Towel: Sew two rows of gathering stitches (a long straight stitch with low tension) along the cut edge of your half-towel.
4. Gather Towel: Gently pull the bobbin threads to gather the towel until its width matches the bottom opening of the topper.
5. Attach Towel: Tuck the gathered edge of the towel about 1/2″ deep into the open bottom of the topper. Pin securely all the way across.
6. Topstitch: Carefully sew a straight line across the bottom of the topper, making sure to catch the towel inside. For extra strength, sew a second line of stitching 1/4″ above the first one.
7. Add Closure: Following your machine’s instructions, sew a buttonhole on the top center of one side of the topper and a corresponding button on the other.

Pro-Tip: When topstitching the towel in place, use a walking foot on your sewing machine if you have one. It prevents the multiple thick layers from shifting and gives you a perfectly straight, professional-looking finish.

Download our FREE printable pattern for this classic style!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-eRoUkyKSQ

3. The Modern Hidden-Band Towel (No Buttons!)

For a sleek, minimalist look, this design uses a clever fabric band to hold the towel in place without any visible closures.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Full Kitchen Towel
- 1 strip of coordinating Fabric (4″ x 14″)
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prepare Band: Fold the 4″ x 14″ fabric strip in half lengthwise, with right sides together, and press.
2. Sew Tube: Sew along the long raw edge with a 1/4″ seam allowance to create a tube.
3. Turn & Press: Turn the tube right side out (a safety pin or tube turner is helpful here) and press it flat with the seam positioned in the center of the back.
4. Position Band: Lay your kitchen towel out flat. Place the fabric band horizontally across the center of the towel, approximately 4 inches down from the top edge.
5. Secure Band: Fold the short raw ends of the band under by 1/2 inch to conceal them. Topstitch only the short ends of the band securely to the edges of the towel. It is very important that you do NOT sew the long sides of the band down.
6. Hang: To hang, fold the top of the towel down over your oven handle. Then, take the bottom of the towel and thread it up through the fabric band to lock it in place.

Lesson Learned: Make sure your fabric band is wide enough to easily pass the towel through but snug enough to hold it. A 4-inch starting width is the sweet spot for most standard towels.

Love this modern look? Save it to your ‘Minimalist Home’ board!

4. The Simple Tie-Top Towel

This charming style is perfect for a farmhouse or cottagecore aesthetic, using two simple ties to create a pretty bow.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Towel, cut in half widthwise
- 1 piece of Cotton Fabric (6.5″ x 10″) for the top band
- 2 pieces of Cotton Fabric (3″ x 22″ each) for the ties
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Make Ties: Fold each 3″ x 22″ tie strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together, and press to create a center crease. Open it up, then fold the long raw edges in to meet at the center crease, and fold in half again. Topstitch along both long edges to create two finished, sturdy ties.
2. Prepare Top Band: Fold the 6.5″ x 10″ fabric in half, wrong sides together, to make a 6.5″ x 5″ piece. Press.
3. Attach Ties: Place the raw end of one finished tie inside the fold at one top corner of the band. Repeat with the second tie on the other corner. Pin them in place.
4. Gather Towel: Gather the cut edge of the half-towel until it measures 6.5″ wide to match the width of the band.
5. Assemble: Sandwich the gathered towel edge inside the bottom fold of the band. Pin everything securely, making sure the towel and ties are neatly tucked in.
6. Sew: Topstitch around all four sides of the top band. This single step will secure the ties and the towel all at once.
7. Hang: Tie the straps in a neat bow around your oven or cabinet handle.

Pro-Tip: For a crisper look and more durable ties, insert a thin strip of fusible interfacing inside your tie fabric before sewing.

Add a touch of farmhouse charm to your kitchen! Pin this idea.

5. The 10-Minute No-Sew Snap Topper

No sewing machine required! This clever method uses fusible hem tape and snaps to create a sturdy hanging towel.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Towel
- 1 piece of sturdy Fabric or Felt (6.5″ x 9″)
- 1 piece of Fusible Hem Tape (heavy duty)
- KAM Snaps and Applicator Tool (or sew-on snaps/Velcro)
- Iron
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Fold Topper: Fold your 6.5″ x 9″ fabric in half to create a 6.5″ x 4.5″ rectangle. Press firmly with your iron to create a sharp crease.
2. Cut Towel: Cut your kitchen towel in half widthwise.
3. Pleat Towel: Fold the cut edge of the towel into small accordion pleats until it measures about 6″ wide. Use clips to hold the pleats in place.
4. Assemble with Tape: Cut strips of fusible hem tape and place them inside the folded topper fabric, along the three open sides.
5. Insert & Fuse: Tuck the pleated towel edge inside the bottom opening of the topper. Place the entire assembly between two pieces of parchment paper and press with a hot iron, following the instructions on your hem tape package. Let it cool completely to ensure a strong bond.
6. Add Snaps: Use your KAM snap tool to apply one half of the snap to each side of the topper’s top edge, so they will snap together when folded over a handle.

Lesson Learned: Always use parchment paper when working with fusible tape. It prevents any sticky residue from getting on your iron or ironing board, saving you a major cleanup headache.

No sewing machine? No problem! Save this easy no-sew tutorial.

6. The Removable Topper (Wash Towels Separately)

This brilliant design keeps the decorative topper separate, so you can easily swap out the towel for washing or change it with the seasons.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Towel (uncut)
- 2 pieces of Cotton Fabric for topper (approx. 7″ x 5″ each)
- 1 piece Fusible Interfacing
- 1 Button
- 1 piece of 1/2″ Elastic (3 inches long)
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Create Topper: Fuse interfacing to the wrong side of one fabric piece. Place the two fabric pieces right sides together.
2. Add Loop: Fold the 3-inch piece of elastic in half to form a loop. Sandwich it between the fabric layers at the top center, with the loop facing inward and the raw edges of the elastic aligned with the raw edges of the fabric.
3. Sew Topper: Sew around the two sides and the top with a 1/4″ seam allowance, securing the elastic loop in the stitching. Leave the bottom edge open.
4. Turn & Finish: Turn the topper right-side out and press. Turn the bottom raw edges in toward the inside by 1/2″ and press them flat. Topstitch the bottom edge closed.
5. Add Button: Sew a button onto the front of the topper, near the bottom edge.
6. Use: To hang your towel, simply fold it in thirds lengthwise, slide it through the finished topper, and loop the elastic over the button to hold it in place. The topper holds the towel securely by friction.

Pro-Tip: Use a high-quality, sturdy button for this style, as it will take the full weight of the towel. A button with a shank can make it easier to loop the elastic over.

Want easy washing? This removable topper is a game-changer. Pin it now!

7. The Easy Crochet Topper Pattern

For the yarn lovers, this simple crochet pattern creates a beautiful and functional topper without touching a sewing machine.

Materials Needed:
- 1 Kitchen Towel
- Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn
- Crochet Hook (Size H / 5.00mm)
- Yarn Needle
- 1 Button
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prepare Towel: Fold the top edge of the towel over by about 1 inch and press it flat.
2. Create Holes: Carefully use the sharp end of your crochet hook or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the folded edge, about 1/2 inch apart.
3. Row 1: Join your cotton yarn and work one single crochet (sc) in each hole you created across the top of the towel. Chain 1, turn.
4. Row 2-5: Work one single crochet in each stitch across. Chain 1, turn.
5. Row 6 (Decrease): Single crochet two together (sc2tog), then sc in each stitch across until the last 2 stitches, sc2tog. Chain 1, turn.
6. Repeat Row 6 on every row until you have about 6 stitches remaining on your hook.
7. Continue Strap: Now, simply work a single crochet in each of those 6 stitches for about 15 more rows, or until the strap is long enough to fold over your oven handle.
8. Buttonhole Row: Chain 1, turn. Sc in the first 2 stitches, chain 2, skip the next 2 stitches, and sc in the last 2 stitches.
9. Final Row: Chain 1, turn. Work one sc in each stitch, making sure to place 2 sc in the chain-2 space from the previous row. Fasten off and weave in all your ends.
10. Attach Button: Securely sew a button onto the main body of the crochet topper, positioned to line up with the buttonhole.

Pro-Tip: Using 100% cotton yarn is crucial for kitchen items. It’s absorbent, durable, and holds up much better to frequent washing than acrylic or wool yarns.

Grab your hook and yarn! Save this free crochet pattern for later.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to a Tidy Kitchen

You’re now equipped with seven fantastic ways to banish fallen towels from your kitchen floor forever. Here’s a quick recap to help you choose your first project:

Quickest Project: The 5-Minute Pot Holder method is perfect for a last-minute gift or instant gratification when you need a solution right now.
Most Popular: The Classic Fabric Topper with a button is durable, highly customizable, and a fan favorite for its traditional charm.
No Sewing Machine Needed: The No-Sew Snap Topper uses fusible hem tape and snaps for a surprisingly sturdy finish that anyone can make.
Best for Gifting: Create themed sets using seasonal or novelty fabrics to make thoughtful and budget-friendly handmade gifts for any occasion.
Key Materials: Always choose 100% cotton for both your towels and fabric toppers. It provides the best combination of absorbency and durability for a hard-working kitchen.

Final Thoughts

Say goodbye to the “towel-on-the-floor” problem for good. With these seven simple patterns, you have everything you need to solve that pesky kitchen annoyance while adding a touch of handmade charm and personality to your space. Whether you’re a seasoned sewist, a crochet enthusiast, or a complete beginner, there’s a perfect project here for you.

Which style are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below

Hanging Kitchen Towels DIY Free Pattern 7 Easy Styles

Tired of Kitchen Towels Ending Up on the Floor?