Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Team Ideas24
Bathrooms and showers are not places for wall-to-wall carpeting, but a good-sized bath mat is essential for these spaces. Including an upcycled old towel bath mat.
Sure, these may seem like a piece of fabric to put your wet feet on but they’re much more than that. They can change the look and feel of your bathroom. They can also keep you safe.
The biggest benefit to having one is that it prevents slips and falls. Not every shower will be that slippery, but there’s always the possibility of an accident.
Make Your Own Soft and Super-Absorbent DIY Bath Mat From Old Towels
A good mat will not only give your feet some grip, but it will also make you feel at ease knowing that you’re safe.
Do you need a good-looking, plush bath mat for your bathroom? Why buy from the store when you can make your own rug using old towels!
It’s easy, money-saving, and a great idea for making good use of your old and ugly towels – even the ones with little holes and tears in them!
Once you get into the rhythm of this project, you’ll find that it’s a really enjoyable activity to do. And the next thing you know, you’re done with your DIY project and looking for the next! In fact, why not keep going and make a couple more unique, hand-crafted gifts. After all, everyone uses bathmats!
Comfortable, super-absorbent, good-looking, colourful, and unique – it’s just the perfect bath mat to add to your bathroom!
Contents
Crafting an Old Towel Bath Mat
You’ll need the following tools and materials to make a soft and super-absorbent bath mat from old towels.
Materials
- 3-4 Towels
- Thread
Tools
- Cutting Mat
- Rotary Cutter
- Scissors
- Pins
- Needle
Instructions
Need one (or two)? Head over to the tutorial linked below to learn how to make it! You’ll also find other versions of hand-crafted towel bath mats in our gallery below.
1. Use a cutting mat and rotary cutter to cut the bath towels into strips (3 inches wide).
2. Arrange three strips in a row. If necessary, cut off the towels’ borders. Sew together with pins. It is time to remove the pin.
3. One strip should be folded in half by folding the sides toward the centre. Repeat along the entire strip to secure. With the remaining two strips, repeat the process.
4. As you braid, remove the pins as you go. You will need to sew on more strips after reaching the end. Stitch the end to fasten. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – you can always go back and neaten it up later.
5. Using the braided rope, coil it into a tight coil. Once you have a nice tight coil, use a needle and thread to sew the coils together. This will give you a nice, firm mat to use for your bathroom area. And once you’re done, you’ll have a beautiful, unique bath mat that you will not see in any department stores!
You can get the full step-by-step instructions over here…
Below are a few other versions of a DIY towel bath mat that you can choose from.
Cute DIY bath mat designs from old towels
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. ?
1. Braided Towel Rug
2. Towel Rag Rug
3. Old Towel Bath Mat
4. Terry Cloth Towel Mat
Comparative Guide to Different DIY Bath Mat Techniques
Creating an old towel bath mat is not only a creative and rewarding DIY project but also an excellent way to repurpose old textiles that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Each technique offers a unique touch to your bathroom decor, making your old towel bath mat not just functional but also a statement piece.
Below, we explore various methods to help you decide which technique suits your style and skill level.
Braiding
Braiding is one of the most popular methods for crafting an old towel bath mat. This technique involves cutting the towels into strips and tightly braiding them together. The braided design not only adds a rustic charm to your bathroom but also provides a durable and absorbent mat.
The texture of the braids is comfortable underfoot, and the mat can be easily washed in a machine. This method is ideal for those looking for a straightforward and traditional approach to their old towel bath mat.
Weaving
Weaving is a slightly more complex technique that involves creating a loom from scratch or using a simple frame to interlace towel strips. An old towel bath mat made through weaving can be highly customizable in terms of pattern and size.
Weaved mats are typically very absorbent and sturdy, making them suitable for high-moisture areas like bathrooms. This technique might require a bit more patience and skill but results in a beautifully patterned old towel bath mat that’s both functional and decorative.
Knitting or Crocheting
For those who enjoy yarn crafts, knitting or crocheting an old towel bath mat can be a delightful project. This method involves cutting the towels into continuous yarn-like strips which are then knit or crocheted into a mat.
The softness and pattern possibilities are endless, ranging from simple stitches to intricate designs. A knitted or crocheted old towel bath mat adds a cozy, homemade touch to any bathroom setting and can be quite plush, depending on the thickness of the towel yarn used.
Hooking
Hooking is an artisan technique where strips of old towels are pulled through a stiff, woven base like burlap or latch hook canvas, creating a looped, carpet-like texture.
This method allows for detailed patterns and color play, making each old towel bath mat truly one-of-a-kind. Hooked mats are exceptionally soft and warm underfoot, ideal for colder climates or tiled bathrooms that need a cozy uplift.
Each DIY technique for crafting an old towel bath mat offers unique benefits, whether it’s the rustic appeal of a braided mat, the intricate patterns possible with weaving, the cozy feel of a knitted mat, or the artistic flair of a hooked mat.
By choosing the method that best fits your skill level, aesthetic preference, and the functionality needed in your bathroom, you can transform old towels into a beautiful and practical bath mat. Not only do these projects enable you to create something useful and attractive, but they also contribute to sustainability by repurposing old materials.
Matching Bathroom Accessories to Create with Old Towels
Crafting an old towel bath mat is a fantastic way to repurpose old towels, but why stop there? With the same materials, you can create a range of matching bathroom accessories that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your bathroom.
Here are some creative ideas to make coordinating items that will complement your old towel bath mat perfectly.
Towel Washcloths
Creating washcloths from old towels is an easy and practical project. Simply cut the towels into smaller squares and hem the edges to prevent fraying. These washcloths will match your old towel bath mat in material and color, providing a unified look. They’re perfect for face washing or applying skincare products, adding a touch of homemade luxury to your daily routine.
Hand Towels
To maintain the theme initiated by your old towel bath mat, you can fashion hand towels from the same set of old towels. Cut the towels into the appropriate size for hand towels and finish the edges with a sewing machine or serger. You can add decorative trims or embroidery to personalize them further. These hand towels will not only be useful but also decorative, enhancing the overall cohesiveness of your bathroom décor.
Toilet Lid Covers
A toilet lid cover made from old towels is another excellent way to keep the bathroom décor consistent. Measure the lid of your toilet, cut out the corresponding size from an old towel, and sew on elastic around the edges for a snug fit. This accessory adds a soft touch and can be easily washed, keeping your bathroom hygienic and stylish.
Shower Curtain Accents
If you’re using a plain shower curtain, consider adding accents from the same old towels used for your bath mat. You can sew strips or patches onto the bottom or edges of the curtain, creating a designer look that matches your old towel bath mat. This not only recycles materials but also ties the room’s aesthetic elements together beautifully.
Creating a matching set of bathroom accessories from old towels not only maximizes the use of available resources but also gives your bathroom a coordinated and thoughtful appearance.
From washcloths to decorative shower curtain accents, these projects complement the old towel bath mat, enhancing the overall theme and color scheme of your bathroom. With a little creativity and sewing, you can transform old towels into a stunning collection of bathroom essentials that are both functional and stylish.
Conclusion
Knitting an old towel bath mat is a rewarding way to give new life to worn textiles. This project allows for personal expression through various patterns and colors, turning a simple utility item into a crafted piece of decor. Once complete, the knitted mat serves as a cozy, absorbent addition to any bathroom, enhancing both comfort and style.
If you liked this project, you might also like to view Sew Your Own Baby Changing Mat…
