So, you probably already knew this but… matching isn't really my thing. I love patterns. Too many patterns. Give me all of the patterns, I say!
We have a set of matching, simple white cloth napkins that I bought one time for a dinner party. They're ok, but I wanted a fun set. And they're SO easy to make. So I started fabric shopping and this quickly became my favorite nesting project ever.Choosing fabric was my favorite part. I love picking out random textiles. But since I don't quilt (yet) I usually don't get to pick out a whole bunch of patterns for one project. I decided to go with mismatched napkins, so I could add to my stash over time. They will be useful for foodie photos we take for the blog too. Plus, who needs to match anyway?
I ordered all the patterns I liked from an Etsy shop (Stash Modern Fabric). I bought a half yard of each one. I used a large square from each pattern and still have leftovers for more future projects.To sew each napkin, just cut a square and stitch a double hem all the way around. For the record, this was the first sewing project we learned in Jr. High Home Ec class. Still using that education. 😉Done and done. Easiest project ever! I can't wait to add to my collection of mismatched napkins over time. If you know any Etsy shops with an amazing (vintage or new) cotton fabric collection, let me know! Have you ever made your own napkins? xo. Elsie
What are the dimensions of the napkin and did you use cotton?
Another benefit to having different fabrics for your napkins is that each family member can have his or her own distinct napkin. That way napkins can be reused several times between washings. For readers who aren’t up for sewing their own, I just listed “family napkins” on my Etsy site! There are several listings and over 30 fabrics to choose from. Here is a discount code–intro20– for readers to get a 20% discount on their order!
Here is just one of the listings for Family Napkins:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/126643005/family-cloth-napkins-reusable-choose
Great idea!
xoxo
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You’ve got a great blog here well done congratulations
what paint did you use for the baskets?
I love the fabrics you chose! I especially like the white one with ships on it 😉
I’ve bought plain material to make napkins and embroidered a little fruit or cake on each one. But they’re just so pretty that I only want to use them on special occasions! This would be a great idea for the day-to-day, and with patterns stains don’t show up so much. Brill. x
LOVE these. I love mixing and matching prints especially in a way like this. So lovely.
Allie @ callmesassafras.wordpress.com
These are the coolest napkins ever.
Best thing to do with those too small fabric lots you find right?
This is such an interesting idea! Seems cheap, easy to do, and exactly my style. One day when I have my own house…
Love the anchors!
Valentina
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
I did a post a while back on making dinner napkins with metered corners 🙂 I thought it would be fun to do sets with fancy border stitching.
http://www.alessthanperfecthomemaker.com/blogroll/fancy-napkins-with-mitered-corners-working-my-way-through-stitch-by-stitch/
So cute!! Love that ship print fabric <3
http://dearmrrabbit.blogspot.com.au
Chrysta-
I recommend cotton for cloth napkins. It’s easy to clean and care for. These are meant to be table napkins and not kitchen towels, though… because cotton is not absorbant.
XO!
I love your fabric choices – while making cloth napkins is a little more expensive up front, your post got me thinking that I would save a lot of money overall if I wasn’t buying paper napkins.
What kind of fabric do you recommend? Linen? A heavier textile, like for curtains? Quilting material? I’m looking for something that will hold up okay after many uses/washes.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Hrm, I might have to make some napkins with leftover fabric I have….thanks for the idea!
Great idea! I bought some cloth napkins from Crate and Barrel a year ago, and I love them (and we use them everyday) but we need more and they cost an arm and a leg.
Some of my very favorite quilting cotton fabrics lately are from Julia Rothman’s new(ish)line Type. She’s got paper clips and vintage typewriters, nerd glasses and a really cute turquoise with vintage typewriter keys on it. I made a dress for my daughters 4th birthday from that one. She also has a new line coming out in May with bikes on it. So cute! I also love Lizzy House’s new line Constellations. It’s amazing! Stars and constellations (duh), phases of the moon and other pretty things. Those are my recent favorites for sure. Hawthorne threads has all three it looks like. Here’s Julia Rothman’s stuff http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/julia_rothman and here is Constellations http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/lizzy_house/constellations/constellation_in_teal
This is a great DIY. I love the idea of the mixmatch!!
I almost want to go home and see what random textiles I have laying around.
xo
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