DIY: Beginner Sewing Tutorial – Reusable Paper Towel

This easy sewing project is specially designed for beginners. It requires very little equipment and helps you get familiar with essential techniques: cutting, assembling, and straight stitching.

In less than an hour, you’ll have a practical, reusable, and long-lasting accessory.

To get started, choose suitable materials:

• cotton fabric by the meter for the outer layer
• absorbent terry cloth for the inner layer

Reusable paper towels are part of a simple zero-waste approach that’s easy to adopt.

Their benefits:

• eco-friendly: reduces everyday waste
• cost-effective: reusable dozens of times
• practical: always within reach

It’s also a great project for learning useful and functional sewing skills.

Complete your routine with our fabric accessories for a more sustainable home.

Before you begin, prepare your sewing supplies:

• printed cotton fabric (outer layer)
• terry cloth (inner layer)
• sewing thread
• scissors
• pins or clips
• sewing machine (hand sewing is also possible)

Recycling tip: Think about your old bath towels—they can easily replace the terry cloth layer of your paper towel.

Then, do the same for the male snaps:

• Measure 5 cm from the bottom right corner and 1 cm from the right edge. Repeat at the top right corner.

• Insert male snaps from underneath and press them into place.

And that’s it you’ve just made your own reusable paper towel!

This tutorial made 5 towels, but you can repeat the process for as many as you want.

You can roll them on a paper towel holder or tie them with a string.
Tip: reuse an old paper towel tube or gift wrap roll to store them neatly.

If you liked this project, leave us a comment and share your creations on Instagram @papapiqueetmamancoud with the hashtag #ppmccouture

Got other zero-waste sewing ideas? Share them with us on Instagram — we’ll prepare more beginner-friendly tutorials just for you.

After all, if top restaurants offer cloth napkins, why not do the same at home? If you often host guests, you can even set aside their own towel to avoid washing after every meal.

To successfully complete this project on your first try:

• use a stable fabric (avoid materials that are too thin or stretchy)
• pin carefully before sewing
• take your time with the finishing touches

Discover our easy-to-sew fabrics to build your confidence and improve your skills.

Here are our care tips for your brand-new reusable towels:

• To make them last and stay hygienic, wash them regularly.

• If you use them daily, a weekly machine wash is ideal.

• For daily spot cleaning, use dish soap or Marseille soap.

• Wash at 30–40°C in the washing machine.

If they lose their brightness, add sodium percarbonate to your laundry — it works like magic!

What fabric should I use for a reusable paper towel?
Terry cloth is ideal for absorbing liquids, combined with cotton for structure and aesthetics.

Is this tutorial suitable for beginners?
Yes, this easy sewing project is perfect for learning the basics without difficulty.

How long does this DIY take?
Allow around 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your skill level.

Can reusable paper towels be machine washed?
Yes, they are machine washable and can be reused many times.