This How-To is another in our series of easy projects you can create using items in your household you already own or by purchasing inexpensive items. You do not have to have an embroidery machine for this project; any sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch will work. You will be using stash fabrics (or new if you choose), leftover thread, Wonder-Under or other fusible, a set of purchased or made dish towels, and your imagination. Use this concept for holidays, special decorating, or for doing machine applique on garments or pillows. You are not limited to dish towels for sure!

This is what the example dish towels will look like at the end of our project. The materials are few. We used a fat quarter of aquatic fabric and purchased dish towels which cost less than a dollar a piece. The threads and Wonder Under were leftovers and essentially cost nothing. Stabilizers for under the embroidery work (a tight zig zag or satin stitch) can be any material from a purchased product to an old piece of paper that you tear away when you're done. We used an old legal pad. Break a few rules and make it fun!

Originally created for SewingWeb.com in June 2002. Instructions updated and embellished March 2007 for FrugalSewing.com