How to Sew Cloth Napkins
Cloth napkins don't need to be for those once-a-year formal dinners. You can make your own cloth napkins in fun or simple patterns and use them every day. It may surprise you how much money you save on paper napkins and paper towels when you switch to cloth napkins. No need to go out and buy fancy napkins from a store; you can use remnant fabric from things around your house and have simple, fun, creative and inexpensive cloth napkins.
Instructions
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Sewing Napkins
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1
Find some fabric. You can use any type of fabric, new or used. If you have a set of old curtains you aren't using, shirts with holes or stains or an old set of sheets or pillowcases, they can be made into napkins. You can also use fabric purchased off the bolt at a fabric store or from the remnant section. If you want a matching set of napkins, make sure to acquire enough fabric to accommodate an entire set.
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2
Wash and iron all the fabric. This is an important step, for both used and new fabric. New fabric needs to be washed because it will most likely shrink.
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3
Cut the fabric into 18-inch by 18-inch squares. If you have a cutting mat, yardstick and rotary cutter you can do this by lining up the fabric and using the pre-marked squares on your cutting mat. If you do not have these, consider making an 18-inch square template and using that for all of your napkins.
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4
Iron down the edges of the fabric squares. Start at one corner and fold on the diagonal half an inch then iron it down. Fold the same corner another half inch, and iron again. Fold the straight edges of the square one half inch, iron, then fold and iron again. Continue for all corners and edges of the fabric square. Pin down all your creases.
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5
Sew down the folded and ironed edges, and remember to backstitch in the corners so the napkins will hold up when washed multiple times.
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6
Iron the finished napkins again, fold and place on your table.
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Tips & Warnings
If you know how to embroider, or have an embroidery machine, you can also monogram the napkins for each member of your family.
Make a different napkin for each member of your family, for example polka dots for your little girl and a pinstripe for your husband.
When choosing fabric, you may want to consider choosing a thick or hearty fabric that will stand up to multiple washes and hold its shape well.
