How To Make

Easy In-The-Hoop Towel Topper Organizer

Easy In-The-Hoop Towel Topper Organizer

Create a cute and practical towel topper using this in-the-hoop embroidery project! Perfect for organizing hand towels or kitchen towels, this design is done in one hooping and requires no turning or extra sewing.

A finished in-the-hoop towel topper with a decorative appliqué design, holding a kitchen towel.

NOTE: At certain steps, you may need to remove the hoop from the machine—but do not unhoop your project!

Materials & Tools Needed

  • Tear-away stabilizer
  • Small or hand towel
  • Appliqué fabric (medium or thick)
  • Lining/facing fabric (light to medium-weight cotton)
  • Embroidery thread
  • Embroidery machine & compatible hoop
  • Tape
  • Sharp fabric scissors
  • Optional: Extra stabilizer for easier trimming

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hoop

  1. Hoop a piece of tear-away stabilizer and attach the hoop to your machine.

Tear-away stabilizer secured in an embroidery hoop.

Stitch the placement outline directly onto the stabilizer.

Step 2: Attach the Towel

Lay the towel inside the stitched shape (do not unhoop).

A hand towel placed within the stitched outline on the stabilizer.

Use tape to keep the towel smooth and secure.

The towel taped securely in place within the hoop.

Stitch the towel tack-down seam. Afterward, carefully trim the excess towel fabric close to the stitch line.

Trimming the excess towel fabric after the tack-down stitch.

Step 3: Appliqué the Design

You can place an extra piece of stabilizer on top to help with trimming. Then, place the appliqué fabric over the design area and tape it down.

Appliqué fabric taped in place over the towel.

Stitch the tack-down seam for the appliqué fabric.

The tack-down seam for the appliqué fabric has been stitched.

Continue stitching the remaining decorative elements of the design.

Step 4: Add the Lining

Remove the hoop from the machine, but do not unhoop the project. Flip the hoop over to the back.

An icon indicating to remove the hoop from the machine.

Attach the lining fabric to the back of the hoop using tape, covering the entire stitched area.

Lining fabric taped to the back of the embroidery hoop.

Return the hoop to the machine and stitch the lining tack-down seam.

The lining tack-down seam stitched on the back of the project.

Step 5: Final Trimming

Trim the main appliqué shape on the front and remove the top stabilizer. Then, trim the excess lining fabric from the back.

Trimming the appliqué shape on the front and the lining on the back.

Step 6: Finish the Outline

Place the hoop back on the machine and finish stitching the final satin outline.

The final satin stitch outline being sewn.

Once complete, remove the tape, unhoop the project, and gently tear away any excess stabilizer.

If you have questions, please visit our website.

The completed towel topper holding a towel.

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