How to Sew Table Napkins

Homemade napkins can add a unique touch to any table.

Sewing table napkins is a relatively easy project, even for inexperienced sewers, as it requires no more than hemming and pressing four sides of a small square of fabric. These homemade napkins can add a touch of elegance to any table setting. Additionally, you can either customize your own table setting with your napkins, or match an existing one. Depending on the fabric you use, handmade napkins can become family heirlooms, passed down through generations. These napkins are double sided and two contrasting fabrics can be used for a unique place setting look.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Pre-treat the fabric. In order to keep the napkins from shrinking or puckering after you launder them, you will need to treat the material before you sew it. Simply run the raw fabric through your washer and dryer. Once washed and dried, iron the fabric to remove any wrinkles.

2. Cut the fabric. You will need to use a ruler to ensure uniform size of the napkins, and to get a straight edge. Cut the pieces to between 16 and 17 inches square. Size is not critical for this project, however, perfect squares are. You will be sewing two squares together to make one napkin, so cut an even number of squares, even if you want an odd number of napkins.

3. Sew the first seam. With the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other, pin around the edges and sew, leaving a ¼-inch seam allowance on all four sides, and a 2-inch opening on one side, that will allow you to turn the napkins right side out. Trim the corners close to the stitches, but do not cut the stitches. Trimming the corners will help you get the sharpest point possible when you turn the napkins right side out.

4. Turn the napkins right side out. Use a pencil or other pointed, blunt object to pop the corners out. This will help each corner look as sharp as possible. Press the napkins, concentrating on the seams to ensure that they are as flat as possible.

5. Sew the opening closed. Using a needle and thread, hand stitch the opening of the napkin closed. Use the smallest stitches that you can, so that the hand sewn portion will not be visible. Press the napkins one more time.

References

• "Weekend Sewing"; Heather Ross; 2009
• "Simple Sewing with a French Twist"; Celine Dupuy; 2007
• The Kitchn: How to Sew Napkins and A Table Runner