Ever wanted to make elegant cloth napkins, but either: a. didn’t have enough fabric or b. think that a traditional cloth napkin is boring?
I was in both camps, so I decided to make napkins with borders! I used 3 fabrics – a big blue paisley, a small yellow print for the border and a large floral for the back.
Traditionally a dinner napkin for formal dinner settings is 20-22” square. I chose an 18” square napkin, as these are just for everyday use.
Here is a view of the pieces for the front of the napkin:
The pieces for ONE napkin:
- Blue – (1) 14-1/2” square center
- Yellow Border – (2) 2-1/2” x 14-1/2” side border strips and (2) 2-1/2” x 18-1/2” top and bottom border strips.
- Yellow Back – (1) 18-1/2” square back
Let’s sew!
I used a 2.0-mm stitch length on this napkin – unless I am basting (later in this process)!
Add the 2-1/2” x 14-1/2” side border strips to both sides of the 14-1/2” square center. Press toward the border strips.
Add (1) 2-1/2” x 18-1/2” top border strip. Press toward the top border strip.
Before you add the final bottom border strip, mark a 5” opening along the center of the border strip.
Pin the bottom strip to the square. Stitch using to the marked opening, baste (using a 5.0-mm stitch length) until you get to the next mark. Dial your stitch length back to 2.0-mm. Finish the seam to the end. Here’s a closeup of the stitching.
Press toward the strip. This is the front of the napkin:
Place the front on the back, right sides together and stitch around all 4 sides.
Now remove the basting stitches between the strip and the square so you have an open section!
Clip corners diagonally.
Pull the napkin inside out, and push corners out with a point turner.
Press the napkin and pin the opening closed. Topstitch along the inner edge of the borders all the way around; this closes the opening. Now topstitch the outer edges of the napkin.
Here’s a closeup of both edges:
These napkins could not be easier! Hope that I’ve inspired you to create some pretty napkins for your table!
Happy sewing! -Kris
