We don't like to brag, but...we have the most awesome mother-in-law!
We used to burn through a lot of paper towels, using them as quickie napkins, until one day we realized just how wasteful that was, and resolved to start using cloth. Lucky for us, our mother-in-law Marianne is a fabric artist and master quilter, who came up with a clever idea for our napkin collection. She made us a set of 12"x12" napkins, completely reversible, with an 'adult' style pattern on one side, and a kid-appealing pattern on the reverse.
These napkins are 100% cotton, and even after repeated launderings, they still look great. We don't sew, so we can't tell you how she made these (magic?), but the edges have a double seam, and when they are laid flat, you cannot tell that the pattern isn't the same on both sides.
On the table, the mix of patterns is eclectic and fun, and when not in use, they sit rolled up in a basket in the kitchen, for easy access. These look as good with our mismatched Fiestaware as they do with our Royal Warrant China! And if you choose to DIY these yourself, the sky is the limit, fabric-wise. Imagine a set of Amy Butler or Denyse Schmidt fabrics as napkins!
We are committed to living a little greener, and the switch to cloth napkins was one of our first changes. Several years later, we couldn't be happier with this change, thanks to our clever and creative mother-in-law. Thank you, Marianne!
Good Posts:
• Origami Napkins.
• Spring Floral Napkins.
• Whoopi's Big Book of Manners.
Those are fun!!
If I were to make them I would probably do the following (which is probably what she did):
*Take the two squares with the right sides facing together and sew around the edges (with about 1/4" to 1/2" seam allowance). BUT on the last edge leave about 1-2" opening.
*Turn your square inside out through this opening so that now the right sides are facing out. Be sure you push the square corners out. (It helps if you cut the seam allowance over the corner.)
*Iron down so that it's flat and make another seam around the edge (catching in the little bit that you had left open). This seam can also have decorative function. You could do a fun zigzag or if you have a fancier machine select a fun stitch.
Hope that makes sense! I make placemats that way, and I have friends you make cloth baby wipes this way using flannel.
view diber's profile
For a no-sew version get 1.25 yards of 45" fabric (cotton works best). This will get you a 45" square, which will yield nine 15" square napkins.
Fold into thirds and using scissors cut a little snip where the fold marks are. Open back up and starting at your snips tear all the way across your fabric. Repeat going the other direction. (You will need to tear off the selvedge edge as well - do this first.)
Pull strings along the edges of each napkin to create a fringe at least a half inch deep.
It's such an easy project - you'll be overflowing with napkins in no time.
view amy (rustyletter)'s profile
I've been a cloth napkin user for 15 years, and was super excited to receive, not one, but six sets of napkins (8 each) for various holidays, plus a set of 16 for xmas from my stepmom this past christmas.
These are saved for dinner with company and my 7 yr old daughter gets to pick which ones we'll use. It's fun to use Halloween napkins in July!
view wndl's profile
I love all these colors and wish I had someone to make me some! I also love the idea of setting them out on the table. I have about 6 sets, mostly gifts, and it's all we use. Sometimes people come over and say, "Oh! We're not fancy, we can just use paper." They're surprised we don't have paper napkins and seem a little uncomfortable using cloth, especially with tomato sauce or something. Maybe finding more colorful ones like this would make it easier! Hmmm, maybe I'll call my mom :-)
view classiccook's profile