Help please with Cath Kidston fabric. I want some tea-towels but hate the choices in the ready made sets!

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My tea-towels are rags, literally rags. I have come to the conclusion that I can send them to recycling and get new ones.

I don't like the sets of two ready that are made by Cath Kidston. They seem to pair one nice-ish print with one naff print, so I am thinking of making my own. (Yes, I know that Cath Kidston tea-towels are a cliche, but I don't care :) ) My sewing knowledge is basic at best, but I think that this shouldn't be beyond me. The cost won't be much less, but I will get the prints I want.

Is this the correct weight/type of fabric? I think the width is 140, but am not certain. Would there be a large 'edge' to the fabric that I wouldn't be able to use?

www.cathkidston.co.uk/c-104-cotton-fabric.aspx

Thanks for any comments, advice!

I will try to be as helpful as I can, yes you can make them from her cotton fabric but you would need to know if it has been treated in any way to make it waterproof as it says it is suitable for upholstery and curtains so it may well have a dressing on it. If this is the case then, you will not be able to use it as it will not absorb water.

In answer to your second question, the selvedge is about between 1/4" to 1/2" on each side 1.5 - 2 cms so you will lose very little. As you are making tea towels you will not need to worry about pattern repeats and matching up.

Making a pattern up will be pretty easy - measure your old tea towels up and add 1.5 " to both the length and width. With your iron, iron a 1/4" seam all the way round... now do this again with a 1/2" seam and mitre the corners. If you are not sure how to mitre, try Skip to my Lou's tutorial which is great.

Thanks, that is helpful advice. Plus good news about the small selvedge.

Bearing in mind what you said, I looked a bit further and clicked on an option where someone had left a review, saying that it was too thick for tea-towels. So it maybe that the 'lightweight cotton' is the best choice, which is good news because it is a bit cheaper!

I have sent Cath Kidston an email to clarify, so hopefully will get some info from them.