Good morning, I have another post for Earth Day-see also my previous post on re using coffee grounds.
I have been seeing more of the un paper towels around the web. Free the Ocean sells them too but for me rather expensive. Lots of choices on Etsy-some of those listings even have snaps to make the roll easier. There are tutorials on how to roll your cloth towels onto the roll too which I think I would prefer..
Also different choices-ideas on what fabrics to use. Flannel cotton, feed sack cottons. These would be an easy first sewing project too. Those with young children I think these would be fun to make and use with colorful prints.
I like the feed sack cotton option but some of those are really stiff. I read about repurposing old flannel sheets. We mostly only use flannel sheets so when they are worn out-which takes years-I cut them up into rags. I wish I would have thought about making them into paper towels as well.
My craft/art room does still have a stash of fabrics-so I am going to check that out soon. I do use a lot of paper towels, in the kitchen for sure.
Have you made these un paper towels or bought them? Do you like them?
Here are some DIY links I found.
This one is from Paper & Stitch and I found it to be very informative She also has an unsewn version
I think the fabric choice is up to what you have on hand in your stash (or want to buy) as long as it is absorbent like cottons
From HGTV I found this post about 8 best alternatives to paper towels Bamboo, Microfiber cloths, and others-these are all for purchase-alternatives to paper towels that are re useable.
There are many tutorials and you tube videos on making these un paper towels. Different sizes as well.
Here is one that is the size when you tear off a small sheet . Here is one using terry cloth
I even found a pdf pattern on etsy but there are many free ones online too.
Here is one more tutorial that is Very good. I like her idea of sewing a big X through the towels to keep things in place after washing drying. I have also seen on other tutorials to top stitch around the edges which I like as well , She also shows about sewing on the snaps. Below is a photo from her site.
I am hoping you enjoyed this post. Please share if you have made un paper towels. I plan on sewing up some soon
Katy, I'll see what you propose. I like to do crafts as they de-stress us and while we work on them we get distracted.
ReplyDeleteGood morning I so agree-crafts and art are good for our mental health I think
DeleteGreat idea!
ReplyDeletethanks looks like a fun project
DeleteI try not to use paper towels, but use my regular towels for cleanup. I can always wash those. Janice
ReplyDeleteYes, I am going to sew up some of these for working in the kitchen-better to wash them then to toss the paper ones.
Deletehappy new week
I don't use paper towels... I have a lot of wipes that I change daily. But I think the idea of sewing cloths from old fabrics is great... I think I'll try that :-)))
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Many greetings to you Kathy.
You are welcome I want to make some too, I do use too many paper towels especially working in my kitchen
DeleteI do still use some paper towels, but also have materiel ones too.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/
a good balance, I need to check my fabric stash and see what I have to use
DeleteI don't use tons of paper towels, mostly for wiping the smudgy prints off the frig, stove and dishwasher. Usually I use a cloth and then wash them. My favorites is getting some microfiber towels. You can get a package really inexpensive at Harbor Freight Tools and they work really well in the kitchen or bathroom. Happy new week Kathy. hugs-Erika
ReplyDeletethank you about micro fiber towels I may check into those-we don't have a harbor freight near us any more can check online though purchasing would be easier for right now too.
Deletehave a good new week
I love making stuff with fun fabrics! I also get good deals at HomeGoods for linen napkins. We have Halloween ones that stay out all year. Though for now, I still buy and use papertowels. Have a great week. Chers, Ivy.
ReplyDeletepaper towels do come in handy, I am thinking for me right now I want to use less-I will still use them for my cast iron skillets and pots though. you have a good week too-hugs
DeleteYes! I use them for my Erie Griswold cast iron. They work so well. I'm with you on using less.
DeleteI dug out one of the bags of cut up old flannel sheets I did a couple years ago. Tore them down to paper towel size and found a spot of them in the kitchen-good for clean up etc
Delete❤️
DeleteGood post
ReplyDeleteBamboo fibers are a plus
I didn't use paper towels for years! I think when the pandemic hit, I began using them, and tissues.
Flannel that's made today isn't always good quality. I rub the flannel together in the light to check for fiber fallout. A cloud of fibers resulted. That's why I stopped buying flannel fabric.
Old men's shirts are a good fabric for making kitchen towels.
sent you an email too yes men's shirts are the best I would go to the resale shps and buy 3X large for quilts-lots of good fabric in those. have not bought fabric for awhile now-but I do still have a large fabric stash from quilting
DeleteI need to retire! There is soooo much to do! For our glasses we use Microfiber - other, I admit, paper towels. We do have a sewing machine (but I´m not good with this). Interesting ideas! Hugs to you and the lake
ReplyDeleteHello Iris, If you already have the microfiber towels that is good as they can be washed. I think there are some things in the kitchen that paper towels are better and they do decompose in landfills as well
Deletethis morning early with the cold evening temps we are fogged in at the moment
This was a new one for me, Kathy, as un-paper towels was something I had never heard of, but I do use some microfiber cloths. My use of paper towels is confined to the kitchen only to clean the flat top stove mainly.
ReplyDeletegood morning, same for me I use the paper towels in the kitchen. I am going to look into the microfiber cloths as they can be washed. I also do have a couple small bags of torn old flannel sheets that I use for dusting etc.
DeleteSome great ideas, Kathy. I try to use cloth towels which cAN BEwashed and reused - saves a lot of money! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I have some bags of torn old flannel sheets-I use those for dusting and cleaning windows, but I think I will bring some into the kitchen area to use-and then wash
DeleteHi Kathy - what a great idea. This is something I have never seen before but such a super way to be more kind to the earth. Thank you for sharing. I hope all is well with you and you are enjoying a lovely April day. Will email you soon. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie-hugs
DeleteThose cloths are a really cute idea! I like what you shared.
ReplyDeletethank you
DeleteI purchased some microfiber rags in the automotive dept of Walmart. They are very inexpensive, and they clean and wash up so well. There is a whole pack of them for very little money. I am trying so hard to break my paper towel habit. I keep these in the drawer by the kitchen stove, so they are handy.
ReplyDeleteCathy
I am going to look into those too.
DeleteI also found one of the bags of torn up pieces from an old flannel sheet from a couple of years ago. I use those for dusting etc. Tore them down to paper towel size and found a spot for them in my kitchen-will work on using those instead of paper towels for most things. I will sill use the paper towels for my cast iron pieces after washing and re seasoning them,
I came here at Christine's recommendation, and see a lot of familiar blogger names.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved into our condo four years ago the previous owner left a roll of paper towels in the linen closet. The roll is still there. I use hand towels in the kitchen (because I think the thicker terry cloth dries better) buy them at the thrift store. For dirty tasks I use one of my motley collection of old washcloths and bar rags. The only thing that gets cleaned with paper is the cast iron skillet.
Hi So glad you visited. I am doing more of that too using older towels for clean up and the paper towels for my cast iron pieces-I pretty much only cook our main meals in cast iron.
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