CLOTH NAPKINS
I love the look of a natural cloth napkin. It can truly elevate a simple table setting, especially if you add a foliage element or napkin ring. Not only do cloth napkins create a beautiful impression, but using them is also a lovely way to help the environment. Rather than purchasing paper napkins that are thrown away and taken to the landfill after only one use, cloth napkins can be reused and repurposed time and time again.
When my husband and I got married back in August, I knew that I wanted to set our wedding table with natural cloth napkins. Now, our reception was quite small, so sewing napkins did not feel like a massive undertaking. Although one could go to the store and purchase cloth napkins, I am drawn to the idea of making them because of the customization potential by selecting different fabrics and thread colors. Additionally, when you make your own cloth napkins, you can opt to use an organic fabric - which might make you feel good knowing you're bringing a chemical-free item into your home. It is also worth mentioning that these DIY cloth napkins are super simple to create! I am a beginner in the world of sewing, and I comfortably tackled this project - successfully sewing ten cloth napkins for our reception table setting.
MAKING CLOTH NAPKINS
I recommend pre-washing your fabric with a natural laundry detergent before beginning your sewing project. If you are using linen to create your cloth napkins, I would suggest washing it several times as it can shrink up to 10% after several washes. After washing and ironing your selection, cut the fabric.
If you cutout your napkins using a 18” x 18” pattern, you can make a total of 6 muslin napkins with 1 yard of organic muslin fabric with a measurement of 58” wide. The organic linen fabric I have is 53” wide, allowing for 4 linen napkins with an 18” x 18” pattern.
Measure out the fabric using a pre-made pattern or a quilting ruler. To cut, use sewing shears or a rotary cutter specifically for fabric. Always exercise caution with sharp objects. Cut out several square pieces of fabric measuring 18” x 18”.
Once you have your fabric cut, fold the fabric 1/2” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. A hem guide is very helpful for this step. Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side. After all four sides have been folded over 1/2”, fold each side again, 1/2” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. Move in a clockwise direction and repeat this step on each side. This will create a clean hem. Pin your edges and corners to help keep the fabric in place while sewing.
Note: The right side, also known as the face or the front side, of the fabric is the printed or pretty surface of the fabric. Some fabrics have a finish on the right side that clearly defines that side as the face of the fabric. The wrong side of the fabric is the non-printed surface where you typically fold your hem so that the right side is the finished side. There is not a right or wrong side on muslin or linen fabric, so either side works.
Using a sewing machine and straight stitch foot, start at one corner of the napkin and begin to sew forward, add a backstitch, then continue sewing with a 1/4” seam allowance. When you arrive at a corner, leave the needle in the fabric about 1/4” away from the edge, lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, then put the presser foot down again and continue to sew along the pinned edge. Repeat the straight edge stitch with a 1/4” seam allowance on all four sides. When you come to the end (which will be where you started sewing), backstitch again, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
Repeat these steps for each piece of fabric, and you have yourself a beautiful set of natural cloth napkins!
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS
NATURAL FABRIC
There are several natural fabric options to choose from when crafting your cloth napkins. Linen is a stunning woven textile originating from the flax crop. The fabric is processed without chemicals, is biodegradable, and offers antibacterial and hypoallergenic traits. It is about 30% stronger than cotton, making it a considerable selection for a cloth napkin that will be washed frequently. Linen can be expensive however, so for those seeking a more cost-effective option, muslin fabric is a great choice. Muslin is a woven cotton fabric with a crisscross pattern, referred to as a plain weave. The natural color of muslin can be described as light tan in hue with tiny specks of brown and black that creates a bit of dimension. It is one of the more popular fabrics due to its affordable price tag, as well as versatility.
I used organic muslin fabric when I made the napkins for our wedding - they looked charming tied with twine and adorned with dried lavender flowers layered on top of our white porcelain plates.
NATURAL THREAD
Similar to fabric, there are also different thread options to pick from when sewing your napkins. With an assortment of color choices and dyeing methods, you can really have fun designing your cloth napkins. I went for a natural organic cotton thread for my napkins, but I encourage you to get your creative juices flowing!
Note: You will need a sewing machine, sewing pins, and an iron for this DIY project.
DIY CLOTH NAPKINS
Materials
natural fabric
natural cotton thread
iron
ruler
sewing shears or rotary cutter
hem guide (optional)
sewing pins
sewing machine
Instructions
After pre-washing and ironing your fabric, cut four pieces of fabric measuring 18“ long by 18“ wide each.
Moving in a clockwise direction, fold each of the four sides of the fabric 1/2” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. A hem guide is very helpful for this step.
Fold each side again, 1/2” towards the wrong side, and press flat with a hot iron. This will create a clean hem.
Pin your edges and corners to help keep the fabric in place while sewing.
Begin sewing from one corner of the cloth napkins, add a backstitch, then continue sewing with a 1/4” seam allowance.
When you arrive at a corner, leave the needle in the fabric about 1/4” away from the edge, lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, put the presser foot down again and continue to sew along the pinned edge.
Repeat the straight edge stitch with a 1/4” seam allowance on all four sides.
When you come to the end (which will be where you started sewing), backstitch again, lift up the needle and presser foot, and cut the connecting threads.
Repeat these steps for each piece of fabric you have cut out.
How to Use
Replace your disposable paper napkins with these natural cloth napkins. Use at dinner parties, family gatherings, or put one in your lunch bag to take to work.
