DIY Designer Washcloths: 15-Minute Flannel & Terry Cloth Tutorial

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Tired of scratchy, mass-produced washcloths that leave your skin feeling less than pampered? Craving the luxurious softness of a spa-quality clean, without the hefty price tag? Then get ready to elevate your bathroom routine with these incredibly easy DIY designer washcloths! We're about to show you how to transform simple flannel and terry cloth fabrics into beautifully textured, absorbent, and utterly delightful washcloths in just 15 minutes. Forget expensive store-bought options – you'll be surprised at how quickly and affordably you can create a set tailored to your personal style.

This quick tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to crafting your own custom washcloths, perfect for adding a touch of personalized elegance to your bathroom. Whether you’re a seasoned sewer or a complete beginner, you’ll find this project surprisingly simple and incredibly rewarding. So grab your fabric scraps and let's get started creating luxuriously soft washcloths that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Flannel fabric
  • Terry cloth fabric
  • Twill tape
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins or fabric glue
  • Scissors
  • Iron
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug your sewing machine before changing needles, attachments, or performing any maintenance.
  • Use caution when working with sharp sewing needles and pins. Keep them away from children and pets, and store them safely when not in use.
  • If using fabric that is prone to fraying, pre-wash and dry it before cutting and sewing to prevent unraveling and maintain the finished product's size.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • Round the corners of your flannel and terry cloth pieces using a template (like a roll of tape) and scissors. Cut along the traced lines.
    Round the corners of your flannel and terry cloth pieces using a template (like a roll of tape) and scissors. Cut along the traced lines.
    Prepare Fabric

  2. Add Twill Tape (Optional)

    • Add twill tape to one piece of fabric (terry cloth in this example). Use fabric glue or pins to temporarily secure it, then sew it in place using a straight stitch or decorative stitch.

  3. Assemble and Stitch

    • Place the two fabric pieces right sides together and pin all the way around, paying attention to aligning the layers, especially at the corners. Mark a 2-3 inch opening to leave for turning.
    • Stitch around the perimeter, using a 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the marked opening unsewn.
    Stitch around the perimeter, using a 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving the marked opening unsewn.
    Assemble and Stitch

  4. Finish Washcloth

    • Clip the corners, turn the washcloth right side out through the opening, and press the edges to create clean seams.
    • Fold in the raw edges of the opening and press. Stitch the opening closed.
    Fold in the raw edges of the opening and press. Stitch the opening closed.Fold in the raw edges of the opening and press. Stitch the opening closed.
    Finish Washcloth

Read more: Baby's First Laundry: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expectant Parents

Tips

  • Use soft, skin-friendly embellishments if adding any beyond the twill tape.
  • Cut fabric pieces to 10.5 inches for a finished size of approximately 10 inches, accounting for seam allowances. Adjust size as desired.
  • Use fabric glue or pins to secure the twill tape before sewing for easier handling. Take care when using fabric glue near your sewing machine.
  • Clipping the corners after stitching helps create sharp, well-defined corners when turning the washcloth right side out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting

Reason: Improperly cutting the fabric leads to washcloths of varying sizes and shapes, resulting in an unprofessional look.
Solution: Use sharp fabric shears and a ruler to ensure accurate and even cuts.

2. Inconsistent Stitching

Reason: Varying stitch lengths or tension creates a messy and less durable finished product.
Solution: Maintain a consistent stitch length and tension throughout the sewing process by practicing beforehand and using a sewing machine's guide.

FAQs

What type of fabric is best for DIY washcloths?
Flannel and terry cloth are excellent choices. Flannel provides softness, while terry cloth offers superior absorbency. You can also experiment with other soft, absorbent fabrics like cotton.
Do I need a sewing machine for this project?
No, this tutorial focuses on a no-sew method using fabric glue or fusible interfacing. A sewing machine is not required, making it beginner-friendly.
How do I wash my homemade washcloths?
Wash your DIY washcloths in warm water with your regular laundry detergent. Tumble dry on low or hang to dry to maintain their softness. Avoid using harsh bleaches or fabric softeners which can affect absorbency.
Looking for a quick and easy way to elevate your bathroom essentials? While store-bought washcloths can be convenient, creating your own allows for personalized designs and superior quality. If you're new to crafting washcloths, you might find inspiration in my previous guide on creating adorable baby washcloths using readily available materials. This project, featured in my guide on making a set of soft baby cloths, provides a great foundation for understanding the basics of fabric selection and simple sewing techniques – skills you can easily apply to this faster, more sophisticated DIY project. Let's get started on making designer washcloths in just 15 minutes!