Do you find yourself picking up package after package of paper napkins every time you entertain? Have you ever stopped to think how much money you could save if you were to make your own cloth napkins? Have you ever stopped to think how much paper you would save? Setting your table with cloth napkins that you sew yourself is a way to have a table that is beautiful as well as economical because you can use them over and over again.
An easy way to start is to pick out a good quality cotton, one that has a soft silky hand. This way you will have a fabric that will launder easily and require little if any ironing. You can cut one yard of 45″ cotton into four equal pieces for four good sized napkins. If you have a serger and really want to save time you can simply serge around the sides. A better way and one that will hold up to many uses is to hem them with a double 1/4 inch hem. Start by folding each corner toward the center 3/4 of an inch. Then proceed to fold the sides down 1/4 inch all the way around, then again 1/4 inch. Now stitch the seam in place using a slightly longer stitch.
Once you get the hang of making your own napkins, you will want to experiment with many fabrics, colors and patterns. Unique fabrics such as microsuide or damask make beautiful linens that are machine washable and will dress up your table again and again.
