DIY Upcycled Bath Mat Cost Calculator

Find out if upcycling old towels into a bath mat saves money vs. buying new.

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Is Making a Bath Mat from Old Towels Worth It?

Old bath towels that are too worn, stained, or threadbare to keep using make excellent raw material for DIY bath mats. Braided, woven, or sewn bath mats from recycled towels are soft underfoot, highly absorbent, and genuinely useful — but are they actually cheaper than buying a new mat from a store?

The answer depends on how you count the costs. If your old towels were heading for the trash anyway, your only real cash expense is the supplies: a non-slip rug backing pad, thread or safety pins, and maybe a few basic tools. In that case, even a simple no-sew braided mat can cost under $10 in cash, compared to $25–$60 for a comparable mat in stores.

The calculation shifts when you factor in your time. A braided bath mat typically takes 2–4 hours depending on size. If you value your time at even a modest hourly rate, the all-in cost rises — but many crafters consider the time enjoyable and don't include it in their savings math.

What Goes Into a DIY Towel Bath Mat?

  • Old towels: Two to four full-size bath towels yield a standard 20" x 30" bath mat. Using towels already on hand means zero material cost out-of-pocket.
  • Non-slip backing: A rubberized rug backing sheet or grip pad is the most common purchase. Expect to spend $5–$15 depending on size and quality.
  • Thread or fasteners: For sewn mats, a spool of heavy-duty thread. For braided or no-sew styles, safety pins or a large blunt needle and yarn are enough.

Braided vs. Woven vs. Sewn — Which Style Is Cheapest?

A braided mat requires no sewing machine and minimal supplies — just cut your towels into strips and braid them into a coil, securing with a needle and thread. It is the fastest and cheapest style. All three approaches produce a bath mat that rivals store-bought quality in absorbency and feel — and surpasses most budget mats in thickness, since you are working with full towel terry cloth.

Environmental Value Beyond the Dollars

Even when the time cost pushes the all-in DIY price above a cheap store mat, upcycling keeps textiles out of landfills. The average American household throws away roughly 80 pounds of clothing and textiles per year. Turning old towels into a bath mat extends their useful life by years and avoids the water and energy costs embedded in manufacturing a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many old towels do I need to make a bath mat?
For a standard 20" x 30" bath mat, plan on using 2 to 4 full-size bath towels. Thinner or older towels may require more strips, while thick terry cloth towels go further. Hand towels can also supplement your supply and add color variety to the design.
Do I need a sewing machine to make a towel bath mat?
No. A braided or no-sew coiled mat requires only scissors, a large blunt needle, and heavy thread or yarn. A sewing machine speeds up the process for sewn-strip styles and produces neater edges, but it is not required for the most popular braided technique.
What non-slip backing should I use?
The most common option is a rubberized rug pad cut to size, available at hardware or home goods stores for $5–$15. Alternatively, you can use a specialty non-slip fabric or hot-glue silicone dots in a grid pattern to the underside of the mat. Avoid using fabric glue alone — it tends to compress and lose grip over time.
Will a DIY towel bath mat hold up in the wash?
Yes, if constructed properly. Secure all strip ends tightly and use a robust overhand stitch at the coil seams for braided mats. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Avoid high heat, which can cause the backing to degrade faster. A well-made mat can last 2–4 years with regular washing.
Can I use old towels that have mildew stains?
Minor staining is fine since the towels will be cut into strips anyway and the finished mat can hide imperfections. However, towels with active mildew or a persistent musty smell should be washed with a cup of white vinegar before use, or avoided entirely — cutting moldy fabric can spread spores and the smell may persist in the finished mat.