![DSCN1466](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4494855907_b8cc223cf2.jpg)
I wanted some fun cloth napkins in an interesting print. Surprisingly hard to find and have them not be ridiculously expensive and/or flimsy! I ended up making my own instead, total cost about $12- one large sheet and a large printed fabric, both in a nice tight weave. You could of course do it for much less, but I was being picky about my prints and wanted fairly large amounts of fabric since I made 8 of 2 different designs, each napkin being 13x13+ or so.
![DSCN1456](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4494854363_19ba8a7725_m.jpg)
![DSCN1454](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4494857325_9f221620fc_m.jpg)
![DSCN1457](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4494858715_889702de95_m.jpg)
The one set of napkins is the teal (which has metallic gold print) backed with the dots print, the other is both sides in the dots. I did two sided ones because I think it is faster than adding a binding or ironing hems neatly.
![DSCN1468](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4495499892_1fd6faf24e.jpg)
Since I am not the biggest perfectionist- and lack a rotary cutter since I don't do tons of sewing usually, I made a simple template about 14x14 inches and cut out stacks of fabric (washed and ironed) at a time. I won't say it results in perfect edges- or that I bothered to sew them perfectly either, relatively straight will do- but the matched up, so all set to go!
![DSCN1460](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4494873861_a24fe87dba_m.jpg)
![DSCN1459](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4494867727_743b9faeb0_m.jpg)
![DSCN1465](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4495511682_58fa7c0c36_m.jpg)
I leave a two inch or so gap in the center of one side when I sew the pieces together- right sides in of course! Make sure to reinforce the edges by going backwards and forwards- prevents unraveleing and tearing the stitches when you turn them right side out. I cut the corners off to create more pointed edges, and use a knitting needle to poke out the edges.
![DSCN1462](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4494869247_8079cfea21.jpg)
I don't bother to sew the open edge shut, I just make sure the edges are tucked to the inside while I am ironing the napkins after turning right side out, and the seam I sew around the edge holds the edges in place. I used a different stitch on each of the double dots one to make each napkin a little different- the second one from the top is my favorite, though it tends to draw the fabric in a bit. Not a big deal for napkins though.
I used plain stitching closer to the edges for the teal napkins- generally, I think it gives a fancier look to have a smaller hem, but the 1/4 inch hem is better with the different stitches.
![DSCN1451](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4494861715_2b9329737c.jpg)
I tested the napkin making idea on some shirt fabric from old shirts before buying fabric- the dark blue is a dress shirt that I got printer toner all over that I then dyed with indigo.
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