• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Projects
    • Homemade Bath and Body
    • Sewing - Fabric Crafts
    • Flower Crafts/Decor
    • Thrift Store/Vintage
  • Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Container Gardening
    • Houseplants
    • Indoor Gardening
    • Landscaping
    • DIY Garden Art
  • Decorate
    • Spring Decor
    • Summer Decor
    • Fall Decor
    • Winter Decor
    • Home Decor Projects
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Dessert
    • Salad Recipes
    • Soups and Stews
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Appetizers and Snacks
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Holidays
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
Hearth and Vine
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • DIY
    • ...Flower/Gardening Crafts
    • ... Bath and Body
    • ...Sewing/Fabric Crafts
    • ...Thrift Store/Upcycle
  • Gardening
    • ...Flower Gardens
    • ...Container Gardening
    • ...Indoor Gardening
    • ...DIY Garden Art
  • Decorate
    • ...Home Decor Projects
    • ...Spring Decor
    • ...Summer Decor
    • ...Fall Decor
    • ...Winter Decor
    • ...Room Makeovers
  • Recipes
    • ...Appetizers and Snacks
    • ...Dinner Recipes
    • ...Side Dish Recipes
    • ...Salad Recipes
    • ...Dessert
    • ...Drinks
  • Holidays
    • ...Valentine's Day
    • ...Easter
    • ...Mother's Day
    • ...Halloween
    • ...Thanksgiving
    • ...Christmas
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • DIY
      • ...Flower/Gardening Crafts
      • ... Bath and Body
      • ...Sewing/Fabric Crafts
      • ...Thrift Store/Upcycle
    • Gardening
      • ...Flower Gardens
      • ...Container Gardening
      • ...Indoor Gardening
      • ...DIY Garden Art
    • Decorate
      • ...Home Decor Projects
      • ...Spring Decor
      • ...Summer Decor
      • ...Fall Decor
      • ...Winter Decor
      • ...Room Makeovers
    • Recipes
      • ...Appetizers and Snacks
      • ...Dinner Recipes
      • ...Side Dish Recipes
      • ...Salad Recipes
      • ...Dessert
      • ...Drinks
    • Holidays
      • ...Valentine's Day
      • ...Easter
      • ...Mother's Day
      • ...Halloween
      • ...Thanksgiving
      • ...Christmas
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » DIY Projects

    Handwritten Family Recipe Tea Towel Gift Easy Tutorial

    by Patti Estep · Nov 1, 2022

    Jump to How-to Card
    Handwritten cookie recipe ironed on a tea towel
    Recipe printed on a tea towel over the paper recipe and reversed print on transfer paper.

    Make this handwritten family recipe tea towel gift to preserve a loved one's memory and delight your family with a special gift.

    Two family cookie recipe on a white tea towels folded and wrapped with a red ribbon.

    My mother was trained as a pediatric nurse, but after she married my father and started having children, she became a stay at home mom. It's been over 20 years since she passed, at the early age of 64, and I still miss her. Recently I pulled out her favorite recipe for Christmas cookies, handwritten on a piece of notepaper. Just looking at her familiar script made me smile. So I decided to make a family recipe tea towel gift for my siblings, in remembrance of her.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    How to Make a Family Recipe Tea Towel Gift

    Supplies

    • White tea towel flour sack towels
    • Fabric transfer paper
    • Inkjet printer for color or laserjet for black & white
    • Iron
    Pink ruled paper with handwritten Christmas cookie recipe on it.

    Everyone loves handwritten recipe gifts. To make one for yourself, or for your family, scan the paper copy of the recipe into your computer as an image. You could even just take a picture from your phone, and send it to yourself via email.

    Christmas cookie recipe tea towel mirror image of original handwritten recipe with a colored holiday banner at the top and bottom.

    Next, you have to reverse the image, so when you iron the paper onto the tea towel the letters will be in the correct direction. I added a festive border to mine. If you like it, there is a template below. All you have to do is insert your recipe.

    Printable Holiday Recipe Frame Template

    Here's a template of the borders if you'd like to make your own family tea towel.

    template-image

    Click on the image and you will save a Word file to your computer.
    Then you can insert the image of your recipe in the middle.

    Newsletter Signup
    Join Our Newsletter List!

    Be the first to receive new posts and get access to our Subscribers Only Page.

    Be careful with the iron. On my first attempt, I kept the iron on too long, resulting in these burned areas. 

    Family cookie recipe on a white tea towel with faux pine and a red ribbon around it.

    Make sure you follow the directions, and the image should transfer well. The color of the paper is a slightly darker shade of white but I still think it came out great.

    Hang it as a kitchen towel decoration during the holidays or just keep it somewhere special to hand down to the next generation.

    Handwritten Christmas cookie recipe transferred onto a tea towel, next to one rolled up and wrapped with a red ribbon. Pine con and frosted berry garland in the background.

    As the middle child of five,  I know that even if they never make the cookies, my brothers and sisters will love seeing mom's handwriting, and remember how blessed we were to have her as our mother. Why not make some sentimental towels as gifts for your own family?

    BTW It's a great recipe too!

    Patti signature

    More Tea Towel Crafts

    • Fern Printed Tea Towel
    • Tea Towel Apron
    • Flower Pounding Tea Towel
    • Handprinted Tea Towels with Fruit
    Christmas sugar cookie recipe printed on a tea towel.
    handwritten-cookie-recipe-transfer-on-tea-towel
    Print
    4 from 3 votes

    Handwritten Recipe Tea Towel

    Take one of your favorite family recipes and create a recipe towel on a flour sack tea towel for the perfect gift and special keepsake.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Active Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time25 minutes mins
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $15

    Equipment

    • Computer
    • Printer
    • Iron

    Materials

    • White cotton tea towel flour sack towels
    • Fabric transfer paper

    Instructions

    • Wash dry and iron the tea towel.
    • Scan the handwritten family recipe into your computer as an image. If you don't have a scanner take a picture with a phone and email it to yourself.
    • Import the image into a Word document or other software and reverse the image. This way when you iron the paper onto the tea towel the letters will be in the correct direction.
    • Use the template above for a festive border if desired and import your image inside.
    • Print out onto transfer paper.
    • Follow the directions on the transfer paper and iron the image onto the tea towel. Be careful not to let the iron sit in any one area too long or it may turn brown.

    Notes

    Be careful not to let the iron sit in any one area too long or it may turn brown.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
    « How to Make Acorn Cap Candles
    Lebanese Chicken Moghrabieh »

    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Frances Dujardin

      December 28, 2019 at 9:02 am

      How would you get the image off of your phone to transfer paper probably dumb question but I'm 71 and not too tech savvy but I would love to try these towels as gifts for some special people in my life as well as my granddaughters n great granddaughters thank you

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 28, 2019 at 9:15 am

        Frances, not a dumb question at all. I usually just email the picture from my phone to myself. That way I can download it to my laptop from my email while I'm on the computer.

        Reply
    2. Teresa

      December 20, 2018 at 5:34 pm

      I love this idea! One question though, how do I go about reversing the text?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 21, 2018 at 8:49 am

        Teresa, you can flip the image in different software such as Microsoft word or MSPaint. I think you could probably flip it on your phone too. Look for something that says rotate image or flip horizontally.

        Reply
    3. Brittany

      September 15, 2018 at 12:29 pm

      I love this idea. I've never transferred an image to fabric. How well do these hold up? Can they be washed? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        September 16, 2018 at 7:47 am

        Brittany, technically they can be washed as the product is made for t-shirts so surely they get washed. However, I will be honest and say that I haven't washed mine. I use it for decorative purposes. Of course, I will need to eventually wash it and then I plan to wash it in cold water and let hang dry just to be safe. You can also check out the details on the transfer paper.

        Reply
    4. Deena Hulen

      April 09, 2018 at 8:29 pm

      I love this. Can I ask how you got the notebook lines out of your final product?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        April 10, 2018 at 6:50 am

        Hi Deena,

        I used editing software to remove the lines. You should have something on your computer that you can use.

        Since my original paper was pink. I took all the color out and that helped. Then I played with the lighting, ie exposure, contrast, highlights... to get it as clean as I could. Some software also has erasers but you have to really get in close and that's hard to do.

        Good luck and I hope that helps.

        Reply
    5. Kyleene Smith

      January 09, 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Patti,

      I LOVE this idea!!! I actually also live the tea towel that is scorched! I think it gives it an aged look to the recipe. 😍

      Reply
    6. Ann Doe

      January 07, 2018 at 4:39 pm

      I love the "burned" area - looks like aged, vintage paper 🙂 I have my grandmother's brownie recipe written out by a dear friend of my mother's, and this may be just the thing to do with it!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        January 08, 2018 at 6:48 am

        Thanks Ann. I hope you love it as much as we did.

        Reply
    7. Jenn

      December 14, 2017 at 5:14 pm

      Thank you for this idea! I love it. Trying to think of ways to share moms items so all can enjoy.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 15, 2017 at 6:46 am

        Thanks Jenn. I think everyone loves having something from mom.

        Reply
    8. Richella Parham

      October 14, 2017 at 1:27 pm

      Love, love, LOVE this idea, Patti!! And you executed it beautifully. I need to get some transfer paper and try this out!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 14, 2017 at 1:42 pm

        Hi Richella,

        I'm glad you like it. My siblings really liked it too. It makes a nice special display at Christmas.

        Reply
    9. Terry F.

      December 19, 2016 at 3:50 pm

      Thank you. Your calendar is so pretty.

      Reply
    10. Theresa

      December 12, 2016 at 3:36 pm

      Lovely idea. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party! Pinned & shared.

      Reply
    11. Leanna

      December 11, 2016 at 6:36 pm

      This is a lovely thoughtful gift. Great idea

      Reply
    12. Cristina at Ava's Alphabet

      December 11, 2016 at 12:50 pm

      This is lovely, Patti! I have my grandmother's recipe box full of recipe cards in her beautiful handwriting. I treasure them and this would make a lovely tribute to her memory. Pinned and sharing! Thank you for joining us at Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party.

      Reply
    13. Beverly

      December 10, 2016 at 8:14 am

      What a lovely gift this is! It's a wonderful way to honor your mother. Thanks for sharing at Snickerdoodle. Pinning.

      Reply
    14. Charlotte Burkholder

      December 08, 2016 at 3:28 pm

      Also may I ask how you reverse the image?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 08, 2016 at 3:33 pm

        Hi Charlotte,

        I reversed the image in Word but you can use any image software like Paint or even online in something like picmonkey. In word, click on your image, go to picture tools, choose rotate, then flip horizontal. In picmoney click on rotate and then the first set of arrows. (side by side)
        Hope this helps.
        Patti

        Reply
    15. Charlotte Burkholder

      December 08, 2016 at 3:25 pm

      This is a special and meaningful gift. I just got one of those handwritten recipes of my grandmother's. My aunt took a picture of it and sent it to me of the hard rock candy Granny used to make. Great idea! Thanks for sharing it at Family Joy Blog Linkup.

      Reply
    16. Sue Wulff

      December 07, 2016 at 5:24 pm

      Did you enlarge the recipe onto the tea towels? My recipe is on a recipe card so it is small. Can I enlarge it?

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 07, 2016 at 6:58 pm

        Hi Sue,

        You should be able to stretch or enlarge the image in Word. Sometimes enlarging can distort the image a little though, so I suggest trying a little and see how it looks.

        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
    17. Rhonda

      December 05, 2016 at 7:12 pm

      Hi Patty. Stopping by from Sunday's Best. I love this idea not only for a Christmas gift, but a birthday or Mother's Days gift as well. Your mother's handwriting is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your idea with us.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 06, 2016 at 7:19 am

        Hi Rhonda,

        Yes! Birthdays and Mother's Day would be another great time to give this gift.
        Thanks for stopping by,
        Patti

        Reply
    18. Amanda Nel

      December 04, 2016 at 5:20 pm

      This is so special and a lovely gift to give to family!

      Reply
    19. Cynthia Chilson Finger

      December 04, 2016 at 9:06 am

      Such a great idea and thoughtful gift for your siblings. I love it, and hope to pay tribute to my own mother in this matter. Thanks so much for sharing. Merry Christmas, Cynthia

      Reply
    20. Marie H

      December 02, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Patti this is wonderful! I have several handwritten recipes from my mother in law. Some were my kids favorites. i was wondering how to give them to my children as a remembrance of their grandmother. This is such a great idea.....

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 02, 2016 at 2:32 pm

        Hi Marie,

        So glad you liked it. You mother in laws recipes would be such a nice gift to your kids!
        Let me know how it goes,
        Patti

        Reply
    21. Kathy Ziegenmier

      December 01, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      Can you tell me where you found your linen towels? I wanted to make several for family members but the least expensive I found were $20 for four of them from from Amazon.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 02, 2016 at 7:02 am

        Hi Kathy,

        I bought mine on Amazon and paid $21 for 7 towels. There's a link in the post. Another place I have purchased them before was at Joann Fabrics but I can't remember the price.

        Hope that helps,
        Patti

        Reply
    22. Pat Schwab

      December 01, 2016 at 3:13 pm

      Patti, I just love this idea. Your mom sounds like she was the best. I know your siblings will love this. Pat S

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 01, 2016 at 3:58 pm

        Thanks Pat!

        Reply
    23. vicki d.

      December 01, 2016 at 11:29 am

      This is such a beautiful way to remember your mother Patti and I am sure your family is just going to love the towels . I will be trying this with a poem my dad wrote for me and my sister . I'll have to see if she can find the only copy of it with his hand writing but if not I typed it out and saved it on my computer . Thank you for always sharing great things with us

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 01, 2016 at 4:01 pm

        HI Vicki,

        I'm so glad to know that you will be doing something similar with your family. Your father's poem is an excellent choice and I'm sure your sister will love it!

        Thanks for your kind comment!
        Patti

        Reply
    24. Bernie

      December 01, 2016 at 8:40 am

      Love your ideas Patti. I'm going to try this myself. Can't believe it's been 20 years since your mom passed. So many great memories of holidays with the family. Miss both your mom and dad.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 01, 2016 at 8:45 am

        Hi Bernie,

        Thank you. I feel the same about your parents.
        We sure were blessed with some great parents.

        Thanks for the lovely comment,
        Patti

        PS I think you'll love this sugar cookie recipe.

        Reply
    25. Maureen

      December 01, 2016 at 8:15 am

      What a beautiful tribute to your mom, you definitely inherited her creativity!

      Reply
    26. Carole @ Garden Up Green

      December 01, 2016 at 7:49 am

      LOVE LOVE THIS!!! Patti you are so creative and this is such a neat idea. You're siblings will love it. Enjoyed hearing more about your life and the blessings that have been shared with you. A stay at home mom is a value that I wish more kids could experience today. Enjoyed!!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        December 01, 2016 at 7:50 am

        Hi Carole,

        Thank you. This was an emotional one for me.

        Reply
    4 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Handwritten cookie recipe ironed on a tea towel
    Recipe printed on a tea towel over the paper recipe and reversed print on transfer paper.
    Patti Estep Profile Picture

    Hi!

    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

    More about me

    Popular Posts

    • Baked zucchini bite on a slated tray with a bowl of horseradish sauce.
      Make Tasty Zucchini Bites in Under an Hour
    • Three tin cans in descending sizes hanging from twine.
      DIY Wind Chimes with Tin Cans
    • Blue jean crossover bag
      DIY Crossbody Bag from Jeans
    • Ham barbecue sandwich on plate
      Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches - A Pittsburgh Favorite
    • Echievera planter
      What to do With a Stretched Succulent
    • Make a Mason Jar Oil Candle Lamp with botanicals and essential oils. ~ gardenmatter.com
      DIY Oil Candle - Gifts for the Holidays

    Footer

    Handwritten cookie recipe ironed on a tea towel
    Recipe printed on a tea towel over the paper recipe and reversed print on transfer paper.

    ^ back to top

    About
    Contact
    Privacy Policy
    Disclosure Policy

    Sign Up Here!
    for our
    newsletter &
    special offers

    Follow Me

    facebook
    Pinterest
    instagram

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Hearth and Vine

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.