Splash of Lime Cabana Beach Towel and Tote
Escape to the Loom—Mexico Style!
Let your shuttle take you on a tropical escape with this vibrant Beach Towel & Tote Set inspired by sunny days, turquoise waves, and flip-flop adventures in Mexico. Whether you’re actually beach-bound or just dreaming of warmer days, this project brings the sunshine straight to your loom.
Designed by Deborah Sykes using a lively twill gamp threading and two weights of yarn in a coordinated color palette, this four-shaft weaving project blends bold stripes, eye-catching textures, and a whole lot of vacation vibes. You’ll create a colorful beach towel, a roomy tote bag, and a handy zippered pouch—perfect for sunscreen, keys, or that SPF lip balm you can never find when you need it!
This kit is a joyful mix of texture, color, and function—ideal for adventurous weavers looking for a creative getaway right at the loom.
Weave structure: twill
Yarns: Aurora Earth 8/2 Cottons and 8/4 Cottons.
Equipment needed:
- Beach towel: 4-shaft loom, 41" weaving width; 12-dent reed; 1 shuttle.
- Tote bag and accessory pouch: 4-shaft loom, 36" weaving width; 12-dent reed;
1 shuttle.
Finished size: towel fabric: 25½" × 90"; finished tote bag, 8" × 23" × 15" with 13/8" × 28½" handles; finished accessory pouch, 9½" × 9½" × 2".
Instructions needed: Handwoven Summer 2025 pages 38-41.
These kits include all the yarns needed to weave either a tote bag and accessory pouch or a towel. The pattern can be found in the magazine noted above. You will need to purchase this magazine if you don't already own a copy.
Other supplies needed, but not included in kits:
Tote bag: McCall’s M7611 pattern, View A; medium-weight sew-in woven interfacing, 27/8 yd; cardboard or plastic canvas, 15" × 18" for strengthening bag bottom; 7" zipper; 45" wide lining fabric, 1½ yd; 45" wide sturdy contrast fabric, 1 yd; matching 100% cotton thread. Note: See pattern for additional sewing instructions and requirements. Deborah added a zippered pocket and three slip pockets to the inside of the tote. These are not part of the McCall’s pattern instructions. See Sewing Tips. Accessory pouch: Sew Can She Cute Corners DIY Cosmetic Case (see Resources); zipper, lining fabric, interfacing, and other supplies as described and required by the pattern. Note: Deborah increased the pouch’s height from the original pattern.
Photo by Matt Graves