How to make golf cart seat covers out of towels is one of the easiest summer golf hacks if you are tired of hot vinyl seats, sticky legs, sweaty shorts, and beach towels sliding all over the cart bench.
A regular beach towel can help in an emergency, but it usually bunches up, falls behind the seat, or slides forward every time you get in and out of the cart. The trick is turning the towel into a simple no-sew golf cart seat cover using towel clips, armrest slits, elastic straps, or a basic tuck-and-clip pattern.
This DIY method works best for golfers who use rental carts, club carts, resort carts, neighborhood carts, or personal carts and want a removable summer comfort solution without buying permanent upholstery or sewing a custom cover.
For a full summer cart setup, pair this DIY cover with cooling steering wheel covers, golf cart umbrella holders, cooling golf towels, and sunscreen for golf.
Quick Verdict: Best No-Sew DIY Golf Cart Seat Cover Method
Best easy method: Use one oversized beach towel, two to four heavy-duty towel clips, and a simple fold-over/tuck method around the golf cart bench.
Best secure method: Cut two small armrest slits in the towel, slide the towel around the cart armrests, then use clips underneath or behind the seat to reduce sliding.
Best no-cut method: Use towel clips or beach chair clips only, especially if you do not want to permanently alter a premium towel.
Best material: A thick cotton beach towel or terry cloth towel is the safest DIY option because it is soft, washable, absorbent, and comfortable against hot vinyl.
Best warning: Do not block the cart controls, seat hinge, cup holders, armrests, storage access, or passenger movement. A DIY towel cover should improve comfort, not create a snagging or slipping hazard.
Why Make a DIY Golf Cart Seat Cover from a Towel?
A DIY towel golf cart seat cover solves a real summer problem. Vinyl cart seats can feel too hot in direct sun, especially when you are wearing shorts, skorts, or lightweight summer golf clothing. Humidity makes the seat feel sticky, and sweat can make the ride less comfortable between shots.
A towel creates a soft barrier between you and the seat. It can absorb moisture, reduce direct heat contact, protect the seat from sunscreen residue, and give the cart a cleaner personal feel when you are using a rental or shared cart.
The DIY version is also practical because you can choose the towel size, color, thickness, and attachment method. If you already own a good beach towel, you may only need towel clips or elastic straps to make it work better.
Materials You Need for a No-Sew Golf Cart Towel Seat Cover
You do not need a sewing machine for this project. The simplest version uses a towel and clips. The more secure version uses small cuts or slits so the towel can wrap around armrests more cleanly.
- Oversized beach towel: Choose a towel wide enough to cover the golf cart bench and long enough to tuck behind or under the seat.
- Heavy-duty towel clips: Use clips strong enough to hold fabric under movement, wind, and repeated entry/exit.
- Fabric scissors: Use sharp scissors only if you plan to cut armrest slits.
- Measuring tape: Use this to check seat width, armrest spacing, and towel placement before cutting.
- Fabric chalk or washable marker: Mark slit locations before making any cut.
- Optional elastic straps: Use adjustable straps if clips alone do not hold the towel securely.
- Optional no-sew hem tape: Use this if you want cleaner slit edges without sewing.
Best Supplies for DIY Towel Golf Cart Seat Covers
The right DIY supplies make the difference between a towel that stays in place and a towel that slides off by the second hole. Below are the practical product categories worth buying if you want a cleaner no-sew setup.
1. Oversized Beach Towel for Golf Cart Seat Covers
Best for: Golfers who want one large towel to cover the full cart bench with enough extra fabric for tucking and clipping.
An oversized beach towel is the foundation of this DIY project. A small bath towel may cover part of the seat, but it usually leaves hot vinyl exposed along the edges. A larger beach towel gives you more room to fold over the seat back, tuck behind the cushion, or clip underneath the bench.
Choose a towel that feels thick enough to block heat but not so heavy that it stays wet all day. Cotton terry cloth feels soft and absorbent. A quick-dry beach towel is easier to pack and dries faster, but it may feel thinner against hot vinyl.
Before buying, check the dimensions, fabric thickness, washing instructions, and whether the towel sheds lint. A towel that looks nice but leaves fuzz all over the cart seat can become annoying after a few rounds.
Pros
- Large enough to cover most standard two-passenger golf cart benches.
- Soft barrier against hot vinyl seats.
- Machine washable after sweat, sunscreen, and dust exposure.
- Easy to replace or rotate with different colors and patterns.
Cons
- Can slide if used without clips or tucking.
- Thick towels may take longer to dry after washing.
- Some towels are too narrow for wider cart benches.
Buy it if: You want the easiest base material for a no-sew golf cart seat cover.
Avoid it if: You want a fitted professional seat cover with stitched corners and built-in straps.
2. Heavy-Duty Towel Clips for Golf Cart Seat Covers
Best for: Golfers who want a no-sew way to keep a beach towel from sliding off the cart seat.
Heavy-duty towel clips are the simplest upgrade for this DIY project. Instead of hoping the towel stays in place, clips let you secure the towel around the seat back, under the cushion edge, or near the armrests depending on the cart design.
Look for clips with strong spring tension, wide jaws, and smooth edges. A clip that is too weak will pop off when you slide into the seat. A clip with sharp teeth can snag or tear towel fabric if you pull it aggressively.
Beach towel clips, chair clips, blanket clips, and heavy-duty laundry-style clips can all work, but the best choice is one that grips thick towel fabric without damaging it.
Pros
- No sewing or permanent towel modification required.
- Helps stop the towel from sliding forward or blowing away.
- Can be reused for beach chairs, towels, blankets, and cart covers.
- Small enough to keep in a golf bag or cart basket.
Cons
- Weak clips may not hold thick towels securely.
- Sharp clips can mark or snag towel fabric.
- Clip placement depends on cart seat and armrest design.
Buy it if: You want the easiest no-sew way to secure a towel to a golf cart seat.
Avoid it if: You want a smooth custom-fitted cover with no visible clips.
3. No-Sew Hem Tape for Armrest Slits
Best for: Golfers who want cleaner armrest slits without using a sewing machine.
No-sew hem tape is useful if you plan to cut small slits in the towel for cart armrests. The slit method helps the towel sit flatter and stay better aligned, but cut towel edges can fray over time. Hem tape can help reinforce those edges without sewing.
Check whether the tape is suitable for towel fabric and whether it requires heat from an iron. Some towels are thick, textured, or synthetic enough that adhesive bonding may not be perfect. Test on a small hidden area before applying it to the main slit.
This is optional. If you only want a temporary no-cut setup, skip hem tape and use clips. If you want a cleaner DIY pattern, hem tape can make the towel look more intentional.
Pros
- Helps reduce fraying around cut armrest slits.
- No sewing machine required.
- Can make a DIY towel cover look cleaner.
- Useful for repeated washing if applied correctly.
Cons
- May not bond equally well to every towel fabric.
- Usually requires careful measuring and heat application.
- Not necessary for a temporary clip-only cover.
Buy it if: You want to cut armrest slits and keep the edges cleaner without sewing.
Avoid it if: You want a completely no-cut, no-iron, clip-only project.
4. Adjustable Elastic Straps for a More Secure Fit
Best for: Golfers who want stronger hold than clips alone on windy days or frequent in-and-out cart use.
Adjustable elastic straps can help secure the towel under the cart bench or around the seat back. They are especially useful if your towel is thick, the cart seat is smooth, or the cover keeps shifting when passengers slide in and out.
The key is placement. Straps should hold the towel without blocking the seat hinge, interfering with armrests, or creating a tripping or snagging point. Keep straps low, flat, and away from where golfers place their legs.
Choose straps with smooth clips or hooks. Avoid rough metal hardware that could scratch the cart or tear towel loops.
Pros
- More secure than using only towel weight and tucking.
- Helpful for windy days and frequent cart entry.
- Reusable with other covers, blankets, or travel gear.
- Can reduce bunching on smooth vinyl seats.
Cons
- Requires careful placement to avoid interfering with the cart seat.
- Visible straps may not look as clean as a fitted cover.
- Cheap hooks can scratch or snag fabric.
Buy it if: Your towel cover keeps shifting and you want a stronger no-sew hold.
Avoid it if: Clips alone already keep your towel secure enough.
Method 1: The No-Cut Clip-On Beach Towel Seat Cover
This is the fastest and safest method because you do not cut the towel. It is best for golfers who want a temporary solution or want to use a premium beach towel without permanently changing it.
Steps
- Choose an oversized beach towel that covers the cart bench from side to side.
- Lay the towel across the seat with extra fabric hanging over the front edge.
- Pull the back portion slightly behind the seat cushion or toward the seat back crease.
- Tuck the towel into the rear seat crease if your cart design allows it.
- Clip the towel at the left and right sides near the armrest area or underneath the cushion edge.
- Sit down gently and test whether the towel slides forward.
- Add two more clips or straps if the towel moves when you enter or exit the cart.
This method is ideal for rental carts because you can remove everything in seconds without leaving marks or making modifications.
Method 2: The Armrest Slit Pattern
The armrest slit pattern is more secure because the towel fits around the cart armrests instead of simply lying over the bench. This method still does not require sewing, but it does require careful measuring and cutting.
Steps
- Place the towel over the golf cart seat exactly where you want it to sit.
- Mark the armrest positions with fabric chalk or a washable marker.
- Remove the towel and lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Cut two small vertical slits where the armrests need to pass through.
- Start small because you can always make the slit larger, but you cannot undo a cut that is too big.
- Slide the towel back over the seat and guide the armrests through the slits.
- Tuck the back edge into the seat crease and clip the towel underneath or at the sides.
- Use no-sew hem tape around the slit edges if you want cleaner reinforcement.
This method works best on personal carts or carts you use often because the towel becomes shaped for that seat layout. It may not fit every rental cart equally well.
Method 3: The Fold-and-Strap Pattern
The fold-and-strap pattern is a good middle ground. You do not cut the towel, but you use elastic straps to hold it tighter than clips alone.
Steps
- Fold the towel lengthwise if it is too long for the cart seat.
- Place the folded edge toward the seat back so the front edge feels smooth under your legs.
- Tuck the rear edge into the seat crease if possible.
- Run an adjustable elastic strap beneath the seat or behind the back support if the cart design allows it.
- Attach the strap to both sides of the towel without pulling so tight that the fabric bunches.
- Add towel clips at the outer corners for extra stability.
- Test entry and exit from both passenger sides before starting the round.
This method is best when a towel slides on smooth vinyl but you do not want to cut armrest slits.
DIY Golf Cart Towel Seat Cover Pattern and Sizing Guide
A simple golf cart towel seat cover pattern is more about placement than exact sewing measurements. Most standard two-passenger golf cart benches need enough towel width to cover the sitting area and enough length to tuck or clip around the seat.
| Cart Area | What to Check | DIY Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Seat width | Measure from left edge to right edge of the bench | Choose a towel wider than the seat so the edges are covered |
| Seat depth | Measure from the front edge to the seat back crease | Leave enough towel to tuck behind or clip underneath |
| Armrest spacing | Mark where armrests interrupt the towel | Use small slits only if you want a more fitted cover |
| Seat hinge | Check where the seat opens or lifts | Do not strap the towel in a way that blocks the hinge |
| Passenger entry | Test both sides of the cart | Make sure clips and straps do not snag clothing or legs |
The safest approach is to test the towel first without cutting. If the towel stays secure with clips, you may not need slits. If it keeps shifting around armrests, then mark carefully and cut only small openings.
DIY Towel Cover vs Store-Bought Golf Cart Seat Cover
A DIY towel cover is best when you want a quick, affordable, washable, and personalized solution. A store-bought golf cart seat cover is better when you want a cleaner fitted shape, built-in straps, reversible fabric, or a more polished look.
The DIY version is especially useful for golfers who already own towels, want to match their cart colors, or need a temporary cover for hot summer rounds. The store-bought version is better for personal cart owners who want a more durable, purpose-built cover.
If you play often in extreme heat, consider using both ideas: make a quick DIY towel version first, then upgrade later if you discover which material, fit, and attachment style you prefer.
DIY Golf Cart Seat Cover Supply Comparison
| Supply | Best For | Main Advantage | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oversized beach towel | Main seat cover material | Soft, washable, and easy to replace | Can slide without clips |
| Heavy-duty towel clips | No-sew attachment | Fastest way to secure the towel | Weak clips may pop off |
| No-sew hem tape | Armrest slit reinforcement | Cleaner cut edges without sewing | May not bond to every towel fabric |
| Adjustable elastic straps | More secure fit | Reduces sliding on smooth vinyl | Must not block seat movement |
| Quick-dry towel | Humid and travel rounds | Dries faster and packs smaller | May feel thinner against hot vinyl |
Fit and Safety Check Before You Drive
Before using your DIY towel seat cover on the course, test it with the cart parked. Sit down, slide in and out, reach for the pedals if you are the driver, and make sure nothing bunches under your legs.
The towel should not interfere with the brake, accelerator, steering column, cup holders, armrests, seat hinge, storage access, or passenger movement. Clips and straps should stay away from skin contact areas and should not create sharp pressure points.
If the towel shifts too much during the test, do not rely on weight alone. Add clips, tuck the back edge more securely, or switch to a purpose-built golf cart towel seat cover.
Common Buying Mistakes
Buying a towel that is too small. A small towel may cover the center of the seat but leave hot vinyl exposed on the edges and front lip.
Using weak plastic clips. Cheap clips can pop off when the towel is pulled, especially with thick terry cloth or windy cart paths.
Cutting armrest slits too large. Large slits can make the towel look messy and reduce its ability to stay tight around the seat.
Ignoring towel thickness. A thin towel may dry quickly but may not block enough heat from hot vinyl. A very thick towel may feel great but dry slowly after washing.
Forgetting to test both sides. A cover that feels secure for the driver may shift when the passenger gets in or out.
Using metal clips with sharp edges. Sharp clips can snag fabric, scratch cart trim, or feel uncomfortable near the seat edge.
What Not to Buy
Do not buy a decorative towel that cannot be washed often. Golf cart seat covers touch sweat, sunscreen, dust, grass, and moisture.
Do not buy a towel that sheds heavily. Lint and fuzz can stick to vinyl seats, clothing, and cart baskets.
Do not buy tiny beach chair clips for thick towels. A thick towel needs stronger clips with a wide grip area.
Do not buy straps with rough hooks. Rough hooks can scratch the cart or damage towel fibers.
Do not buy permanent adhesive for this project. The point of this DIY cover is removable comfort, not modifying a rental or club cart.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Backup towel: If you play often in summer, you may want a second towel so one can be washed while the other stays in your golf gear.
Clip replacement: Towel clips can crack, loosen, or disappear in a cart basket, so keeping extras helps.
No-sew tape testing: You may need extra hem tape if the first bond does not hold well on thick or textured fabric.
Storage pouch: A small bag keeps the towel and clips separate from shoes, wet gloves, sunscreen, and dirty accessories.
Upgrade path: If you like the DIY version, you may eventually buy a purpose-built seat towel cover for a cleaner fit.
Care Tips for DIY Golf Cart Towel Seat Covers
Wash it after sweaty rounds. A seat towel collects sweat, sunscreen, dust, and grass debris, especially in summer.
Remove clips before washing. Clips can damage the washer, snag fabric, or crack during a wash cycle.
Air dry if the towel has hem tape. High heat may weaken some no-sew adhesives over time.
Shake out sand and grass first. Debris trapped in the towel can grind into the fabric and make it feel rough.
Store it dry. A damp towel folded into a trunk or golf bag can smell bad and may develop mildew.
Inspect slits after washing. If the cut areas start to fray, reinforce them with hem tape or switch to a clip-only method.
When to Buy a Real Golf Cart Seat Cover Instead
A DIY towel cover is a great hack, but it is not always the best long-term answer. Buy a real golf cart seat cover if you want a polished fit, reversible fabric, built-in straps, custom cart compatibility, or a cover that looks more permanent on a personal cart.
A store-bought cover also makes sense if you play multiple times per week in hot weather and do not want to adjust clips every round. The DIY version teaches you what you actually like: terry feel, quick-dry fabric, cooling material, thicker cushion, or better grip.
For the ready-made option, compare towel-style covers, cooling seat towels, microfiber covers, and water-resistant seat blankets before buying.
Final Verdict: The Best DIY Golf Cart Towel Seat Cover Hack
The best no-sew DIY golf cart towel seat cover starts with an oversized beach towel and heavy-duty towel clips. That simple combination solves the biggest problem with normal towels: sliding.
If you want a temporary setup, use the no-cut clip-on method. If you want a more custom fit, use the armrest slit pattern and reinforce the cuts with no-sew hem tape. If the seat is very slick, add elastic straps for extra hold.
The goal is simple: block hot vinyl, absorb sweat, improve summer comfort, and keep the cover removable and washable. If your DIY towel stays in place, feels comfortable, and comes off easily after the round, the hack works.
FAQs About How to Make Golf Cart Seat Covers Out of Towels
How do you make golf cart seat covers out of towels?
You can make golf cart seat covers out of towels by placing an oversized beach towel over the bench, tucking the back edge into the seat crease, and securing the sides with heavy-duty towel clips. For a more fitted no-sew pattern, cut small armrest slits and reinforce the edges with no-sew hem tape.
Can I make a golf cart towel seat cover without sewing?
Yes. The easiest no-sew method uses an oversized towel and heavy-duty clips. You can also use elastic straps or no-sew hem tape if you want more secure placement or cleaner armrest slits.
What is the easiest golf cart towel seat cover pattern?
The easiest pattern is a fold-and-clip layout. Lay the towel across the bench, tuck the back edge into the seat crease, fold excess fabric under the front edge, and clip the left and right sides near the armrests or under the seat.
What towel is best for a DIY golf cart seat cover?
An oversized cotton beach towel is the best starting point because it is wide, soft, washable, and absorbent. Quick-dry towels are easier to store, but thick terry towels usually feel better against hot vinyl.
How do I stop a towel from sliding off a golf cart seat?
Use heavy-duty towel clips, tuck the towel into the seat crease, cut small armrest slits, or add adjustable elastic straps. A plain towel without attachment is more likely to slide when golfers enter and exit the cart.
Can I use a DIY towel seat cover on a rental golf cart?
Yes, a clip-on towel seat cover is ideal for rental carts because it is removable and does not modify the cart. Avoid adhesives, permanent fasteners, or anything that could damage the seat.
What clips should I use for a beach towel golf cart seat cover?
Use heavy-duty towel clips with strong spring tension, wide jaws, and smooth edges. Avoid tiny clips that cannot grip thick towels or sharp clips that can snag fabric.