Sewing · Pattern
The Bread Keeper Towels
One honest cloth in three useful sizes, each with a broad reinforced corner made for the rounded wooden pegs in old kitchens. Beginner work throughout — squaring the cloth matters more than the stitching does.
Step by step
Step 1
Cut to size
Small: 19 1/2 x 25 1/2 in with a 6 in square cut diagonally for the corner patch. Medium: 23 1/2 x 31 1/2 in with a 6 1/2 in square. Large: 31 1/2 x 37 1/2 in with a 7 in square. Prewash and square the cloth on grain first.
Step 2
Hem the towel
Press every raw edge under 3/8 inch, then another 3/8 inch. Mitre the four corners and topstitch the hem.
Step 3
Prepare the hanging corner
Finish the long diagonal edge of the triangular patch with a narrow double fold.
Step 4
Set the corner pocket
Place the triangle over one back corner with the raw sides aligned to the finished outer edges. Turn the two remaining patch edges under and topstitch them down, leaving the diagonal edge open.
Step 5
Check the opening
The finished opening should measure about 4 to 5 inches — enough to settle over a broad wooden peg without forcing the linen.
Step 6
Bar tack and label
Reinforce both ends of the opening with a short bar tack. Add a small woven label beneath the opening if you like.
Keep all three sizes quiet and coordinated so they can hang together on the same wall.
The Mercantile Letter
Notes from the workroom
Seasonal shop openings, new patterns, and what's rising on the kitchen counter. Sent quietly, never often.