Easy hand-made baby gift!!!

I LOVE making things for people.....but obviously do not have a lot of time these days to do huge long projects. Almost every person who has had or adopted a baby, and I have been to their shower, has gotten one of these from me. These large hooded towels now only take me 15-20 minutes to complete! I decided to share the wealth. If you are new to the sewing machine this is a great project to begin.

Let me preface these directions by saying that this is my design. Lots of people makes these hooded towels lots of different ways. But, I think this way is the easiest. If you google it, you will probably find lots of directions on the internet. But, I am partial to this way....since I made it up ;) Feel free to use this design for yourself. I don't mind!

Besides, it is ALWAYS fun to sew when you have this staring at you!!!!!

For this project you need:

1 large adult sized towel

1 wash cloth that coordinates with the towel

ribbon

sewing machine

pins

sewing scissors

1. Begin with a towel and coordinating washcloth. These can be bought for as little as $5 together in some stores!

2. Lay the washcloth in front of you with the inside facing down. Fold the top side under approximately 3 inches. (This will be the lip of the hood). Then put a piece of ribbon across the front and pin down. Allow about 1 inch of extra ribbon to extend out the sides. Once pinned down, tuck the side edges of the ribbon underneath so it lays sandwiched between the 2 layers. Pin ALL the layers together (front, ribbon and back).

3. Sew the ribbon into place through all the layers. Because of the thickness of the towel, you may need a thicker needle. I have broken a few needles in the past. You can either use a straight stitch up the middle, down each side, or a decorative stitch like the zig-zag I used. I was in a zig-zag mood!

4. Fold the washcloth length wise (so it will look like a hood), so the ribboned edges are on the INSIDE. Sew a straight stitch close to the opposite end. You can eyeball this according to how deep you want the hood. Once it is sewn down, cut the excess material to the LEFT of the stitch if the seam is on the right. Turn the hood inside-out.

5. Now it is time to attach the hood to the towel. Fold the towel in half lengthwise to locate the exact middle. Make sure the tag of the towel is on the inside before pinning and sewing down the hood. Holding the exact middle of the top edge of the towel, pin the INSIDE BOTTOM of the hood. This part is the most difficult: Sew down the hood. TIP: Go slowly so as to make it as even as possible.

That's it, you are done! Here are 2 examples of some recent towels I have made!

* When I have a little bit more time and energy, I have also decorated the long sides of the towel with coordinating ribbon. It does tie it together, but it is not necessary.

Hope you enjoy this project. Let me know if you make one too. Soon everyone will want one. I guarantee it.......as I have made MANY!

Good luck crafting!