10 Creative Ways To Upcycle Old Towels
Transform your old towels into new treasures with our guide on 10 creative upcycling ideas. Discover fun DIY projects that not only reduce waste but also add charm and functionality to your home!
10 Creative Ways to Upcycle Old Towels: Turning the Old into the New
As I was recently clearing out my linen closet, I stumbled upon a stack of old towels that I’ve had for years. They were soft and faded but still had plenty of life left in them.
Instead of tossing them into the donation bin, I had an epiphany: why not upcycle them? With a little creativity, those towels could serve a new purpose!
Here are my top 10 favorite ways to breathe new life into those worn-out textiles.
1. Donate Them To An Animal Shelter
My local animal shelter is always looking for old towels to use as comfort blankets, to help with bathing and clean-up. I know this isn’t a complete upcycle project, but being able to provide towels, even old ones, to someone who needs them, brings new life to old towels.
2. Pet Accessories
I can’t resist spoiling my furry friend, and old towels make perfect cozy beds for them! I cut and stitched a few towels together to create a soft bed for my dog, Rosie. Plus, if there’s ever a muddy paws situation, I know exactly where to grab towels for cleanup!
Also, you can cut your towels into strips and tie them together for a new tug-of-war rope.
3. Dish Towels & Cleaning Rags
If you’re like me, the kitchen seems to be a black hole for dish towels and cleaning rags. I cut smaller portions out of my old towels and hemmed the edges to make absorbent dish towels that work equally well for spills around the house. It’s a win-win for my pocket and the environment!
4. Turn Old Towels Into DIY Washcloths
Worn towels can be easily transformed into comfortable washcloths. Just cut them into squares or rectangles and finish the edges. This has been a lovely project for me, as I can customize sizes and keep a set in my bathroom that matches my decor!
5. Plant Holders
Taking a few towels and shaping them into fabric pots for my indoor plants has become one of my favorite decorating hacks. I wrapped and stitched the towels into sturdy containers that are not only functional but also add a pop of color and texture to my plant arrangements. Here is a good tutorial on how I make them.
6. Bath Mat
You won’t believe how easy it is to make a bath mat out of worn, unused towels! Create a comfortable and unique bathmat by sewing two or three old towels together. Feeling fancy? Braid strips of towel and shape them into a beautiful rug.
7. Pet Bath Towels
Being a dog owner means frequent baths. Instead of using my good towels, I now have a separate stash of bath towels made from old ones, designed specifically for my pup. They soak up water wonderfully and are easy to wash after a muddy romp!
8. Throw Them In The Car
Another super simple way to recycle those unused towels is to toss them in your car. You never know when you’re going to need an old towel. Especially if you have kids. Messy fingers always need a good wipe down.
9. Stuffed Toys for Kids
For those of you with little ones, this is a crafty project I absolutely love. I took some old towels and crafted adorable stuffed toys! By simply folding, stitching, and stuffing them, I created fun shapes that my children instantly loved.
10. Repurpose Them Into A Beach Bag
One of the main staples to any beach or pool day is a beach towel tossed in a big, oversized beach bag. But why not get creative and combine the two by repurposing worn towels into a DIY upcycled beach bag? You can make it as large or small as you want.
More Great Upcycle Ideas
Unique Things You Can Make From Old Books
10 Creative Ways to Use Old Newspapers
10 Everyday Items You Can Repurpose as Clever Toy Organizers
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