Making Simple Sturdy Cloth Napkins

I love to make and use cloth napkins.  I haven’t bought a package of paper napkins in nearly five years.  I find that cloth napkins are so much nicer and since I've made several sets I don't have to worry about running out between laundry days.

These are double sided so double thickness.  They hold up really nice.  Like I said, ours get used every day and after nearly five years I think they still look great.

Stitching on some vintage trim

I've posted about making cloth napkins before, but since I was getting ready to make a new set to put away for my future retirement house I thought it might be a good time to talk about them again.

Pressed and ready to finish

I made my pattern using two sheets of copy paper and some Scotch tape to construct a 12 1/2" square.  I find this is the perfect size, not too big and not too small.

Pinned at the corners

I start by cutting out two squares of cotton fabric.  Last time I made napkins I stitched them together with a 1/4" seam allowance, turned them right side out, pressed them and then did a simple straight stitch to top stitch along the edges.  Pretty dang simple.

Stitch around the edge with a 1/4" seam allowance leaving a small opening
I trimmed the edges and corners before turning right side out

This time I wanted to embellish the new ones a bit with some vintage trim I happen to have.  You could embroider them too, which is something I hope to do this winter on another set.  Then once the decoration is complete simply sew and top stitch as I described above.

Press again and topstitched along the edge about 1/8" 

I used natural 100% cotton muslin for these and I also like to use cotton calico prints.  I've made several sets of these napkins and given them as gifts so if you need an idea for Christmas, this might be just the thing. 

Do you use cloth napkins?  Have you ever made any?