People Are Just Now Discovering the Usefulness of These Fabric Strips on Towels: A Step-by-Step Guide

In the world of home organization and efficiency, small, innovative features can sometimes go unnoticed. One such feature that’s making a quiet comeback—and which many people are just now discovering—is the fabric strips on towels. Often called “towel hangers” or “towel loops,” these fabric strips provide a simple yet incredibly effective solution for towel storage, drying, and organization. While they may seem like a minor detail, these handy additions to your towels can revolutionize how you hang, dry, and store them.

In this article, we'll explore the usefulness of fabric strips on towels and walk you through how to make them yourself. Whether you're looking to upgrade your current towels or create a custom set, this step-by-step guide will ensure you understand how and why these fabric strips can be so useful.

Why Fabric Strips on Towels Are So Useful

Before jumping into the "how," let’s first understand why these fabric strips can make a significant difference:

  1. Convenience: These fabric strips (or loops) allow you to easily hang towels on hooks, pegs, or towel bars. Without them, you may need to fold or drape towels in awkward ways to ensure they stay up and don’t slip off.

  2. Space-Saving: For bathrooms or kitchens where space is limited, using the loops to hang towels frees up valuable surface area. They can hang neatly from a hook, reducing clutter on towel racks or shelves.

  3. Faster Drying: Towels with loops can be hung more efficiently, allowing them to dry faster. When hung in a way that air circulates more freely around the towel, they’re less likely to develop that musty, damp smell that often comes from improper drying.

  4. Organization: These loops help you organize multiple towels, keeping them separated for easier access. It also ensures that towels are hung securely without them falling onto the floor.

  5. Customization: Adding fabric loops to towels opens up a world of customization. You can use different types of fabrics, colors, and patterns to personalize towels, making them match the décor of your bathroom or kitchen.

Now that we know how helpful fabric strips can be, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of adding them to your towels.

How to Add Fabric Strips (Towel Loops) to Towels: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed:

  • A towel (bath or hand towel)

  • Fabric strip (1.5 to 2 inches wide and approximately 6 to 8 inches long)

  • Scissors

  • Needle and thread or a sewing machine

  • Pins (optional)

  • Iron (optional for pressing)

Step 1: Select the Fabric for the Towel Loop

First, choose a fabric that will be durable enough to handle frequent use. Cotton or cotton blends are often a good choice because they are soft, absorbent, and easy to sew. However, you can also opt for other materials such as linen, terry cloth, or patterned fabric if you want to add a bit of flair to your towels.

Make sure the fabric you choose complements the towel’s color and design. If you’re going for a minimalist, classic look, consider using a neutral color. Alternatively, you can use bright or contrasting fabrics to make the towel loop a fun accent.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric Strip

Now, cut your fabric into a strip measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in width and approximately 6 to 8 inches in length. The exact measurements can vary depending on how large or small you want the loop to be, but this is a general guideline.

After cutting, fold the fabric strip in half lengthwise with the right sides (the side that will be visible) facing each other. This will create a narrower strip that can be sewn into a loop.

Step 3: Sew the Edges of the Fabric Strip

To create the loop, sew along the long edge of the fabric strip, leaving about a ¼ inch seam allowance. You can use a sewing machine or hand stitch it if you prefer. The seam will hold the fabric together and prevent it from unraveling. After sewing, turn the strip inside out so the right side is facing out, and you should now have a clean, tubular piece of fabric.

Step 4: Prepare the Towel for Attachment

Next, decide where on the towel you want to attach the loop. A common placement is along one of the towel’s corners, either at the top or side. If you’re adding a loop to a bath towel, it’s usually best to attach it to the upper edge where the towel will naturally hang.

Use pins to mark the spot where you’ll sew the fabric loop. Make sure the loop is aligned so that it won’t twist or be lopsided once attached.

Step 5: Attach the Fabric Loop to the Towel

Once you’ve positioned the fabric loop on the towel, pin it in place. You can either sew it onto the towel by hand or use a sewing machine. Start by sewing a straight stitch around the base of the loop to securely attach it to the towel.

Make sure to reinforce the ends of the loop by backstitching to prevent the loop from coming loose with use. If necessary, you can also add a small piece of fabric on the back of the towel to reinforce the area where the loop attaches, ensuring it can withstand frequent pulling when hanging the towel.

Step 6: Finish and Press (Optional)

After the loop is securely attached, remove any pins and give the towel a good press with an iron. This will smooth out any creases and give the fabric strip a crisp, clean appearance.

Now, your towel is ready to be hung up and used!

Additional Tips for Customizing Your Towels with Fabric Loops

  • Add Decorative Details: Consider adding buttons, embroidery, or small patches to the fabric loop for an extra decorative touch. This is especially fun if you’re gifting towels to someone or creating a set for a special occasion.

  • Use Velcro: If you want the loop to be detachable for washing or storing, you can sew a small piece of Velcro on both the towel and the fabric strip. This way, you can easily detach and reattach the loop whenever necessary.

  • Match with Bathroom Decor: Choose fabrics that match the color palette of your bathroom for a coordinated look. For example, if you have a nautical theme, you could use striped fabric or marine-inspired patterns for the towel loops.

  • Mix and Match Fabrics: Don’t be afraid to mix different textures and prints! Try using a patterned fabric for the loop with a plain towel for a playful contrast.

Conclusion

The fabric strips on towels—whether they're simple loops or more intricate designs—have proven to be more than just a practical feature. They offer organization, ease of use, and even a bit of personality for your bath linens. By adding these functional loops to your towels, you’re not only making them easier to hang and dry but also enhancing the aesthetic of your bathroom or kitchen. With this easy step-by-step guide, you can create your own towel loops and enjoy the benefits of a more organized and stylish space.