For a few weeks now I’ve been busy creating layered pieces for our Easter/Spring tablescape. First I embellished some Ikea placemats with stencilled numbers. Next I spray painted some old chargers with chalkboard paint. And then I created some free printable placecards. So far the table setting was looking a bit like this:
But I have to say, that it’s not going to stay quite like this. I have a few other little accessories up my sleeves!
Today I want to share a pretty simple project - DIY Linen Napkins.
I purchased some white cotton napkins recently, but really wanted a linen look for Easter/Spring. Fortunately I had about 3-4 meters of summer linen blend in my fabric stash (which I must say is TINY compared to some peoples’!). I had paid $3 a meter for it last fall at Fabricland because they don’t tend to stock much of it in the winter months and they really wanted to get rid of it. Yay for an already paid for project!
Before I get to the tutorial, is anyone else confused by napkin sizes? I mean, I didn’t grow up in a fancy sort of house, so learning about the appropriate sizes for dinner napkins vs. lunch & cocktail napkins wasn’t part of my life lessons. But when I googled napkin size, there were all different answers. Who knows, maybe there was some study that says we make a bigger mess at dinner than with lunch. Anyway, if you care to be proper, I’ve put together a little diagram for you.
So now, here’s how I made 12 {not at all properly sized!} linen napkins…
Supplies
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2-3 meters of linen type fabric – WASHED AND DRIED
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scissors
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thread
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sewing machine
Step 1.
Lay your fabric out on a large flat surface. Using a straight edge and pencil, measure a grid of squares in your desired napkin size plus 2 inches for a hem allowance on all sides.
Step 2.
Using good fabric scissors, cut out all your squares.
Step 3.
Fold over edges 1/4″ to 1/2″. Then fold over again. Iron as you fold.
Step 4.
Open the corners. See the 4 square fold lines? Trim from corner to corner. This removes the bulk in each corner of the napkin when you’re sewing. Refold.
Step 5.
Sew a neat line around the inside of the fold and another around the outside. Repeat, repeat, repeat. And repeat some more if you’re making a lot of napkins – I made 12! Then you’re done!
Just this week I saw a set of 4 similar napkins at Chapters for $24 – which means I would have spent $72 for 12. Since I used only about 2 meters of fabric that I bought last fall for $3 per meter and some thread that costs less than $2 for a total of $8 – I saved myself $64!!!
And even though my napkins are not full dinner-sized napkins, they are still very versatile.
Have you made any napkins? Where is your favorite place to buy cloth napkins?
Your napkins are lovely Shannon! I saw some similar from West Elm- but without your special hand made-ness!
Thanks for hosting guys!
xo Becca
Becca recently posted..✥ Faux Zinc Mirror ✥
Cool – I didn’t see the West Elm ones.
Love the napkins! I really want to get some linen napkins too… now if only I could sew! Does this fabric wash well? I know pretty close to nothing when it comes to fabric and proper care of it
Thanks for hosting the party again this week!
Sarah recently posted..Spring is Here!
I will be paying close attention to how they wash up. I’ll keep you all posted.
This is a great reference quide to napkin sizes–I pinned it. Just found you and linked a craft today.
Awesome – thanks!!!
I love your linen napkins. Thanks for hosting again this week. Have a wonderful weekend!
Leanne recently posted..Spring Into Organization Link Party
You have a wonderful weekend too, Leanne!
I absolutely love your blog and your sense of style! Thank you so much for the sweet comment on my blog! It made my day. Thanks for the napkin tutorial…..the template for the different sizes is perfect!
blessings,
karianne
thistle recently posted..I’m Stuck On You
Oh my goodness – you are so sweet!!! Thanks for coming and commenting on my blog too!!!!
Hi Shannon and Dean! I hope you don’t mind, but I’m highlighting your napkins on my Tutorial Tuesdays. It goes live on Tuesday, April 10th at 7:00am Eastern.
Have a great week!
Liz Chaisson Thompson recently posted..Almost there…
Not at all! We like features. Thanks, Liz!