How to Make a Hooded Towel

I'm often stumped by what gift to bring to baby showers. Sure, there are clothes, diapers, and other essentials, but my favorite gift when my first baby was born was a hooded towel. Since then, I've been making these towels and giving them as gifts. Being homemade, they add a personal touch, but are guaranteed to be used.

Now, I'm not a seamstress by any stretch of the imagination. This project is super simple and can be done by even a beginner sewer. The following illustrations and instructions should help you finish this project in less than 30 minutes.

Supplies needed:

one regular sized towel

one matching washcloth (approximately 11-1/2" X 13")

matching thread

sewing machine

straight pins

STEP 1: Fold the washcloth as in the photo below so that the final length is 7 inches. You will want the decorative edge of the towel to run vertical to your 7-inch side.

Note: If your towel does not have decorative striping like the one shown, you can easily add ribbon to a plain faced towel. Simply sew the ribbon onto the towel in a similar location as the striping shown. Most towels will have an indented section where the ribbon will fit well.

STEP 2: Sew along the edge that is now near the center of the washcloth. Use a zigzag stitch, being sure to consistently catch the edge with your stitch

STEP 3: Turn the washcloth inside out and sew approximately 1/2 inch in from the "non-fold" side of the washcloth. This side will be parallel to the striping or ribbon.

STEP 4: Find the center line of the towel. Lay your finished hood out with the seam you just made laying along the center line. Pin the hood in place, allowing the hood to form a triangle, with the bottom edge laying flat along the top of the towel. Sew in place.

Congratulations!! You are done. This towel is perfect for newborns to about age 2. To adapt for older kids, use a hand towel and cut it in half along the shorter side. Then follow the same basic instructions. The deeper your fold is in Step 1, the smaller your hood will be.

Now, just wrap the towel up with some baby shampoo and lotion and you've got the perfect baby shower gift with a personal flair.