Making some DIY reusable cloths is a nice, quick and easy little project. It’s also one of these where you might have the stuff you need to make them already!
They’re easy to batch as well, so you can make a few in one go.
I made these last week in preparation for our trip to Japan, because apparently you have to supply your own little towels for drying your hands when you use a public toilet.
Unfortunately the trip is now off due to the current situation. We’re hoping we can still go, it just won’t be any time soon. The cloths are ready for when we do go, and in the meantime there are plenty of other uses for them.
Uses For Resuable Cloths
Diy resuable cloths are useful for all sorts of things. You could use them as wash cloths, dish cloths or for wiping little faces (especially if you’re trying to cut down on using wipes). You can take some out with you because they’re small and they won’t take up much room in your bag.
If you’re worrying about germs and things at the moment, you could put a little bit of hand sanitiser on one and wipe down door handles or anything else you think might be germy before you touch them.
You could even use them as dusters and for wiping up messes and stains at home.
What Can I Make Them From?
To make diy resuable cloths, I used some bits of cotton fabric that I had already, and a couple of terry nappies that I found in the bathroom while I was having a sort out.
If you don’t have old nappies lying around, you could use a towel that’s seen better days. Face flannels would work well too. Dish cloths and microfibre cloths are another option.
How To Make DIY Reusable Cloths
You Will Need
Towelling or something else absorbent
Cotton fabric
Ribbon for the tags
Instructions
Wash the cotton first! I’ve skipped this step in the past and regretted it when the cotton shrunk in the wash!
Cut your fabric into squares. It doesn’t matter very much how big the squares are. Mine are 15 cm (6 inches) square. If you’re using face flannels you might want to make them the same size as the flannels to save cutting them down.
Each cloth will need one towelling square and one cotton square.
Cut a piece of ribbon 5 cm (2 inches) long. Fold it half. Pin it to the towelling square on one side about 5 cm down from the top, with the folded edge inwards and the cut edges next to the raw edge of the towelling.
I put mine on the right hand side, which meant that the finished cloths had tags on the left. This doesn’t bother me very much, especially as 3 of my 4 boys are left handed, so this will seem like the correct side to them! If it bothers you, pin the tab to the left side.
Take a cotton square and put it on top of the towelling square so that the right sides are together. Pin them together.
Sew around the edge, about a cm (1/4 inch) away from the raw edges. Leave a gap in one side so that you can turn it out in a minute.
Trim the seams and cut off the corners. Leave a bit extra at the opening.
Turn it the right way out and pin the opening.
Top stitch around the edge.
If you’re wondering what to do with a damp cloth after you’ve used it when you’re out, you could make a waterproof bag. There are instructions for making one here. It’s for a palette if you like to paint outside, but it could be adapted and made a bit bigger.
Stay safe
Anna xx
Great post,! I’ve been trying to reduce my waste and use more eco-friendly products, so your tutorial for reusable clothes is perfect. It’s so simple and cost-effective, and I love that I can customize the clothes with my favorite fabrics. Thanks for sharing this helpful DIY!
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These are fabulous!
I made something similar over lockdown, but with youngest’ old school polo shirts. I normally give them to a local charity, but with everything be closed- resorted to cutting them up into squares, overlocked the edges and they’re brilliant for cleaning and washing up. Shame she’s in high school now.. lol
That’s a good idea. It’s so difficult knowing what to do with those.