How to Make Napkins With a Serger

You can make your own napkins quickly and easily with a serger sewing machine.

Napkins add a quick pop of color and texture to your dining room table and are a simple way to update the look of your decor for the holidays and special occasions. Purchasing many different styles of napkins can become expensive, but you can make your own napkins quickly and easily with a serger sewing machine, also called an overlock sewing machine. With a few basic sewing supplies and some fabric, you can complete a napkin in less than five minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Coordinating thread
• Scissors
• Serger

Instructions

1. Wash and dry your fabric completely. Iron the fabric to remove all wrinkles.

2. Cut out your napkins from your fabric. Standard napkin sizes are 12, 14 and 16 inches square. Choose your size and add half an inch to the measurement to allow for seam allowance. For example, if you choose a 14 inch napkin, your cut out measurement would be 14.5 by 14.5 inches. Cut out as many napkins from your fabric as you plan on sewing.

3. Remove the left needle from your serger. Set up your serger for a thin rolled hem according to your manufacturer's instructions.

4. Thread your serger according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a thread color that either coordinates with your napkins or contrasts, which adds an interesting colored edge. For best results, use a wooly nylon serger thread. This thread is thick and adds a solid, full edge to your napkin.

5. Insert one side of your cut-out napkin underneath the presser foot of your serger. Adjust the fabric so it lines up with the 1/4-inch cutting line on the right side of the presser foot. Slowly depress your pedal and serge a rolled hem down the entire side of the napkin. Continue serging off the end of the napkin for about four inches and cut off the excess thread tail.

6. Turn the napkin 90 degrees and serge down this side in the same manner. Repeat for all four sides until your have a rolled hem around all the entire napkin. Trim off any excess serger threads and iron both sides carefully on a low setting, being careful to avoid placing too much direct heat on the rolled hem.

References

• Windy Hill Designs: Making Napkins