Vintage tablecloths are some of the sturdiest textiles around but they're usually badly stained or expensive. Turning them into dish towels is one way to repurpose something destined for the rag pile. Take it one step further and hand-print your own design on them to modernize them a bit and add some extra charm to your kitchen.
Find a place on your stained table cloth large enough to cut into a tea towel. This can vary in size but 16" x 28" is a generous size.
Fold your raw edges over twice (1/4" each time) and pin. Stitch on all sides, press flat with iron. You'll also need fabric paint in your desired color, foam (the thicker the better), a small paintbrush, and cardboard.
Place cardboard under your fabric before painting so it won't bleed through. Cut your desired shape from your foam and cover one side of your foam in an even layer of paint with your brush. Test this out on a scrap piece of fabric so you can see how it turns out. Adjust accordingly. Gently pick it up off your fabric starting with one side and rolling it off. Keep stamping until you're done. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions with drying time and washing instructions before using your dish towel.
You could also skip the stamping and use your paintbrush to add an ironic statement or design on your tea towel. Make some for house warming gifts or as stocking stuffers this Christmas. You can feel good about your thoughtfulness and pat yourself on the back for recycling, too. xo. Rachel
Love the geometric stamp on the pretty organic florals!
Posted by: Miranda | October 03, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Great idea. Spray painting or stamping a doily pattern would be cool too. :)
Posted by: Mrs. Overbey | October 03, 2011 at 11:17 AM
rach, this is absolutely gorgeous! perfect pattern combination!
xo, elsie
Posted by: elsie | October 03, 2011 at 11:17 AM
ooh looks fun :) i'm planning on doing a quilted pinboard soon :)
Posted by: Lauren | October 03, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Cute pattern! I need to make these for my kitchen to give it a little more life! :)
Posted by: Meli (Blush + Jelly) | October 03, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Oh my goodness! I absolutely love this! I see a lot of old linens at estate sales and I always think, this is such a cute print but would I be able to get that stain out? Now I don't have to worry about it!
P.S. Such a cute apron, too.
Posted by: Lauren | October 03, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Fab, fun and quick! my kind of diy!x
Posted by: rebecca | October 03, 2011 at 11:34 AM
That is a genius idea!
I love how creative you ladies are.
*runs off to find fabric paint*
x
Posted by: Elizabeth@rosalilium | October 03, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Love this! Great restyling idea for old tablecloths, I'll have to remember this when I'm go thrifting. <3
Posted by: Mandy @ Miss Indie | October 03, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Its very pretty. It adds a "cozy and home-y" feel to it. :)
Posted by: ida may bueno | October 03, 2011 at 12:17 PM
Our dish towels are so incredibly ugly -- they were given to us as gifts a while ago, but we couldn't just throw them away -- and the only things I could think of were adding a trim or dying them, so this is another great option for us. Thank you~! :D
Posted by: Alyssa | October 03, 2011 at 12:35 PM
I love the idea, but not the geometric/floral combo! Thanks for sharing! Xo
http://beingzhenya.wordpress.com/
Posted by: ZhenyaH | October 03, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Very cute. I love your tutorials. They are so easy to follow! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Sweet Green Tangerine | October 03, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Very cute!! I love your D.I.Y. tutorials Elsie!buy I miss more pictures of your daily life.
Kisses!!
Posted by: Nerea | October 03, 2011 at 01:50 PM
Nerea, not to worry! I am posting more DIYs because it's a good season for handmade with the Holidays coming up, but I won't stop posting personal posts as well. :) XO!
Posted by: elsie | October 03, 2011 at 01:58 PM
I love this idea! Thanks!
--Jaclyn T
Nature Inspired Jewellery
http://www.etsy.com/shop/trickart
http://positiveponderings.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jaclyn T | October 03, 2011 at 02:02 PM
i seriously love this rachel and elsie!!! i'll definitely be making some for my new kitchen! yay!
<3katie
Posted by: katiecupcake | October 03, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Oh I love this idea! This really adds a modern touch to a vintage look- super cute. I'll be making some soon, I'm sure!
http://littlemisslj.blogspot.com/
Posted by: LauraJane | October 03, 2011 at 03:00 PM
How adorable. Rachel always has great ideas. I can't wait to try this one. xo, rv
http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Rae Veda | October 03, 2011 at 03:06 PM
This is a great idea to save pretty stained cloth! U guys are so creative!
Fang Ting
http://ftashion.blogspot.com/
Posted by: fang ting | October 03, 2011 at 03:22 PM