How To Sew Cloth Napkins (Easy Tutorial)

Here’s a tutorial for some easy DIY cloth napkins!

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Here’s a tutorial for some easy DIY cloth napkins!

Making cloth napkins is a quick, easy, and practical sewing project to knock out!

In just a couple simple steps, you can have your very own set of reusable fabric napkins!

Make a set of napkins for:

• Everyday Use
• Special Occasions
• A thoughtful hostess gift
• Use them in place of paper towels
• A simple way to eliminate disposable napkins/paper waste
• A purposeful, environmentally friendly way to use up scraps in your fabric stash!

What Fabric To Use

When making cloth napkins, use only natural fibers such as cotton or linen.

Using polyester will not allow for proper absorption of spills.

Flannel will work wonderfully, and will make for a soft and extra absorbent napkin!

​This is a great project for fat quarters — just be sure it’s 100% cotton fabric!

Also consider color – I chose a fabric that will hide ketchup stains well, since these are for everyday use!

What Size Squares Should I Cut?

As you have probably guessed, to prepare cloth napkins, all you have to do is cut out some squares before hemming the raw edges.

Some common cloth napkin sizes for a traditional square napkin are:

• 6″ Cocktail napkins
• 12″ Tea napkins (this is the size I made today!)
• 14″ Luncheon napkins
• 18″ Dinner napkins (napkins in a restaurant are usually this size)
• 20″ Wedding reception/formal napkins

How Much Fabric Do I Need?

For 1 yard of fabric, you can make about 8 napkins in a 12″x12″ size.

If you’re making larger napkins such as ones that are closer to 20″x20″ in size, you can expect about half that yield.

If you’re making tiny 6″x6″ napkins, you can easily get around 16 napkins from 1 yard of fabric.

Cutting Your Fabric

Add 1″ to your length and height of your desired finished napkin sizes.

For example, if you want a 12″ square napkin, you will need to cut out squares that are 13″x13″.

You can cut your fabric with scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting mat.

A rotary cutter is a great way to cut out a bunch of napkins at once!

Sewing Cloth Napkins The Easy Way

After you cut your fabric, iron your fabric, folding each raw edge over twice to conceal all the raw edges.

This will help your fabric to sustain many washes without fraying!

Use a straight stitch to sew all the way around the outer edges of your napkin.

You can also use decorative stitches to add a personal touch on each napkin!

Variation: Reversible Napkin

If you’re looking for a thicker, sturdier napkin, try making reversible cloth napkins!

You’ll need 2 squares to make one napkin, so this style of napkin will require twice as much yardage.

Place two squares right sides together.

Sew 3 of the sides of your squares, leaving one edge open. 

Use a 1/2″ seam allowance.

Turn your napkin right side out.

Fold the raw edge of your cloth napkin to the inside of the napkin, and iron flat.

Top stitch all the way around your napkin.

Variation: Quilt Square Napkins

Another fun variation to try are quilt square napkins!

Make a couple of quilt squares, then repeat the same process as you would for a reversible napkin.

Quilted napkins would be an especially beautiful addition to your dining room table!

Making your own cloth napkins is a great way to spruce up your dining table and to eliminate the use of paper napkins! 

You can head to the thrift store and purchase an inexpensive flat sheet to really make this an earth-friendly and economical project!

​Simple cloth napkins add such a warm everyday touch to your home, and are something that can be enjoyed everyday for a very long time!