Free applique patterns for tea towels

Who knew a tea towel could make us so happy? Turn a plain tea towel into a treat for the eyes with a few simple stitches and some pretty remnants with this easy DIY project by Michael Ann of Michael Ann Made. It's a great upcycling project which can spruce up old towels into floral beauties.

Let's hand over to Michael and get her free applique patterns for tea towels...

How to make applique tea towels

You will need

Kitchen towels that need sprucing up! I used plain 100% cotton towels I found at a local thrift store for $1. You could also use towels that already have a print for extra colour.
Colourful fabric off-cuts. This is a perfect project for using up precious tiny scraps.
Co-ordinating thread. The applique will look the best if you try to match the thread colour with the fabric. But contrasting on purpose can be fun too.
Sewing machine or embroidery needle, depending on your desired approach.

A white tea towel adorned with colorful floral appliqué designs in pink and yellow, accompanied by a white mug featuring a yellow pattern, is displayed on a light surface.

Step 1

How to make applique tea towels materials

Find a springtime pattern that you like and cut out your pieces. I knew I wanted a vintage look, so I searched around for vintage tea towels I liked. I found a little 60s flower power motif and drew my own simple pattern.

This is the creative part, so let your imagination run wild! Keep in mind that simple and bold images work best with busy, patterned fabric.

Step 2

Next, pin and sew your pieces. If you are using a sewing machine, as I did, use either a small and very close together zig-zag stitch or buttonhole stitch, and machine all around the raw outer edges of your pieces.

Pull the thread tails through to the back, tie them together, and cut them off instead of backstitching to finish.

If you prefer a hand-embroidered look, then get out your hoop and stitch away! I found some gorgeous tea towels in my search that used hand embroidery.

Two denim fabric containers sit on a wooden surface against a brick wall. The left one holds a green plant and is labeled "THINGS," while the right one, labeled "STUFF," contains wooden sticks. Scattered wooden spools and rolls of patterned tape are in the foreground.

Transform old denim

For more upcycling projects and tutorials, why not learn how to make denim plant pots using leftover denim?

Step 3

Finish off with any last-minute touches! I was originally planning to keep it simple, but then I found this scrap of pink ric rac… Just the kitschy icing on the cake this little retro towel needed! Depending on your mood, you could also add fun bias tape, lace or ribbon.

Transform scrap materials into beautiful appliques

As Michael Ann says, "Springtime is here, and I couldn’t be more excited! This simple spring tea towel tutorial should help to bring a little bit of colour and sunshine into your home. And the best part is that it seriously only takes a couple of minutes and some materials you’re bound to have lying around."

Eco-friendly sewing patterns just for you

If you're looking for more upcycling projects, make sure you check out our how to do visible mending tutorial or our upcycled sweater project!