How to Make Reusable Cloth Napkins

As more and more people become environmentally aware, a popular trend is to get away from throw-away paper products and move towards reusable cloth items. One of the biggest items that ends up in the landfills today is that of paper napkins. Why not create some fun cloth ones instead that you can wash and re-used?

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Cloth in your favorite designs and colors
• A sewing machine
• A ruler
• Scissors
• Thread
• An iron

1. First, figure out which material you want to use. If the holidays are coming, use a festive holiday pattern. You can also use a plain color or print that will match your home's existing decor. Regardless, make sure you pick something you like. Cut the material into squares that are 17x17 inches. Make enough squares so that there is at least one for each family member. It's actually not a bad idea to do some extras as well--if you have a family of four, make at least four squares. Consider making six or even eight if you have enough material.

2. Using your iron, press all four edges of each square down. Use a half-inch margin on each side, which will give you a 16-inch square. Press each edge down again, folding it in half to the raw edge. This will still leave you with a 16-inch square, but now you'll have a 1/4-inch hem, rather than a 1/2-inch hem.

3. Use the sewing machine to stitch the hems in place all the way around.

4. Use the cloth napkins for family meals. When they get dirty, simply toss them in the washing machine for a quick clean-up.

5. Make a set for each holiday, in addition to two sets for normal every day use, so that you can use one set while washing the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Make napkins in a variety of colors and patterns. That way you can always have a clean set available.

• Don't forget to pre-wash your fabric. This will keep colors from bleeding the first time you run the napkins through the washer.