“What can I do with old towels?!?”. I’ve heard this question so many times! But just when you thought your old towels had reached the end of their life, think again! I’ve got a great sewing treat for you!
If you love giving new life to old items while adding practical, handmade touches to your routine, this DIY project is perfect for you! Let’s breathe new life into those cozy fabrics by transforming them into something both eco-friendly and chic.
In this tutorial, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to sew your own hair turban towel by upcycling an old towel you have at home in that full linen closet. (No need to buy a new one!)
With this hair wrap pattern, you’ll create a stylish, useful and sustainable hair towel that not only keeps your locks up and out of the way but does so with a unique touch of personality.
It’s a simple and fun sewing project, perfect whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner sewist looking for an easy way to get started. Ready to turn that old towel into your new favourite hair wrap?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
How to Sew a DIY Towel Turban to Dry Your Hair
What You’ll Need to Sew a Hair Wrap Towel
One bath or beach towel (of course it can be a new one, but older ones that you don’t really want to keep anymore work well and it’s a great to upcycle them rather than dumping them in the trash 😉)
One button (you might just have the right one laying around in your tub of notions at home!)
A strip of thin elastic
Sewing needle and thread
The usual sewing gear: sewing machine, machine thread, fabric scissors, measuring tape, pins.
Serger / Overlocker optional.
PDF sewing pattern templates and complete instructions HERE.
Step 01:
Print the detailed sewing instructions and the template pages.
Piece together the template pieces as described to create your complete hair towel paper template.
Step 02:
Use the printable templates to cut out 2 identical pieces of your towel.
Around the curved edge pin together the 2 towel layers and use your sewing machine to stitch the pieces together.
Step 03:
To improve the finish of your hair towel turban, the raw edges of this seam can be stitched using a serger or the zig zag stitch of your sewing machine.
Along the straight edge at the bottom of the towel, the raw edge can be finished in the same way. Just don’t stitch these layers together! 😅
Step 04:
Create a hem along this straight edge by folding the towel inwards. Pin this hem in place.
Before sewing, fold the length of elastic in half to create a loop, and tuck the cut ends inside of the pinned hem at the front of the wrap. Pin the elastic securely in place.
Top stitch around the entire hem, being sure that the elastic loop is also firmly attached.
The elastic loop will now be on the inside at the centre front of the hair wrap.
Step 05:
At the back of the hair towel, place the button on the centre seam line, on the “right side” of the fabric. Sew firmly in place.
Step 06:
As they say… “That’s a wrap!”. You’re finished sewing one hair towel turban!
For full details, don’t forget to get the entire sewing instructions, complete with loads of photos and the pattern templates you need to easily sew along!
Check Out These Useful Sewing Resources Too!
Other projects to sew with old towels
Fun upcycling sewing projects to make with old denim
Beginner-friendly sewing projects
Congratulations—you’ve now created your very own upcycled hair turban towel! By choosing to sew and give that old towel a new purpose, not only will you have created a stylish and practical hair wrap, but you’ve also taken a step towards more sustainable living.
This project is a perfect testament to the idea that with a little creativity and skill, what’s old can be transformed into something new and fabulous.
I hope you enjoy using your new hair wrap as much as you enjoyed making it!
