Threaded Running Stitch Monogrammed Dishtowel

This is another very easy, very quick embroidered dishtowel for the hope chest. The project takes just minutes to complete. I used the simple running stitch along the hemmed outside edge of the dishtowel and then threaded a second color back and forth through the stitches. This is called threaded running stitch and it is so easy to do! And, since we will soon be entering the spring bridal shower season, the towel, along with the ruffly dish scrubby (tutorial here) and a nice wooden spoon would make the perfect gift for an upcoming bridal shower!

The monogram is cross-stitched using an iron-on transfer.

The stitch size is fairly large on this towel so I used all six strands of cotton embroidery thread for the running stitch on the edge. If you make the stitch smaller in size you should use three or maybe four strands.

The only trick to this stitch is to use a tapestry style needle when you do the threading so that you don't pick up any fabric as you push the need under the running stitch. This second thread shows up only on the top. The running stitch continues to show on the back of the towel, so the back looks pretty as well.

I love the way the towel looks and I really love how quickly I could get the embroidery finished. You may have noticed that I favor quick projects when it comes to kitchen linens. There are a couple of reasons why this is. A kitchen towel is used hard and it obviously will show the wear after some time. I want Abigail to be comfortable using these towels for everyday. If I put too much effort into such a practical hope chest item, she might be tempted to think it too pretty to use and leave it in the hope chest. I would hate for that to happen. So, if I can make it quickly, the article will seem more practical and more utilitarian, rather than merely decorative. I'm not sure that will be the case, but that is my thinking anyway. Of course I am extra happy when the article is both quick and beautiful!