Cloth napkins are sophisticated, Eco-friendly, durable, and simple to make. This pattern adds a slight twist to the traditional napkins, adding pinstripes to match your style, be it bold or subtle.

This pattern makes a set of 8 napkins.

MATERIALS NEEDED

2 yds. comfortable cotton
Contrasting thread for pinstripes
Matching thread for hem

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut 16″x16″ squares, as many as you’d like.  Cut them on grain as best you can, to avoid twisted edges when they’re finished.

2. Iron one side of each napkin up 1 3/4″ as a guideline for the pinstripes.

Line the fold up at the edge of the presser foot and sew a straight stitch all the way down.  Line that stitch up at the edge of the presser foot and sew another straight line.  Sew 5 pinstripes, spaced 1/4″ apart.

3. Iron each side of the napkin 1/4″ under, and then another 1/2″, creating a double hem.

For square-cornered napkins, pin the corners and skip step 4.  For mitered corners, continue with step 4.

4. Miter the corners of each napkin.  To do this, unfold one side of each corner, and bring the corner of the fabric down to the inner crease, creating a triangle.  Re-fold each side, and pin each corner securely in place.

5. Top-stitch near the inner edge until you’ve reached the next corner.  Pivot: put your needle down, lift the presser foot, and turn the fabric 90 degrees.  Lower the presser foot again before sewing down the next side.  Finish the napkin this way  and sew over the first 3 or 4 stitches, trace stitch over the first 3 or 4 stitches to reinforce the ends, and clip the thread.

6. If needed, iron the napkins one more time, and fold them for use!