Project

Coordinating Mismatched Towels

Most linen closets hold a few perfectly usable but mismatched towels. You can easily unify an assortment of solid-colored towels by sewing on washable, decorative ribbon that complements all the hues.

Photography: John Gruen

Source: Martha Stewart Living, September 2001

materials

Washable decorative ribbon

Needle and thread

Sewing machine

Terry towels

steps

Baste ribbon onto the right side of the towel along the dobby trim that is woven into most terry towels, or at a similar distance from the edge, about 2 to 3 inches. Turn the ends of the ribbon under for a neat edge.
On a sewing machine, secure the ribbon in place using a small zigzag stitch. The result is a multicolor matched set that is good for more years of service.