How to Sew Cloth Napkins (Easy DIY Tutorial)

Nothing makes you feel like you’re at a fancy dinner like cloth napkins. In this tutorial, I will show you how to make simple cloth napkins in a snap! These super easy DIY cloth napkins are a great way to spice up a table setting or add a pop of color to a holiday meal. Cloth and linen napkins are often reserved for special occasions but they are a great sustainable option for everyday use. The best part is that reusable cloth napkins are an excellent replacement for paper towels and paper napkins, so they’re the easiest way to reduce waste and potentially save you so much money. These reusable napkins are a super easy sewing project and something you can make in very little time. Follow along to learn how to sew cloth napkins!

And don’t forget to check out my other blog post where I show you how to make quilted placemats. A set of placemats with matching cloth napkins would make an amazing housewarming gift!

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Video Tutorial

What is a standard napkin size?

Square napkins are the standard shape, but did you know the size of the napkins varies depending on their intended use? I learned there are five different sizes depending on the meal being served. For a special event, a formal napkin size is 22-26 inches square, standard dinner napkin size is 18-20 inches square. Lunch-size napkins are 14 inches square. Napkins for serving tea are typically 12 inches square. And finally, cocktail napkins are 6-9 inches square.

I think the standard dinner napkin is the perfect size for what I will be using them for, so I will be making 18-inch square napkins

How many cloth napkins should I make?

When making a set of cloth napkins, I would recommend making 2-3 napkins for each potential guest. For example, my dinner table seats 6, so I plan to make 12 napkins. If you want enough napkins for daily use, then make 3 different sets; enough for each member of the family. You can even make each set different colors or different fabrics to switch it up between meals.

What is the best fabric for cloth napkins?

For maximum absorbency, It’s best to use 100% cotton or linen fabric. You can also use a blend, which will require less ironing but will be less absorbent.

When it comes to choosing a color, I love solids, however, if you have several fat quarters in your fabric stash that are from the same collection, you could make a set of napkins that coordinate, rather than match, which is more fun and whimsical. If you want to make everyday napkins that are easy to wash, then opt for white fabric and white thread that can be bleached. I will be using high-quality cotton fabric in the color Azalea from Kona Cotton Solids. I used the same fabric to bind my quilted placemats, so these fabric napkins will coordinate perfectly!

Should I pre-wash my fabric?

Yes. Since these napkins will be getting used and washed, I would highly suggest pre-washing your fabric to minimize any shrinking that may result from washing and drying new cloth napkins. Washing yardage is easier than washing pre-cuts. When washing smaller cuts of fabrics, like fat quarters, some fabric can be lost with fraying. After washing and drying your fabrics, make sure to give them a good press with a hot iron. You can mist the fabric with water or use steam to eliminate any stubborn creases.

Tools + Supplies for Making Cloth Napkins

Fabric Requirements

How to Make Cloth Napkins

Step 1: Cut The Fabric

The first step in making cloth napkins is to cut your fabric into squares. The size of the square depends on the desired size napkin. Just note that your finished cloth napkins will be approximately 1″ smaller than the cut fabric square. I will be cutting my fabric into 18-inch squares, so I will end up with 17-inch square napkins.

Step 2: Press the Hems

If using a patterned fabric, lay the squares of fabric with the wrong side of the fabric facing up. If you are using a solid fabric like I am, then it does not matter which side is facing up. Fold the raw edges of the fabric over by approximately 1/4″ and press with an iron. Repeat to all 4 sides of each napkin.

You can press the double hem if you would like, but I have found that just pressing the single hem creates enough of a guide to make the double hem while I am at the sewing machine.

Step 3: Sew the Hems

Before we begin sewing, I would suggest matching your top thread and bobbin thread to your fabric. This will create a more cohesive look. I used Aurifil’s Blossom Pink (2530). If you are using a patterned piece of fabric, then match your sewing thread to the most dominant color in the fabric.

For these cloth napkins, we will be creating a double hem. To do this, make the first fold where you pressed the fabric. Then fold it a second time to create a double-fold hem approximately 1/4″ wide. Lower your presser foot and stitch the hem by sewing a straight line about 1/8″ from the fold, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end.

To make the corners of the napkin, turn the fabric 90 degrees and repeat the previous step by folding the hem over twice and sewing down the entire side of the napkin, again making sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end. 

Voile! Cloth napkins!

How to Wash Cloth Napkins

Both cotton and linen napkins should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Be sure to use a mild detergent. Tumble dry on low until almost dry and then let air dry. If the napkins are especially dirty, then stain treat before washing. I would also suggest putting 1 or 2 Shout Color Catchers in your washing machine the first time you wash, especially if you did not pre-wash your fabrics. If needed, give the napkins a good press using an iron set to the highest setting if using cotton or linen. Use a lower temperature if using a polyester blend fabric.

Other Uses for Cloth Napkins

Here are a few other ideas for using cloth napkins, besides on your dinner table.

• Line a bowl or bread basket
• Cover leftovers
• Carry one in your purse
• Use a folded napkin as a coaster

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