Tea towels have been a staple in kitchen décor for centuries. Not only are they practical, but they can also add a pop of color, texture, and personality to an otherwise dull kitchen. The best part is that they are an affordable way to refresh the look of your kitchen and make it a more inviting place. A hand-crocheted tea towel is a special touch and the perfect personal gift for a friend or loved one. Each year, a dear family friend gifts me a new hand-crocheted tea towel, and I’ve come to cherish this tradition.
In this roundup article, I have gathered 20 DIY tutorials that are all related to decorating and making tea towels. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of whimsy, elegance, or just something new to your kitchen, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye in this list. From hand-stitching to embroidery, to painting and dyeing, there’s something for everyone. And the best part is that these projects can be completed in just a few hours, making them a quick and easy way to freshen up your kitchen or add a personal touch to a gift.
One of the great things about tea towel projects is that they can be tailored to any level of skill and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, you can find a project that’s just right for you. If you’re new to sewing, for example, you might start with a simple project like adding a band of lace to the edge of a tea towel. If you’re more advanced, you might try your hand at a more intricate project like a crocheted tea towel.
Some of my favorite tea towels are these by Rae Drummond 
Tea Towels –
Paint on Fabric Tea Towels – Today’s Creative Life – Today’s Creative Life: Get ready to add a touch of creativity to your kitchen with Today’s Creative Life’s paint on fabric tea towels. These DIY tea towels are perfect for adding some color and personality to your cooking space, and with Today’s Creative Life’s tutorial, it’s easy to create unique designs that are both practical and stylish.
DIY Mason Jar Tea Towels – The Country Chic Cottage – The Country Chic Cottage: Add a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen with The Country Chic Cottage’s DIY Mason Jar Tea Towels. These easy-to-make tea towels feature a charming mason jar design that is perfect for farmhouse kitchens or anyone looking to add a touch of country to their home decor.
DIY Kitchen Tea Towels – Lydia Out Loud – Lydia Out Loud’s DIY Kitchen Tea Towels are a fun and easy way to add some personality to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels are customizable, so you can create your own designs to match your kitchen decor. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, Lydia Out Loud’s tutorial will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Metallic Confetti Tea Towels – Shrimp Salad Circus – Shrimp Salad Circus: Shrimp Salad Circus’s Metallic Confetti Tea Towels are the perfect way to add some sparkle to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels feature metallic confetti designs that are both playful and elegant. With Shrimp Salad Circus’s tutorial, you can create your own unique metallic confetti tea towels in no time.
Flower Pounded Tea Towels – Hearth and Vine – Hearth and Vine: Add some natural beauty to your kitchen with Hearth and Vine’s Flower Pounded Tea Towels. These DIY tea towels feature lovely flower designs that are created by pounding fresh flowers onto the fabric. With Hearth and Vine’s tutorial, you can create your own unique flower pounded tea towels that are both beautiful and practical.
10 Minute DIY Farmhouse Tea Towels – Making it in the Mountains – Making it in the Mountains: Short on time but still want to add some farmhouse charm to your kitchen? Making it in the Mountains has got you covered with their 10 Minute DIY Farmhouse Tea Towels. These quick and easy tea towels feature simple designs that are perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen in just minutes.
Coloring Cook Inspired DIY Tea Towels – DIY Candy – Get creative in the kitchen with DIY Candy’s Coloring Cook Inspired DIY Tea Towels. These fun tea towels feature cook-inspired designs that you can color in yourself, adding a personalized touch to your kitchen decor. With DIY Candy’s tutorial, you can create your own unique tea towels that are both practical and fun.
DIY Block Print Stamped Tea Towels – Pretty Handy Girl – Pretty Handy Girl: Pretty Handy Girl’s DIY Block Print Stamped Tea Towels are a great way to add some handmade charm to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels feature beautiful block-printed designs that you can create yourself with Pretty Handy Girl’s easy-to-follow tutorial. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or new to DIY, you can create your own unique block-printed tea towels in no time.
Rae Dunn Inspired Buffalo Check Hugs & Kiss Tea Towels – DIY Beautify – DIY Beautify: Add some farmhouse charm to your kitchen with DIY Beautify’s Rae Dunn
Inspired Buffalo Check Hugs & Kiss Tea Towels. These DIY tea towels feature a classic buffalo check design with Rae Dunn-inspired “Hugs” and “Kiss” lettering. With DIY Beautify’s tutorial, you can create your own unique Rae Dunn-inspired tea towels that are both stylish and practical.
DIY Monogrammed Tea Towels – Amber Oliver – Amber Oliver: Amber Oliver’s DIY Monogrammed Tea Towels are a great way to add a personal touch to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels feature a monogrammed design that you can customize to match your own initials or those of a loved one. With Amber Oliver’s tutorial, you can create your own unique monogrammed tea towels in no time.
DIY Dip Drip Dye Tea Towels – Lemon Thistle – Add some color to your kitchen with Lemon Thistle’s DIY Dip Drip Dye Tea Towels. These easy-to-make tea towels feature a dip-drip dye technique that creates beautiful ombre effects. With Lemon Thistle’s tutorial, you can create your own unique dip-drip dye tea towels in your favorite colors.
Apple themed Tea Towels – Houseful of Handmade – Houseful of Handmade: Houseful of Handmade’s Apple themed Tea Towels are a fun way to add some seasonal charm to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels feature a cute apple design that is perfect for fall or anytime you want to add some fruit-inspired decor. With Houseful of Handmade’s tutorial, you can create your own unique apple-themed tea towels in no time.
DIY Love Coffee Tea Towels – Cherished Bliss – Cherished Bliss’s DIY Love Coffee Tea Towels are a great way to add some coffee-inspired decor to your kitchen. These DIY tea towels feature a “Love Coffee” design that is perfect for any coffee lover. With Cherished Bliss’s tutorial, you can create your own unique coffee-themed tea towels in no time.
DIY Hand Stenciled Tea Towels – Sweet Living Magazine – Sweet Living Magazine’s DIY Hand Stenciled Tea Towels are a fun way to add some handmade charm to your kitchen. These tea towels feature hand-stenciled designs that you can create yourself with Sweet Living Magazine’s easy-to-follow tutorial. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, you can create your own unique hand-stenciled tea towels in no time.
Bacon Seeds Tea Towels – Nu Fun Activities – Add some humor to your kitchen with Nu Fun Activities’ Bacon Seeds Tea Towels. These DIY tea towels feature a playful “Bacon Seeds” design that is sure to make you smile. With Nu Fun Activities’ tutorial, you can create your own unique bacon-themed tea towels that are both practical and fun.
FAQ’ S for using fabric paint on teatowels
Q: What type of fabric paint should I use for tea towels?
A: It’s best to use fabric paint that is specifically designed for use on cotton or linen fabrics, which are the most common types of tea towel materials. Look for paints that are labeled as “fabric paint” or “textile paint” and that are suitable for use on natural fabrics.
Q: Can I use regular acrylic paint on tea towels?
A: While regular acrylic paint may work on tea towels, it’s not recommended. Acrylic paint can crack and peel over time and may not hold up well after washing. Fabric paint is designed to be flexible and durable, so it’s the best option for long-lasting results.
Q: How should I prepare the tea towels before painting?
A: It’s important to wash and dry the tea towels before painting to remove any sizing or other treatments that may interfere with the paint’s adhesion. Make sure the tea towels are completely dry before you begin painting.
Q: Do I need to use a fabric medium with my paint?
A: Some fabric paints come with a built-in fabric medium, which helps the paint adhere to the fabric and remain flexible after drying. If your paint doesn’t include a fabric medium, you may need to mix one in according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: How should I apply the paint to the tea towel?
A: You can use a variety of techniques to apply fabric paint to tea towels, including brushes, sponges, stencils, or even stamping. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific type of paint you’re using, and allow the paint to dry completely before handling or washing the tea towels.
Q: How should I care for my painted tea towels?
A: Follow the care instructions on the fabric paint label, but in general, it’s recommended to wash painted tea towels in cold water on a gentle cycle and avoid using bleach or fabric softener. Hang or lay flat to dry, and avoid ironing directly over the painted areas.
Brightly Colored Stenciled Tea Towels – Handmade Charlotte
DIY Shibori Tea Towels – Decor Hint
DIY Girl Power Tea Towels – Maritza Lisa
DIY Brushstroke Painted Tea Towels – Sisters What
Hand-Stamped Tea Towels – Sarah Hearts
No-Sew Anthropologie DIY Tea Towels – Hello Glow
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