My friend, Diana, gave me this kitchen print fabric recently. She had purchased it for herself, but lost interest in making anything with it. I thought it would be perfect for an embroidery project for the kitchen. Measuring it out, I could cut it into four rectangular pieces about 18 x 20. Adding a band with the embroidery would bring it up to a great size for use.
Red and teal are such a popular combination, not only for modern kitchens, but also the ones vintage inspired. I pulled threads to match the colors in the fabric, and assigned the red and teal to the biggest sections of the embroidery design.
A second embroidery was done, mirroring the tools in the fabric. I use Sulky Solvy stabilizer that washes away with water.
I cut the print across the 18-inch end at five inches from the edge. Then I inserted the embroidered piece.
On the back side, the seam is finger pressed open so I can grade it. Note that the seam is close to 3/4 inch instead of the usual quarter inch. This is so I can enclose it and cover the raw edges.
On the print, I trimmed out the seam allowance to half of what was there.
Fold the white seam allowance over about 1/4-inch, then fold over the raw edge of the print seam allowance. Pin.
Topstitch the folded edge.
Repeat with the second seam. Now you have a finished back side that won’t ravel when washed.
Next, finish the edges. Fold over the edge about 1/4-inch and press.
Fold again, enclosing the raw edge and press, then pin.
Stitch close to the inner fold.
Continue for all four sides.
All done, perfect for a modern kitchen to use or display.
I had some new red silicone spatulas that I got in a set that I’ve never used. I like the smaller ones in the set and use them often, but I have larger ones from another set I like better than the red ones. So, I added a red spatula to each of the towels. A ribbon was pinned to the towel, and then tied on using the hole in the handle.
I did the same with the second one.
And then I made a third one.
They are for sale now, $18 each plus shipping. I plan to put them in the guild show if they don’t sell before then. Just leave a comment with the one you’d like if you are interested. I think they would make wonderful gifts.
From My Carolina Home 
I’m so glad you could put the fabric to good use. The towels look great.
These are super cute! And you’re right — they’d be a wonderful gift for a baker!
What lovely, beautifully finished towels! I bet they will get snatched up by someone quickly.
What a great project. Thank you for the clear instructions on enclosing the seam on the back where the pieces joined. It looks so professional. Last year I was sewing with a granddaughter and the pattern said to grade the seam, and I had NO idea. Thank goodness for google at the time. 🙂
Great use of the kitchen themed fabric. Like how you finished the seams!
Stay warm!
Jo Anne
That’s a great use of the fabric. I have some similar to that which is slated for an apron or two. You often spark ideas for me. Charlie
Those are really cute, Carole! I do like turquoise and red together – it’s a fun combination. Thanks for showing how you enclosed the raw edges, too!
Carole-those are SO cute! I like the way you finished the edge of the insert so it won’t ravel when washed.
it reminds me that I was going to ask a question about the denim jacket where you cut away the denim yoke (you added the lace there). Did you finish the edges of denim with zigzag stitch/serger or bias tape?. Maybe i just missed that part but I thought the jackets were very creative. You have given me courage to try one myself!
Thanks, Sarah! Kitchen towels get washed a lot and need the edges finished.
On the denim jacket, I did not finish the inside seam edge, it is left raw. It would be almost impossible to do that after inserting the lace and trimming to 1/4-inch, unless by hand. I don’t expect to wash the denim jacket except rarely and on a delicate cycle.
Very cute Carole. I need to get back to embroidery one of these days!
Those are really great, and I bet they sell. Love the embroidery and the enclosed seam…perfect additions to a fun fabric to make the towels more fun!
Those are super nice!
These are so cute! You did such a great job on them.