How to DIY Your Own Cloth Napkins
With this easy DIY tutorial, making your own cloth napkins is easier than you think!
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When I was growing up, I remember how my grandmother used to set the table. Whether it was breakfast or dinner, she always used a tablecloth and set a full set of dishes. There was no skimping. Every meal was made special.
Fast forward many years and I am setting the table for my family. It is really important to me that we sit together and connect. To make meals a little more special, we sometimes use cloth napkins.
Cloth napkins are a little touch that adds a bit of elegance, comfort, and durability to the table, without a great expense. In fact, along with being environmentally friendly, cloth napkins will save money over time. Best of all, they are very easy to make! If you can sew a straight line, you can make a napkin.
I made my cloth napkins from a blue and white striped sheet I had picked up at Goodwill for just $2. Of course, you can use linen, calicos, or fat quarters. I love the neutral, farmhouse look of this striped fabric.
Supplies:
If you would like to make your own 15 inch square cloth napkins, you will need:
- 16 inch squares (one for each napkin)
- tape measure
- fabric scissors
- sewing machine
- thread
Directions
- Measure and cut pre-washed fabric to create 16 inch squares.
- On each side, fold fabric 1/4 inch and press with iron.
- Make a 45 degree cut on each corner.
- Then fold fabric another 1/4 inch and press with iron. You may need to secure the corner with a pin.
- Sew a straight line along the hem of the napkin.
These cloth napkins are fun and easy to make. In less than an hour, you can have a new set of napkins. With a variety of fabrics, you can make napkins to personalize your table and celebrate holidays throughout the year. Bundled with a pretty ribbon, these cloth napkins would also make a great gift.
Will you try making your own cloth napkins? Please let me know if you do!
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Love using cloth napkins but never thought to make my own. Can’t wait to try this. Pinning for later.
Thanks so much, Sonya! They’re such an easy project. I plan on making some more with my daughter. Enjoy your weekend!
Lynne- this is a great post. I love to sew, but it’s never occurred to me to sew cloth napkins! Especially using a sheet from Goodwill. These napkins turned out beautifully – and your table looks perfect — so pretty! Great idea to consider using fat quarters. Thank you for the inspiration – Pinning!!
Thank you so much, Kristine! Your kind comments always make me smile. Please let me know if you make napkins. I would love to see them. Have a great weekend!
These are so pretty! Thank you for sharing this great idea! I have a lot of fabric in my craft closet that could work for these. I need to get busy and start sewing!
Thanks so much, Michele! I bet you could make some for your beautiful new home! 🙂
They turned out great. I think I could pull this one off with my very amateur sewing skills
Thanks so much, Denise! You can definitely make these. Please let me know if you do. I would love to see them!
The napkins came out beautifully!! Such a great diy!
Thanks so much, Cate! I appreciate your kind comment!
Love these, Lynne! And I love the table setting, too! 😉 Pinned!
Thanks so much, Julie! Hope you’re having a great week!
Very pretty! Your DIY cloth napkins are very cute! I’ve been meaning to use cloth napkins more frequently to be more environmentally friendly.
Hi Lynne, I love cloth napkins. It’s so smart to make your own. Great tutorial!
I have always wanted to make some of these, thanks for the tutorial.
Great idea to make your own napkins! So pretty!
Thanks for sharing
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
Lynne thank you so much for the tutorial on your lovely napkins And I want to thank you so much for linking up to our Celebrate Your Story link party. We hope we are providing a celebration of your post and perhaps yours will be chosen as a feature by one of the hosts.
Have a great and Blessed Day!
Kari @ Me and My Captain