Perhaps it is because their cost need not break the bank. Perhaps it is because their fabric is exactly the pattern and texture of your choosing. Perhaps it is because none are identical. Then again, perhaps it is simply because of all the love that goes into creating them. Whatever the reason, handcrafted napkins are amazing, and they add a special touch to your holiday table that is intensely personal and utterly original.
If you’ve always ruled this activity out, simply because it sounded too difficult or time-consuming, allow yourself the opportunity to reconsider. Below are my simple sew and no-sew instructions:
Yield:
- 12 napkins
Materials:
- 4 yds fabric – I purchased mine on ebay because I find the selection and the pricing to be preferable, but a local fabric store would do very nicely as well. I chose a pattern called “Winter Solstice” from Jason Yenter that I simply adore. It displays fir boughs, fir trees, cones, holly berries, holly leaves, and a prominent sun graphic in lovely hues of red, green, gold, brown, and black. I am thrilled to be able to include the concept of the diminishing and then reemerging sun in my decor being the natural phenomenon behind the seasonal celebration itself.
I cannot encourage you enough to put true thought into and enjoy the process of choosing the fabric. It is essentially your artistic palette for this creation.
- Scissors (Quality fabric scissors are well worth the initial investment! Mine are a left-handed Gingher brand that I purchased at my local Michaels craft store, and I love them!)
- Sewing machine and desired color of thread (if sewing) – I chose a spool of Gutermann all-purpose golden-colored thread. (My sewing machine is a Brother SQ9000 that I am quite pleased with.)
- Heat-n-bond Iron-on adhesive (if not sewing)
- Iron (I use a Black & Decker Digital Advantage.)
Step One:
- Examine your fabric first. If you have a preference about which part of your pattern is to be centered, then cut accordingly. (Note however this may necessitate the purchase of additional fabric.)
- Cut 12 fabric squares 20.5″ X 20.5″
Step Two:
- With reverse side facing up, fold over approx 1/4 inch hem and iron.
- Repeat for all sides.
- Repeat for all fabric squares.
Step Three:
- Repeat step two, only this time fold 1/2-inch hems. This creates a double-fold that looks very neat and prevents frayed edges.
- Repeat for all sides.
- Repeat for all fabric squares.
Step Four:
- If sewing, stitch hems in place. A simple straight stitch is perfectly acceptable. Of course, you can experiment with fancier, if you are so inclined!
- If not sewing, follow directions for using iron-on adhesive (I have always used Heat-n-Bond brand purchased at my local JoAnn fabric store, but other brands are available that probably work equally as well.) There is absolutely no shame in this by the way. I have used both methods, and they both create lovely napkins.
Step Five (Finishing Touches):
- Trim excess thread.
- Iron completed napkins
Enjoy! And check back for much more in the weeks to come!
