So Sew Something!

This week I had a friend mention on Facebook that I should “start a blog with tutorials” in the content.  Blog – check.  Tutorials – not yet.  THEN, I received an email from a friend asking to remind her how to make fabric napkins.  Well, it doesn’t take me long to get a hint, people!

So, thanks to Hannah and Lacey, here is a quick tutorial on How to Make EASY Fabric Napkins!  (**There are lots of ways to make fabric napkins, I have chosen what I think is the easiest way for the first tutorial.  Stay tuned for more tutorials on how to embellish and/or create napkins differently!)

STEP 1:  DECIDE HOW BIG YOU WANT YOUR NAPKINS & HOW MANY NAPKINS YOU’LL BE MAKING. THEN CUT OUT SQUARES.

For standard sizing, read here. Otherwise, I think you can just pick whatever size you want and/or whatever size fits within the amount of fabric that you have.  I chose fabric that I have a ton of scraps for, so I was limited to a cutting size of 9 X 9.  After the seam is made, my napkins will be 8.5″ X 8.5″ because I’ll be using a 1/4″ seam all the way around.

For these napkins, you will need 2 squares for each napkin.  I wanted to make 8 napkins, so I cut 16 squares each measuring 9 X 9.

Cut twice as many squares.

STEP 2: LAYER SQUARES (right sides together)

For each napkin, take 2 squares and lay them on top of each other with the printed sides facing each other in the center.

Layer squares - right sides together.

STEP 3: SEW ALL THE WAY AROUND THE SQUARE – LEAVING A SMALL OPENING

Using a 1/4″ seam allowance, sew all the way around the square, except leave a small opening in the center of one side.  You will use this hole to turn the napkin right-side-out, so it needs to be large enough to pull the fabric through.  Also, the sides will not always line up perfectly, this is OKAY!  Just be sure to keep your seam allowance narrow, and be sure to sew through both layers of fabric with each stitch.

Sew around but leave an opening.

STEP 4: CLIP CORNERS & PULL FABRIC RIGHT-SIDE-OUT

Clip away the excess fabric at the corners, being careful to not clip any thread/seams. Take one side and push it through the hole.  Then, using your fingers, just pull the rest of the fabric through.  The corners will be puffy, so you’ll need to take the tip of a pair of scissors to push out the corners.

clip corners - very important!!!

Turn right-side-out.

Push out corners - also very important!

STEP 5:  PRESS SQUARES

Say it with me – “if you don’t have time to iron, you don’t have time to sew!”  The step is very important if you’d like your napkins to look at all pretty!  With your iron on the hottest setting your fabric can handle, press each side nice and flat – making sure to tuck in the seam allowance where the hole is.

Press all sides - ignore my aging ironing board cover!

Press the seams of the open section too.

STEP 6:  STITCH ALL THE WAY AROUND – CLIP YOUR THREADS – HAVE A DINNER PARTY!

Making sure to stitch close enough to sew the open section closed, stitch all the way around the square, pivoting at the corners.  I chose to use a zigzag stitch (just because it’s my newest addiction) but you can use any old stitch you like.  Be sure to clip the loose threads when you’re finished….and that’s it!

Stitch all the way around.

You're done!!! Way to go!!!

This method is the same exact method used to make a simple pillow – except with napkins, of course, you won’t fill up the inside with foam or fiberfill.  Otherwise, it’s the same thing!

Time: 30 minutes to make 8 napkins.

Cost: $0 .. that’s ZERO!!!  I used all scraps, how exciting!  Use what you’ve got!!!  There is no rule that all the napkins have to be the same size.  If there are any people out there who would measure a napkin while seated at your table, I hope they never get invited to my house!!!

I hope you’ll make some very soon and send my photos of your work!

Coming soon…..

TISSUE POUCH TUTORIAL!

i LOVE these!