Giving Thanks - Homemade Cloth Napkins

I am joining the ~Giving Thanks~ celebration this week. Monday through Thursday we are sharing as we prepare for Thanksgiving. Stop by Kelli's and see what others are up to this week. Or join in the fun by signing onto Mr. Linky and share how you are preparing for this special holiday.

Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Crafts
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!


For Thanksgiving Dinner I have decided to make cloth napkins for my table setting. So far there will be eleven of us for dinner so I wanted to make at least 12 to 16 in the event that someone else is able to come. The more the merrier, right?:)

In planning for this, I was hoping to find some fabric that would look the same on both sides - no "wrong side" of the material, as it is termed in sewing lingo.
And then I remembered that I have some beige table cloths that I got for free several years ago. Some have permanent stains, so cutting around them to make napkins would be the perfect way to make them useful again.

In an earlier tutorial by Kelli, I learned that dinner napkins are 18" or 22" square. I chose to make the 18" size. So, with the fabric folded double, (and avoiding the stains:) I measured and cut 19" squares to allow for a half inch for the hem on each side.


By folding it double, I was able to cut two napkins at a time. I ended up using three of the table cloths, with enough fabric left to make more luncheon-size napkins later.

Next, I folded the raw edges over twice, pressed them down with an iron, pinned the hem in place and sewed a straight stitch on each side. Most often the pins were not necessary after pressing the edges down.


This is not a difficult project, but does take some time to complete.


Since I was using my kitchen table as a sewing table, I didn't take the time to set the whole table to show. But here is how one finished napkin looks on my plates. I haven't made my napkin rings yet, but here is an idea for adding some color to the setting.


When I have completed all the napkins, I will throw them in the washer and dryer and then do any ironing that is necessary, including pressing down the hems. This is a permanent press fabric, so they should be easy to fold and put away after each use.
I am happy with the neutral color of my "new" napkins that go perfectly with all the color in my tablecloth and plates.