Creative Uses for Towels: Towel Animals and Towel Origami
Towels are more than just everyday essentials — they can be transformed into fun shapes that delight kids and guests. Towel animals and towel origami are easy crafts anyone can learn. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make a few popular designs and recommend the best towels for the job.
Looking for more animals? Check out our full step-by-step guide: How to Make Towel Animals →
How to Make Towel Animals
1. Towel Elephant
Materials Needed:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Roll the Bath Towel: Lay the bath towel flat. Roll both sides inward so they meet in the middle.
- Fold the Towel: Fold the rolled towel in half, keeping the rolls on the outside. This forms the body.
- Shape the Legs: Adjust the rolls to form four legs. Set the body aside.
- Roll the Hand Towel: Roll the hand towel from one corner to the opposite corner.
- Form the Head and Trunk: Fold the rolled hand towel in half and twist the end to create the trunk.
- Assemble: Place the head on top of the body.
2. Towel Swan
Materials Needed:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Fold the Towel in Half: Lay the bath towel flat and fold it in half lengthwise.
- Roll the Corners: Roll both top corners down and inward to create a triangle.
- Shape the Neck: Starting from the pointed end, tightly roll the towel toward the base.
- Form the Head: Stand the rolled towel up and bend the narrow end to create the head and neck.
- Adjust: Refine the shape as needed.
How to Make Towel Origami
1. Towel Lotus Flower
Materials Needed:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lay the hand towel flat and fold each corner to the center.
- Fold each corner to the center again.
- Flip the towel over and fold each corner to the center once more.
- Gently pull the corners from underneath to form the petals.
2. Towel Candle
Materials Needed:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Lay the washcloth flat and roll it tightly from one side to the other.
- Fold the rolled washcloth in half.
- Stand it on one end to create a candle shape.
Best Towels for These Projects
The right towel makes folding much easier. Here are our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Chakir Turkish Linens 6-Piece Set — includes bath, hand, and washcloths
- Best Hand Towels: Utopia 600 GSM Hand Towels
- Best Bath Towels: American Soft Linen 4-Piece Set
- Best Washcloths: Amazon Basics Cotton Washcloths
Browse all recommended towels here: Towels for Towel Animals Collection →
For a full buying guide, see: Best Towels for Making Towel Animals (2026) →
Conclusion
Towel animals and towel origami are simple, impressive crafts that work great for parties, hotels, or just having fun at home. Start with a good quality towel that holds its shape, follow the steps above, and you’ll be folding in no time.