I have sewn my favorite fabric across the bottom of one side of the towel..in a strip about 2 inches wide.

I have also received a hand towel with a piece of fabric sewn across the towel about 3 inches up..it flaps free of the towel and this friend put a piece of coordinating ric rac across the top of the fabric.

I machine embroidered a monogramed initial on mine, looks great!

I have hand towels with rick rack, and ruffling sewed across the end of the towel they are red and green for Christmas.

I had a bunch of white hand towels that needed something in a hurry. I made 2 to 3 inch wide strips of Seminole quilting and sewed them across just above the hem. They really looked pretty and were so different from the usual. Also, in Florida, we're very Seminole aware.

I purchased a dozen white towels (hand size for guests) and sewed a two-inch strip of fabric on both ends. The fabric was in colors matching the bathroom and has been used and admired by many guests. And it was great to use up some fabric strips.

how about this minus the embroidery? i just doubled a strip of fabric gathered it a little and sewed it on and overlapped it to the back.
donna

You make it sound so easy!

Did you use a ruffler?

no sylvia, i didn't use a ruffler. i just did it the old fashioned way, sew 2 rows of long stitches, then pull them till u get it all gathered to fit the towel and sew it on.

I have just used a couple of rows of decorative stitching on those flat woven part. You can do them in different colors or the same. They look very finished when done. Everyone seems to like them and it's so easy.