I absolutely LOVE to use cloth napkins and napkin rings for holidays, hosting company, and for our own family’s Sunday Suppers (even though these are tough to do with everyone’s differing schedules these days). After searching for napkins I love over the years – at a decent price point – I decided that I would find fabric I love and try my hand at making my own cloth napkins to add to my collection. I’ve don’t this a few times now, with different fabrics.
I still pick up napkins from time to time when I find some I love on sale too. This means I now have a lovely collection of all sizes of cloth napkins, both homemade and store-bought, sitting in my buffet ready to use. If you’re thinking of adding to your own collection with some homemade options, here’s how to sew cloth napkins!
How to Sew Cloth Napkins
Before you begin to create your cloth napkins, you need to wash, dry, and iron your fabric.
- Throwing your fabric in the washing machine and drying it will help to reduce future shrinkage, prevent colors from bleeding, and to remove chemicals.
- Ironing your washed and dried fabric will make it much easier to work with while sewing.
This process is something you should do before any sewing project.
Materials
- 2-6 meters fabric of choice
- thread of choice
Tools
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- Sewing machine
- Scissors OR a rotary cutter, mat and ruler
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Ruler or tape measure
- Straight edge (optional)
Directions for DIY Cloth Napkins
1. Cut your fabric
Decide on the size of napkin you want to make. Next measure your napkins and mark them on the fabric with a pencil, including a 2-inch hem allowance. Then you can use either scissors or a rotary cutter (with a ruler and self-healing mat) to cut out your napkins.
Tip: I found that using a straight edge helped me to get square cuts.
How many napkins you can make from each yard/meter of fabric depends on the width of your bolt of fabric and the size napkin you choose to make. For example, if you have one yard/meter of fabric (about 36 inches long) and the bolt is 42 inches wide, you can make only two smaller dinner napkins from a yard/meter of fabric. But if you make 14-inch square lunch napkins you can make four.
(I made our napkins in the smaller dinner napkin size, so the finished size is 18×18 inches, with a half-inch double folded hem. This means that I cut each raw napkin to 20×20 inches.)
2. Fold and iron the hems
Fold over edges 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If your fabric has a “right” and “wrong” side fold the edges towards the back of the fabric so the hem will be on the “wrong” side. Then fold over again. Iron as you fold.
3. Cut the mitered corners
Open the corners on each napkin. See the 4 square fold lines? Trim from corner to corner. This removes the bulk in each corner of the napkin when you’re sewing. Refold.
4. Sew the hems
Pin all four corners of your napkin.
Then using a sewing machine, sew around the napkin near the outside edge and then again near the inside edge of the hem.
Repeat, repeat, repeat. And repeat some more if you’re making a lot of napkins – I made 12! Then you’re done!
That’s it! Easy peasy! Now go set a pretty table!
FAQs
Cotton is a popular choice due to its absorbency and ease of washing. Linen adds an elegant touch, while blends can offer durability and softness. Choose fabrics that are easy to care for and match your style.
Absolutely! Using fabric scraps is a great way to reduce waste and create unique, patchwork-style napkins. Fat quarters can be great for this!
You can finish the edges by using a serger, zigzag stitch, or simple hem. A straight hem with a folded edge works well for a polished look. Make sure to press the edges for crispness.
For beginners, a straight stitch is sufficient. If you want to add decorative elements, consider using a contrasting thread or adding simple embroidery or fabric paint to personalize your napkins.
Technically, yes. You could try a non-fraying fabric and leave the edges raw or with a natural fringe. You could also try to make napkins with iron-on hem fuse tape. However, the hem fuse tape may or may not hold up to the vigorous washing that reusable napkins require.
So personally, I think that sewing napkins is the best option in the long run.
How to sew cloth napkins video tutorial
Step-by-step printable DIY napkin tutorial
How To Sew Cloth Napkins
Homemade cotton or linen napkins are a beautiful addition to any dining room or kitchen table. They’re also eco-friendly and completely customizable to your decor. And they are super easy to make, even for beginners!
Materials
- 2-6 yards/meters of cotton fabric - washed, dried, and ironed
- Sewing thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Scissors OR a rotary cutter, mat and ruler
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Ruler or tape measure
- Straight edge (optional)
Instructions
- Decide on the size of napkin you want to make. Next measure your napkins and mark them on the fabric with a pencil, including a 2-inch hem allowance. Then you can use either scissors or a rotary cutter (with a ruler and self-healing mat) to cut out your napkins.
- Fold over edges 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If your fabric has a “right” and “wrong” side fold the edges towards the back of the fabric so the hem will be on the “wrong” side. Then fold over again. Iron as you fold.
- Open the corners on each napkin. See the 4 square fold lines? Trim from corner to corner. This removes the bulk in each corner of the napkin when you’re sewing. Refold.
- Pin all four corners of your napkin.
- Then using a sewing machine, sew around the napkin near the outside edge and then again near the inside edge of the hem. Repeat, repeat, repeat. And repeat some more if you’re making a lot of napkins – I made 12! Then you’re done!
Notes
How many napkins you can make from each yard/meter of fabric depends on the width of your bolt of fabric and the size napkin you choose to make. For example, if you have one yard/meter of fabric (about 36 inches long) and the bolt is 42 inches wide, you can make only two smaller dinner napkins from a yard/meter of fabric. But if you make 14-inch square lunch napkins you can make four.
Even though I don’t sew much, making my own cloth napkins is such a rewarding project—simple, practical, and a lovely way to personalize my table settings at home. Plus, by choosing my favorite fabrics and sizes, I’m creating napkins that suit my home’s style perfectly. I hope this guide has inspired you to try sewing your own set and add a touch of handmade charm to your table.
Have you ever made your own cloth napkins? Let me know in the comments below!
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