If you are anything like me, you probably have a whole stash of fabric scraps. I like to collect even the smallest pieces thinking that one day I will find a project for them. Well, today is that day! We will go over how to use scrap fabric to make these DIY Reusable Cotton Rounds. These can come in handy in so many ways! They are great for removing makeup, applying medicine or alcohol to the skin, removing nail polish, applying diaper rash cream, cleaning small noses, scrubbing dishes, and the list could go on! Most fabrics could work for this project, but the best would be softer cotton-like flannel or cotton knits. Fleece is also good to use for one side of the round, as it is great at taking off makeup around the eyes.
You’ll only need a few supplies for this one. Pick out some cute cotton fabric. I found this fun print to use for one side of my cotton rounds and I think it looks great. You’ll need some basic supplies like thread, pins, and scissors. You can use a round object like the bottom of a cup or use the included free pattern I have linked below. Gather up your supplies & let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
- Scrap Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Free Pattern or Drawing Compass or Round Object
- Sewing Clips
- Sewing Machine
- Iron or heat press
- Thread Clippers
- Scissors
- Rotary Cutter, Cutting Mat, & Ruler
DIY Reusable Cotton Rounds
Step 1: Create Circle Template and Cut Out Fabric
The first thing to do on this how to make cotton rounds sewing tutorial is to print the free circle template. You can do this with either normal paper or posterboard. If you have a drawing compass, you can use that to create your circles. If you do not, then you can use any circular object like a cup or vase.
Once you have a template, you can use that to cut out your circles from your scrap fabric. Each cotton round takes two circles, so if you want a set of five you are going to cut ten circles.
Step 2: Set Up Sewing Machine
The next thing we are going to do is set up the sewing machine with the appropriate thread, sewing foot, and stitch length and width. First, we need to choose our thread. If you have a lot of different fabrics, you may want to choose a neutral color thread. Otherwise, you can choose thread that either matches with the fabric or contrasts the fabric. Next, we are going switch out the presser foot to an overcast foot, if you have one. This foot can also be called an overedge or an overlocker foot. It works by having the bar in the middle wrap the thread around the edge of the fabric while you stitch. If you do not have an overcast foot, you can always use the universal foot that the machine came with.
After we have the presser foot attached, we want to choose a stitch that looks similar to a serger or overcast stitch. On my machine, that would be stitch 7 or 8; however, if your machine does not have either of these, you could always just use a simple zigzag stitch like stitch 4 on my machine.
Next on this DIY cotton rounds tutorial, we want to make sure that the length and width of the stitch is appropriate for our project. You will want the stitch to be tight so that the edges do not fray. Therefore, you want the length of your stitch to be between 1-1.5 and the width to be 3.5-4. You may want to practice first on a scrap to see which of the measurements work best with your machine.
Step 3: Pin and Sew Cotton Rounds
Now it is time to start constructing the reusable cotton rounds. Place two pieces of fabric wrong side to wrong side. This means that the pattern of each side will be facing out. Pin or clip the two pieces together so they do not slip while sewing.
Next, sew around the edges of the circle. To do this, place the fabric so needle is right at the edge of the fabric. Having an overcast foot helps, as the end of the fabric will lay right in the middle of the opening like pictured. If you do not have an overcast foot you may just have to wing it and adjust accordingly. You will want it so that the stitch on the right lands over the edge of the fabric and the stitch to the left sinks into the fabric.
When you first start you will want to create a reinforcement stitch, to do this sew a stitch or two in the beginning and then press the backstitch button on your machine. This should just reinforce the stitch so that it does not unravel after a few washes.
Take your time in sewing around the curves until you have made a complete circle. You may even want to go over your first few stitches a little, just as a bit more reinforcement. You can also backstitch one more time at the end.
That’s it! These reusable cotton rounds are easy to make. Repeat these instructions with the rest of the cotton rounds in your set. To wash, just throw the reusable cotton rounds in the washer machine with other items like towels. Remember, if you are using these to take off fingernail polish, that will probably stain the rounds. No worries though, these are inexpensive and easy to make!
If you liked learning how to make these easy diy reusable cotton rounds, make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest board or share it with friends on social media. If you decide to make this simple project on your own, make certain that you take a picture afterward and tag us on social media as we love seeing the fabrics and color choices that people use!
DIY Reusable Cotton Rounds
Make your own reusable cotton rounds. They are so simple to make and can be made in no time.
Tools
Instructions
- Print & cut out pattern
- Cut out fabric circles.
- Place pieces wrong sides together & sew
- Enjoy!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine, Lightweight, Full Featured, 27 Stitches, 6 Included Feet -
Fiskars Crafts 95237097J Rotary Sewing Cutting Set (3 Piece), Grey
-
LIVINGO Premium Tailor Scissors Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Titanium Coating Forged Stainless Steel Sewing Fabric Leather Dressmaking Softgrip Shears Professional Crafting (9.5 INCH)
