Introduction: Weighted Beach Towel Mod
This easy beach towel mod adds a small pocket to each corner of a beach towel. These pockets can then be filled with sand to prevent your towel from being blown away on a windy day at the beach. It was designed for use at northern Californian beaches where you are more like to encounter patches of fog and strong gusts than sunshine and palm trees. While the wind may blow away just about everything else you brought (umbrellas, beach balls, small children), at least you know that your towel will stay put.
Step 1: Materials
You will need:
(x1) Beach towel
(x1) 17" x 14" wash cloth (approximately)
(x1) Misc. thread
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Step 2: Mark the Towel
Draw a line down the center of the towel bisecting into two equal halves.
Next, draw a second line perpendicular to the first line, dividing the towel into four equal sections.
Step 3: Cut the Towel
Cut along the markings on the towel to make four equally sized squares.
Step 4: Glue and Fold
Apply a thin bead of glue along the cut edges of one of the squares. Fold the edges over onto themselves and then press them firmly down.
Repeat this process for the remaining square.
Wait a few minutes for it to dry.
Step 5: Pin the Squares
Flip the towel over and pin a square to each corner of the towel.
Step 6: Sew the Squares
Using a straight stitch, sew along the outside edge where one of the squares meets the towel. Continue sewing along one of the inside edges to create a 'U' shaped pocket.
The specific edge is not remarkably important. Just don't sew the pocket shut by completing all four edges.
Repeat this process for the remaining three squares.
Step 7: Fill With Sand
Fill the squares with a few handfuls of sand to weight the towel down.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Never get blown away by the wind again.
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43 Comments
7 years ago
Great idea. So what if there is a bit of sand left in the pockets. It is a beach towel afterall. Most of it will wash away in the machine. Not a big deal if you shake well.
8 years ago on Introduction
clever.
8 years ago on Introduction
clever. i like it.
8 years ago on Introduction
You just gave me a fabulous idea! We go to fly kites at the beach in Washington. I've wanted to make kite anchors, but most of them involve wood working skills that I don't have. I can make the pouches without the beach towel, fill them with sand and even be able to bury them in the sand for extra drag. Plus, they'd be washable! Thanks, I'm so inspired.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Glad it was helpful. If that works out for you, you should share an Instructable of it :-)
8 years ago on Introduction
Have you considered the amount of sand that goes into your washing machine?
You could sew a hem with marbles in it.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I think the idea is portability and to not have to carry a towel that is heavy. Marbles would put extra wear and tear on the washer and on the towel. All you have to do is turn the corners in side out and brush the sticking sand off. I'm sure it's no more sand than what would be on the towel anyway. I always shake my towel well, before leaving the beach. I think this is a great idea!!
8 years ago on Step 8
This is a great use of gravity. I think that I will use your idea for my picnic tablecloth just in case I lose the table clips. Thanks.
8 years ago on Introduction
While sand certainly has it's benefits (flexible and fairly safe), I think other options might make more sense for a beach towel. Perhaps an alternative particulate of some kind. I'd think rocks or marbles or something else would work just as well. As long as it's not flung around anything from modestly sized rocks to metal spheres (of varying quantity dependent on size and weight would do the job.
For what it's worth, pockets that can be opened and closed seem like a good solution that allows more versatility. Also, keeping your weight sealed/enclosed somehow for things that might be damaged by water (especially salt water) is something worth keeping in mind.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
For what it's worth, the ease of adding/removing the sand is commendable in such a design.
8 years ago on Introduction
There's no way, once you got sand into the pockets, that you can completely remove it again. Why not simply put a handful of sand on the towel corners? It's not like it won't catch a few grains anyway.
8 years ago on Introduction
I think I'd put the sand in ziplock-type bags and put the sandbags in the pockets for slightly easier clean up.
8 years ago on Introduction
Such a simple solution, and so elegant. Sand used is dumped out, and towel is easy to wash, not heavy, or added other weights. Good one!
8 years ago
Move to Southern California and you will rarely get fog! Although you'll still get wind.
Nice hack though.
(I never quite understood people that lay on towels and sleep AT THE BEACH, why are you wearing your time sleeping as opposed to doing something fun... Like surfing. :P)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Not everybody is able-bodied enough to surf. In my case, I'm physically disabled (see: https://www.instructables.com/id/Crowbar-Cane/) and can't do much but sit or lay around, without causing myself a great deal of pain. Laying on a towel at the beach is pretty much all I can do (though you'd never guess it with my pallid Morticia Addams tan, lol).
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
I'm no sociologist but I'm pretty sure the answer is to tan.
8 years ago on Introduction
Nicely done. I was also thinking of using grommets in each corner of towel and use tent stakes :)
8 years ago on Introduction
I just make a groove on the sand (like a small valey) with my foot or hand and place the edge of the towel inside, on the side the wind is blowing.
8 years ago on Introduction
Hmm? Maybe another pocket can be seen on one top side corner to put other things like a watch or sunglasses?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Very intelligent, though I believe sand remains in the pockets when in the washer & it will take longer when drying..... Instead of sewing patches directly on the towel, sew some velcro on both items, this will allow to separate completely from towel when washing & drying. :)