These fabric table napkins are becoming very popular and make a great gift. Here’s a quick tutorial for them.
Cut your fabric the finished size of the napkin plus 1/2 inch. I think that I cut 16 1/2 inch squares for these – 2 squares for each napkin.
Note: You can easily get 4 single thickness or 2 double thickness napkins from a yard of fabric if it’s at least 36 in. wide. Most quilting weight cottons are between 40 and 42 in. wide.
I like to use 100% cotton rather than a poly blend for these; feels good and better absorption.
Consider the weight of the fabric when deciding whether to use single or double weight. Also consider whether you want double faced or single faced napkins.
For Double Thickness Napkins:
Pair 2 squares together RIGHT sides facing and sew around the edges with a 1/4 inch seam. Leave a 2 to 3 inch gap for turning. Turn to the right side – poke out the corners (a chop stick works nicely) and hand stitch the remaining opening.
Press.
At this point you have the option of top stitching around the perimeter – and doing a couple of straight stitch lines across the napkin to better hold the front and back together.
I bundled them together using a leftover scrap of the fabric.
Single Thickness Napkins:
Method 2 – if you have a fabric with enough ‘body’. (look in the home decorating section)
Cut 1 16 to 18 inch square for each napkin.
(I actually used regular cotton for the Thanksgiving napkins. They are pretty but a little flimsy feeling.)
Use a serger to do a rolled hem around all edges.
Like this:
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Published by Guila Greer
I first learned how to sew as a child on my mom’s old treadle Singer (and wish that I knew where that machine is now!) and am now in love with my Berninas.
While going to school, raising a family and enjoying two satisfying careers I continued developing my skills with all kinds of needlecrafts and eventually discovered the magic of quilting.
Soon I began to stretch my imagination and creativity. This led to an interest in art quilting and I've been busy soaking up all kinds of techniques and adapting them to my creations. Now, I find myself on a journey to uncover, develop and to express the inner artist that I have so joyfully let loose.
I have learned so many ways to create beauty in fiber and am eager to share this knowledge. I am in love with color - saturated vibrant color.
I have also learned that there truly are no "quilt police" when it comes to one's personal expression of creativity; no right or wrong way. It just has to feel right and look right to you.
it is all a voyage of discovery. I just can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Several of my quilts, both traditional and art quilts have been displayed at Quilting in the Valley in Northridge, California, Lefferts Historic House and the Audubon Society in New York City.
My work "Going Around in All the Best Circles" was juried into the Pacific International Quilt Show.
I have shown in both local Fine Art Galleries and in Quilt Shows across the United States.
I am the author of the blog: The Mystical Allure of All Things Fiber since 2007.
In recent years I have uncovered a passion for writing - especially poetry - as well and have a lot of it on http://minervaspirit.com
See: http://guilagreerart.com
View all posts by Guila Greer
Guila's Art & Other Assorted Joys 
I have an embroidery machine, and like to use small designs to “dress up” the napkins or bread bowl covers.