I have a friend that makes cloth dinner napkins that are rightside out on both sides...if that makes sense. She wont give out her patterns or recipes for that matter. Does anyone have napkin patterns they could share?

Sorry I don't have a pattern for you. I would say your friend isn't very nice if she won't share her pattern with you. I think I might find a new friend. :wink:

Are her napkins two layers or just one layer? I have some solid-colored Kona cotton that looks exactly the same on each side; I think that would work well for the fabric.

Linen is traditional for napkins, I think.

I don't know if this is what you mean. Mine are:

2 - 18" squares - or as large as you want your napkins, (can be the same fabric or two different ones)

Sew right sides together (1/4" seam) leaving enough of an opening to turn right side out. Top stitch, including closing up the opening for turning. Viola!

I won't comment on someone not sharing......

What a stingy "friend!" LOL! Here's a tutorial I found for you: http://wendolonia.com/blog/2008/08/0...kins-tutorial/ It's the same concept as patty48's idea, but with pictures. I like pictures!

I used to make a lot of napkins. I always mitered the corners....I found a web-site that shows how I make them....easier than me trying to explain...lol

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2009/04/2...cloth-napkins/

hope this helps

I too will not comment on a "friend" who won't share a pattern!

I sent you a pm

Thanks for the great ideas. I'd like to make some dinner napkins for the holidays. I think they'll also make a good gift. My "friend" is somewhat stingy...I don't get it really. I love to share things. Now there are a few recipes that I keep to myself...old family type things but when it comes to sewing I love to share. Plus I learn a lot from other people. :) :) :)

PS: now seeing the patterns I feel stupid...it's as easy as I thought it would be. I don't do well without a pattern or directions. Give me a pattern or a recipe than I can do just about anything!

Thanks...I really like the look of mitered corners.

Thanks for the link. My DS has made many a napkin and also will not share how she gets the corners done so nicely. Now I know and ...I think I will make her some napkins! :D :lol: :lol:

I'm so glad I saw this thread! I've been wanting to make some napkins for a friend, but needed some good ideas. Thanks for bringing it up, BeachBirdie!

:) :) :) Great minds think alike!

In thinking about this and me always wanting a finished looking back. Could you not fold, iron and cut the corner and then place a piece of matching fabric inside, faceup and then re-fold the borders down and sew. You would have the mitered corners, and a finished looking back of your napkin. You would catch the fabric also soit would stay in place.... You could even place another coordinating fabric there and have a nice touch...

Hmmmm, now the mind is going crazy. Thanks ladies. LOL

Kids can be so rotten!! But I love your idea :twisted: :twisted: :D

Echo....I never thought about putting a coordinating fabric on the back....but it certainly sounds doable. They would be very luxurious napkins.

Napkins would be a great project to use decorative stitches or a twin needle for top stitching :D

Who needs a stingy friend!

I was thinking that also...I just bought a new sewing machine...and there are quite a few pretty decorative stitches. I was thinking of making some pretty napkins for the thanksgiving. I am having about 20 people, and buying napkins is very expensive. Much less expensive to make them. Even if I make good size napkins....about 18 inches....I can get about 6 per yard of fabric. So for 20 napkins...what is that about 4 yards of fabric. Now I just need to find a nice fabric. woohoo

btw.....one recommendation I would make....learned this from experience....is make sure you wash the fabric first before making them....that way any shrinking won't affect your finished napkin. Also, you'll get an idea about how well your napkins are going to wash after use.

Beachbirdie -

I just take 18-20 inch squares. If I am doing just for me and I am in a hurry I surge the edges using the rolled hem technique. However when doing for someone else, I "bind" them as I would a quilt.

If I were to do reversible ones and use two fabrics - I would first preshrink them so that they would not shrink at dif rates.

hi chele, very good link thanks

I have made napkins with rights side of both fabrics out and serged a roll hem. For Christmas I used wooly nylon metallic thread in the loopers, easy peasy.

When I make napkins I just sew both napkins right sides together and leave an opening to turn inside out, press and sew all around the outside using a 1/4 inch seam.

With a friend like that, who needs enemies. Doesn't she know giving and teaching is what we are supposed to do in this life. I'll ask around and on the interenet for you. I'm making cloth wine bottle holders and napkins to match to make Christmas baskets. I'm trying to make my gifts with some of my mountain of stash. Searching for you....Peace, moongal

Thanks Chele for sharing that tutorial on the napkins, what a neat idea and they look so nice, will definitly make them.

Love this idea of turning them inside out and then sewing all around edge. will try this for the Christmas baskets I'm in the process of making with cloth wine bags, bottle of wine and who knows what else in the basket. love and peace, moongal

Great tutorial. Thanks for posting this web site info.