All Instructions

Towel hanging hole in the hoop - Monogram and Fringe

In-the-Hoop (ITH) Towel Topper Tutorial

A finished, decorative in-the-hoop towel topper with an orange slice design.

Important Note

You may need to pause the machine and take the hoop out during this project, but please do not unhoop your work! The lining is taped behind the hoop.

Stitching Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Hoop

Hoop only the tear-away stabilizer. I recommend using a double layer, since the design has a high stitch count. Attach the hoop to the machine.

A double layer of tear-away stabilizer secured in an embroidery hoop.

Embroider the placement outline directly onto the stabilizer.

The placement outline for the towel topper stitched onto the stabilizer.

Step 2: Place the Towel

Stop the machine, but do not unhoop your project yet. Lay your towel right inside the shape. There is no straight guideline to show the towel position, as its placement is optional. For this example, I placed the towel edge below the hanging hole, in the center of the design.

A towel placed inside the stitched outline on the stabilizer.

It is helpful to use tape or pins to ensure the towel stays flat while stitching.

Note: You can lay the towel at the bottom, in the center, or at the top of the design. The higher you place it, the more of the design will be stitched onto the towel.

Towel laid in the center (example photos below):

An example of a towel placed in the center of the design. Another example of a center-placed towel.

Towel laid at the top (example photos below):

An example of a towel placed at the top of the design. Another example of a top-placed towel.

Step 3: Stitch the Front

Let's continue. Place a piece of fabric (I am using orange medium-weight cotton) over the design area.

A piece of orange appliqué fabric placed over the towel.

Be sure the entire shape is fully covered with the fabric.

The appliqué fabric completely covering the design area.

You can use tape or pins to keep the fabric in place.

The appliqué fabric taped securely in place.

The next step will be the outline stitch. Complete the rest of the front design.

The decorative embroidery completed on the front of the towel topper.

Step 4: Create the Fringe (Optional)

Turn the hoop over to see the back side of the project.

An icon indicating to remove the hoop from the machine.The back of the embroidery hoop, showing the bobbin stitches for the fringe.

To make the fringe, cut the white bobbin thread.

Using small, sharp scissors to cut the bobbin threads on the back.

The designed fringe is 100% machine-wash safe, so you do not need to be afraid to cut the bobbin thread.

A close-up of the cut bobbin threads.

Step 5: Add the Backing

Now, attach the lining or facing fabric behind the hoop. Please be sure the shape is fully covered with fabric.

A piece of lining fabric taped to the back of the hoop.

Place the hoop back in the machine and sew the whole outline and inner outline seams to tack down the lining.

The tack-down seams stitched on the back of the project.

Step 6: Trim and Finish

Now it is time to trim the excess fabric. Do not forget to cut out the circle shape for the hanging hole.

Trimming the excess appliqué fabric from the front of the design.

Also, trim the excess lining fabric from behind the hoop.

Trimming the excess lining fabric from the back of the project.

I recommend using a bobbin thread in a color that is close to your towel color, as I have done with the orange towel.

The back of the project after trimming the lining.

Attach the hoop back on the machine and continue with the design. The final step is a nice satin stitch outline.

The final satin stitch outline being sewn.

When the design has finished, remove the tape and pins, unhoop, and gently tear away the excess stabilizer.

The project with the stabilizer being torn away.

Now, complete the fringe. Just fluff it up with the point of small scissors.

Fluffing the fringe on the finished towel topper.

Voilà! You are done!

The finished towel topper, ready to use.

Here is the beautiful backing:

The back of the finished towel topper, showing the clean lining.

As you can see, the towel hanging hole can be placed on the top of the towel (like letter "E") or inside the towel (like letter "J").

A diagram showing the two different placement options for the hanging hole.

Enjoy!

The finished towel topper hanging in a kitchen.

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