I'm trying to learn to sew. It isn't easy. Even sewing something as seemingly simple as some square napkins and a rectangular table runner challenges my patience, but a few weeks ago, as I watched my mother whip up these napkins and runner on my mother-in-law's old Singer, I thought, hey, I can do that!
Well, sort of.
I love the wavy design of this fabric. See below for resources... and hold your comments about how I don't iron!This is about the most simple sewing project there is, essentially sewing four hemmed sides on a piece of fabric. It works as napkins, runners, and tablecloths as well. I don't trust myself enough yet to buy the amount of fabric required for a tablecloth, so I'm starting with napkins.
Mom wrote out her customized instructions for napkins with mitered corners and did a series of photographs. The photographs don't necessarily line up exactly with the steps in the instructions, so I've indicated in the instructions, which photo coordinates.
With my materials collected, I washed and ironed the fabric and casually attempted to cut it into even squares. I think the geometric pattern and funky aged measuring tape misled me because I have already hit major bumps in the road. Taking deep breaths... it's just a napkin.
Just like in the kitchen, with sewing, it really helps to have the right tools, so I've ordered myself a few things to help next time like some sewing shears, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat and a quilters' ruler.
So are you in or are you out? This is a great weekend project and if you start planning now, we can do this together. Ready. Set. Go.
In terms of size, napkins can range from 12-inch squares for luncheon napkins to 18-inch squares for luxurious dinner napkins. I'm making luncheon size, but not on purpose. Ooops.
This brings up how much fabric to get. Let's say you're making 15-inch napkins. You'll need about 16.5-inches square for each napkin. Most lighter-weight fabrics like cotton are 44- or 45-inches wide, which would only accommodate two rows of napkins. If you were making 12-inch napkins you could get three rows. Of course the length of the fabric (usually sold by the yard) should also be carefully calculated. When in doubt, buy more. You can always find things to do with scraps (like in my case, practice sewing!)
What You Need
Materials
Light-weight cotton or linen fabric (washed, dried and pressed)
Thread
Tools
Measuring tape
Scissors
Pin
Sewing machine. (If you don’t have a machine, the hem can be hand sewn using a back- or hem-stitch.)
Instructions
1. Cut fabric into squares about 1 1/2-inches larger than desired finished size, i.e., for a 16-inch square napkin, cut a 17 1/2-inch square of fabric. For a table runner, cut desired width (plus 1 1/2-inches) depending on table size, then cut length to fit table plus enough allowance for at least 10 inches of overhang on both ends.
2. Press under all edges 1/4-inch. (photos 1, 2)
3. Press those edges under another 1/2-inch, then unfold. (photos 3, 4)
4. Using the pressing lines as a guide, trim off a triangle from each corner (photos 5, 6)
5. Press the new cut edge down to the inner most press line. (photo 7)
6. Press the first edges under again making them meet diagonally in center of each corner to create miter. (photo 8)
7. Pin hem in place. (photo 9)
8. With folded sides facing down, stitch very close to the inner edge of the hem on one side, stopping at each
corner, with the machine needle in the down position, and turn the napkin 90° and stitch next side. (photo 10)
9. Tie off thread ends.
10. If desired, top stitch very close to outer edge for a professionally finished look. (photo 11)
Dust off that old machine, let's make napkins. We can do it! Good luck! I know I'll need it...
Resources:
The fabric of the table runner in the first two images is from Free Spirit and the collection is called Sugar Snap by Melissa Averinos. The napkins are made from coordinating solid fabrics. The cut fabric in the photo of materials for the napkin project is also from Free Spirit/Melissa Averinos and the collection is Candy Dots, all purchased from Purl Patchwork in NYC.
Two other resources for table-top worthy fabrics with online shopping are Runner Girl Fabric in California and Sew Mama Sew in Oregon.
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Post originally published August 12, 2009
(Images: Sara Kate Gillingham-Ryan, except for step-by-step project images, by Karen Gillingham)
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Good for you! We'll get you quilting in no time.
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No help from me. Unless you also ordered a seam ripper. I only got a passing grade in Home Ec sewing because I learned to rip out bad hems and seams really well and quite fast.
I got a sewing machine for Christmas last year...
I wanted it... I am 5' 1" and ALWAYS have to take my office dress pants to be hemmed... = costly...
That sewing machine is STILL in the box, talk about wasteful... I am inspired to try these napkins so I can overcome my fear of the sewing machine...
AT has helped me overcome my fear of baking homemade bread, and painting my home... I am hopeful you all will also help me overcome my fear of sewing....
As always - many thanks to AT and all your readers for such wonderful inspirations.
CraftStylish has an awesome tutorial on making napkins with mitered corners. The process is slightly more advanced, but you may find that your hems ravel less.
A little help for those of you who have never sewn before: check out local fabric stores, they often have classes, and even when class is not in session, they'll often have time to answer some questions.
If you want a REALLY foolproof way to get a straight cut on a simple weave fabric (provided your fabric pattern is either woven or one that doesn't have obvious lines) you can mark your cutting lines by pulling a thread loose from the fabric. This takes some patience, and is easiest using a pin, but it will get you a perfectly straight line every time.
Yay, you! A difficult job well done.
I'm quite an experienced seamstress - I've made slipcovers, boxed cushions, a wedding dress etc. I'd rate napkins with mitered corners as quite tricky, more difficult than full length lined draperies (to name just one example).
Cushions with an envelope closing in back would have been a much easier place to start.
I'm really impressed that you tackled this.
hmmm, would be fun to try, was going to try some pillow covers on a borrowed sewing machine, this might be a fun project too if those go well.
What would you suggest as a fabric for a project like this? cotton? actually if anyone has a resource in general that would educate about fabrics and what type is good for what kinds of projects i would really appreciate that.
one of the table cloths I made for turkey day like YEARS ago is still my fave! it's bright orange and always brightens my day...it's amazing how EXPENSIVE table cloths are everywhere except IKEA...i'm such a believer in DIY'ing those suckers too! bravo....great post!
http://www.casacullen.com
if you inherited the machine, it may be too old but a lot of newer models have something called a rolled hemming foot, which creates beautiful tiny little handkerchief hems without any pressing or cursing. ;-) with one of these, napkins are a snap. also, you can buy pre-cut fabric squares called fat quarters--they are meant for quilting, but they often come in mismatched but coordinating multipacks that make for fun bunches of napkins if you aren't trying to be too formal.
Thank you! I just got a used sewing machine and have already begun planning simple projects. I have the cloth for napkins sitting in my drawer at home. Now I have a plan of action!
Good for you! I can also recommend a carpenter's square. It makes chalking corners an absolute breeze! Just trace a chalk line around the corner and connect the lines together; instant square!
How fun is this website! I just stumbled upon it. May I put in my 2 cents? I Came up with this idea a few years ago. I buy or make stretchy " bracelets", twist to double them and use them as napkin rings. They're great if you wish to roll up flatware in the napkins because they stretch. If you're feeling generous, you can allow your guests to take them home as a souvenir. You can make them to match the holiday, your dishware or make them as a gift, matching someone's taste. Make or buy napkins, fold them and slip on the ring, box and wrap. This works for the holidays, bridal showers, weddings and birthdays. This is an easy, inexpensive, thoughtful and welcome gift.
I have many more ideas that I'll share later.