Painted Pet Portait Tea Towel

Decorative tea towels, do you love them or hate them? Maybe you’re like me, and are split down the middle. I’m a big fan of the personality they add to my kitchen, but they go against my typical preference for items that are both beautiful and functional. No matter which side you fall on the tea towel spectrum, this project has the opportunity to make you happy.

I created this pet portrait, tea towel using Procreate and Spoonflower.* It took me awhile to get the likeness of my dog Lucy Goose in digital paint form, but I am fairly pleased with the result. I used preloaded brushes to create the design based on a photo I had.

Then, I exported the image as a png, and opened it in Photoshop. The settings I used for my artboard are the measurements that Spoonflower lists for their linen cotton canvas, fat quarter (27” x 18”). I wanted minimal wastage, and thought this was the best way to accomplish that. I eye dropped the pink ground I had behind Goose (from procreate), and used the paint bucket to make the towel background the same pink color.

*I am not being paid for my recommendation of Procreate or Spoonflower. I just like both products/services.

Keep in mind, you’ll be sewing the bottom edge of the towel. Watch your art placement. I didn’t want any of her neck to get cut off, so I moved her up 1” from the edge. Once I had her centered, I exported the file as a jpg based on Spoonflower’s recommendations at 150 DPI.

Once the artwork is done, the rest of the ordering is very easy! When you go to the website, click the upload design button in the upper left hand corner (next to the brand logo). Select your file, and click upload.

After your art populates, you may notice is it either very zoomed in or is in a repeat. Select your fabric and size from the drop down menus. Change the repeat settings to center. Click the smaller button under design size until the artwork matches your Photoshop file. I used the linen cotton canvas because Spoonflower listed tea towels under fabric uses. They also have other diy towel tutorials on their site using this fabric.

Add it to your cart, and wait patiently for it to arrive!

Here's what you'll need to make your tea towel.

Materials and Tools

1 - Fat Quarter 27” x 18” (washed)

Fabric Scissors

Coordinating Thread

Iron / Ironing Board

Sewing Machine 

Ruler

Water Soluble Pen (optional)

The fabric will arrive with a white border around the artwork. It’s printed with details about your file. Since I wasn’t sure how much of a border was included, I didn’t account for it in my artwork. Trim the white off.

On wrong side of fabric, use a water soluble pen to draw a 1” border around each edge.

Cut diagonally across corner. This will remove excess fabric which makes it easier to complete the next steps.

Fold the outer edge in toward the line you drew. Press with an iron. Repeat for all sides.

Fold the edge onto itself. This will sandwich your unfinished edge inside. Pin along the edge of your fold.

Use sewing machine to stitch along inner most edge of your fold. Start with one corner and stitch all the way around.

Press all your edges with iron once you’re done sewing. Then you’re done! A lovely tea towel to with whatever you please.

These also make great gifts for Mother’s day, National Pet Day, You Adulted Day. Celebrate how you see fit!

If digital painting isn’t your thing, don’t worry. With all the opportunities for fabric online, instore, or opportunities for up-cycling, you don’t have to create your own design. You have many options to choose from to create something you’ll love forever.