Cloth Napkin Tutorial

This week I tackled a project that I've been meaning to get to for a while now. I'm excited to share it with you, because I'm excited about having them in my home.

Cloth napkins have been on my to-sew list for a few months now after talking with a friend who uses them in her house. I feel like we go through so many paper napkins each day. I hate buying new packs because I know they will all end up in the trash sooner or later. I find so many just barely used napkins on the table after meals and snacks. Half of which, I'm not sure if I should keep or toss, and they end up getting tossed anyway. Such a huge waste. Not to mention, they are not good for the planet. 

So, I decided to make some cloth napkins for our family. They are reusable, and washable, and oh so cute!

*Please excuse the poor quality pictures. Note to self: stop taking tutorial photos with my iPhone*

I took Jackson to the craft store with me, and let him choose some fabric. He chose two coordinating Where The Wild Things Are fabrics that we got from JoAnn Fabrics {with my 40% off coupon}. 

I chose to use cotton fabric because I hear that it absorbs better. I want to try making some that are double sided- cotton on one side, and flannel on the other. I will let you know how that turns out.

This project is so easy, and would make a great project for beginner seamstresses. There are a few basic skills that are practiced in this project such as cutting rectangles, basic sewing machine usage, sewing straight lines, cutting corners, and top stitching.

Materials Needed {makes about 12 napkins}

1/2 yard of each fabric, or 1 yard of the same fabric
sewing machine
coordinating or contrasting thread {based on the look you want}
rotary cutter/scissors


Directions

*Always wash, dry, and press fabric before using for a project.*
Cut out as many rectangles as you can get out of your fabric. Mine were about 9 1/2" x 6 1/2", and I was able to get 12 rectangles cut from each fabric. I like to use my rotary cutter, and clear ruler to cut my rectangles. I cut one rectangle out in the dimensions I want to use, and then use that as a template. I lay it on top of the fabric to be cut, and line the edge of my clear ruler up with the edge of the fabric, then run my rotary cutter alongside the ruler, to get a nice clean cut. It's way faster than scissors, and the cuts are nice and straight.

Next you can start putting the rectangles right sides together. Since I used coordinating fabrics, I used one of each fabric for each napkin. Place right sides together, and pin. I used binder clips to pin this project together, and when I do a lot of the same kind of project, I like to do it as an assembly line. So, I pinned them all first. 

Next, sew all the way around, leaving about 1/4-1/2" seam allowance. Leave a 2 inch opening for turning, too. To sew a perfect corner, when you get to each corner, leave the needle down in the fabric, lift up the presser foot, turn the fabric 90 degrees, put the presser foot back down, and continue sewing. I like to leave my openings in the middle of a side, and not near a corner, because it makes it easier to sew the opening closed once it's turned.

 

 

Clip the corners, and trim any excess fabric on the sides, being careful not to get too close to the seam. Turn right side out, and iron.

 

 

Top stitch all the way around, making sure to close the opening. I like to sew the top stitching about 1/8" from the edge. I used a coordinating thread (navy blue), and set my stitch length a bit longer for a more decorative look.

 

 

& you're done! Super easy, and something you can use over and over again! I surprised Jackson with them the next morning, and let him use one at breakfast. They were great for slopping up the milk he dripped from his cereal.

 

 

 

I just love them, and plan on making a bunch more. I even want to go to the dollar store, and buy two baskets to keep them in. One for the clean ones and one for the dirties that are waiting to be washed.

 

Oh, and by the way, I intend to wash and dry them just like I wash all of our clothes. Once I get more made, I may do a separate load for just napkins, but I don't see myself doing that unless there are a lot. Also, be sure not to wash them with chunks of food in them. Food is not water soluble, and will stay in your washer. + not using fabric softener is probably the way to go too. Fabric softener will make them less absorbent over time.

 

If you make any of these, please link up! I want to see yours!