Bath Towel Origami 101

There are a number of things you can do to ensure your guests’ ultimate comfort and enjoyment. Fresh linens, home cooked meals and entertainment are a few examples of what the typical house guest may expect.  So why not give them something they’re not expecting? How about a ‘visitor’ at the foot of their bed; an elephant or a swan perhaps? Don’t worry; we’re only talking towel animals here. Ones you can easily create yourself, just like on the cruise ships! And with these step-by-step towel folding instructions, you’re sure to surprise and delight your guests every time! Check out full instructions for creating your favourite Bath Towel Origami below:

Elephant Towel Animal

What you’ll need
1 bath towel, 1 hand towel (sunglasses optional)

Body

1. Spread the bath towel flat; on a firm surface is best.
2. Fold the ends in approximately 15 centimeters.
3. Fold the folded ends in again the same distance.
4. Roll hemmed edges until they meet in the middle of the towel.
5. Bend the rolled towel in half with the rolls facing "out", forming the body and legs of the elephant.

The Head

1. Spread the hand towel flat.
2. Hold down the center of the long side of the towel.
3. One at a time, take each towel corner near the fastened point and roll towards the center, forming a long, pointed, double roll.
4. Turn the roll over so that the flat side faces up toward you.
5. Roll the narrow pointed end into a tight roll, forming the elephant’s trunk. Squeeze firmly to hold shape.
6. Take the flat area of your towel between the two towel points at the side that's facing down and invert it away from the center. This will open the wide end points into "ears" and form the elephant’s "forehead".
7. Place the head on top of the legs and position for a most natural look.

Swan Towel Animal

What you’ll need
1 bath towel (2 if you’d like to give your swan a companion)

1. Spread the bath towel flat; on a firm surface is best.
2. Fold the corners down so they meet in the middle.
3. Roll the folded edges firmly to meet at the center.
4. Form a “Z” shape with the rolls facing upward
5. Squeeze at the corners to hold the curves.
6. Repeat for a swan companion; when facing one another and pushed together, a heart shape is formed (perfect for honeymooners/couples).

Monkey Towel Animal

What you’ll need
1 bath towel, 1 hand towel. 1 hanger with clips or clothes pins

Body

1. Spread the bath towel flat; on a firm surface is best
2. Roll the towel from both ends into the center.
3. Reach inside the rolls, locate the towel corners and pull them out.
4. Hold the two corners from one end of the towel in one hand and the two corners from the other end in your other hand.
5. Gently pull towel ends apart.
6. Carefully drop the smaller end (if there is one) and clip the longer ends to the hanger. This will form the monkey’s body.
   

The Head

1. Spread the hand towel flat and fold in half, width wise
2. Roll ANY two opposite corners until they meet in the middle.
3. With the rolls facing up, roll tightly again from the folded end toward the open end.
4. Roll the upper flap of the open end back around the roll.
5. Fold and tuck the lower flap of the open end down and around the roll in the opposite direction, forming the head (upper flap with roll) and mouth (lower flap, folded back under the roll).
6. Tuck the "head" between the clipped "arms" of the monkey's body and the towel monkey is complete!