How to Sew a Custom Towel Wrap

Whether it’s fresh out of the shower or poolside chaos while juggling kids and bags, we all know the struggle of keeping a towel wrapped around us. Tired of constantly readjusting? This custom DIY towel wrap tutorial will show you how to keep your towel in place and make your life that much easier. This simple sewing project is perfect for beginners. Plus, you’ll learn sewing techniques you can use for other garments, bags, or accessories. Get your sewing materials ready because this practical project only takes a little time and effort!

With just a few basic supplies and tools, you’ll transform an ordinary bath towel into a cozy, stay-in-place wrap. Now, let's sew your perfect towel wrap!

Here’s what you’ll need to get started sewing your towel wrap!

Supplies:

• Brother sewing machine (I’m using the Brother Stellaire Innovis XJ1)
• Regular bath towel (30 in. x 54 in)
• Matching thread
• Bobbin
• ¾ in. wide sew-in hook and loop tape (7 inches)
• 1” wide no-roll elastic (16 inches)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Bodkin (or safety pin, though it’s more challenging to work with)
• Fabric clips or straight pins

DIY towel wrap made easy with these simple steps

1. Measure and cut

Cut your elastic to 16 inches and hook and loop tape to 7 inches.

2. Create the elastic casing

Fold over the top edge of the towel by 2 inches. Use the measuring tape to ensure that you are folding over exactly 2 inches. Use fabric clips to hold the fold in place, then sew close to the bottom edge to create the casing.

3. Mark positions for elastic

On the edge of the towel, use your measuring tape to mark 7 inches from each side. Repeat on the opposite end. These marks show where your elastic ends will go.

4. Insert the elastic

Attach a safety pin or bodkin to the end of the elastic and push it through the casing of your towel. I highly recommend using a bodkin. It’ll make it so much easier when you have to remove the bodkin from inside the casing.

When the loose end of your elastic reaches the first mark on your towel, secure it in place with a pin. I like to double pin to ensure that the elastic doesn’t move.

5. Secure the elastic

Continue pulling the elastic through the casing until you reach the second mark on the opposite end. Again, secure the elastic in place with a pin. Double pin it to ensure that it doesn’t move.

Remove the bodkin or safety pin from the casing.

Take your towel to your Brother sewing machine and sew the ends of your elastic in place within the casing.

Be sure to go over the ends of your elastic multiple times to ensure it doesn't come loose within the casing.

6. Attach the Hook and Loop tape

Attach the female side of the hook and loop tape to the outside (right) end of the towel. Sew in place by sewing around the perimeter of the tape.

Place the male side of the hook and loop tape on the inside (or wrong side) end of the towel. Sew in place by sewing around the perimeter.

7. Test your towel wrap

Wrap the towel around your body and close using the hook and loop tape. Dance around your house and ta-da! Just like that, the towel magically stays up on your body while you go about your business!

Never adjust your towel again with this DIY wrap

There you have it! Creating your own DIY wrap-around towel is fun, beginner-friendly, and easy to get started. Whether you plan to hit the pool, lounge at the beach, or handle your morning routine with ease, this project has you covered (literally). If you’re feeling inspired, check out this DIY embellished sunglasses case or learn how to embroider a pair of espadrille shoes.

Love what you made? Share your wrap-around towel pics and tag us on Instagram using @BrotherSews.

Happy sewing!

FAQs for your DIY towel wrap

Q: Can I use thicker or larger towels?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that thicker towels may make sewing more challenging. Larger towels might need longer elastic or additional hook and loop tape.

Q: What if I don’t have a bodkin?
A: No worries! You can use a safety pin to guide the elastic through the casing. While it might take a little longer, it works just fine.

Q: Can I customize this towel wrap further?
A: Absolutely! Add a pocket, decorative stitching, or even use patterned towels for a unique twist. Learn how to sew pockets on a towel in this tutorial, or learn how to sew a button for the closure in this tutorial.

Q: Are there any beginner-friendly sewing projects?
A: Check out the Brother blog for more beginner sewing tutorials like this DIY bucket hat, or learn how to sew outdoor pillows.