Hello Everyone!

I am looking into making some cloth napkins for our household. We currently use paper napkins and I guess I want to be a little more "green".

For those that have made them before, what kind of fabric did you use?

I was thinking a linen or a cotton for absorbency. But I'm not even sure where to get it. I would love to use all the cute prints Joann has but am unsure if they are safe for this kind of project.

Your advice is much appreciated :)

I have made napkins from the same material as I use for quilts. The 100% cotton. A couple sets I only finished the edges to make a 17" square, on one set, which I love to use to line the bread basket and such was actually 8 9" finished blocks sewn together in two sections of 2x2 blocks then sewn right sides together with a small opening, turned and then stitched across and around the edge. It is a lot of fabric to use for a napkin, but I love the size of them and they look nice!

I use whatever fabric I have on hand and serge the edges. Most of my napkins don't match--that way when one gets too stained and I need to throw it away it doesn't matter. Of course, for special occasions I do have matched sets--eventually they become everyday napkins too!
Rose Hall

I guess I was just concerned with health issues with the printed material. I noticed last time I was at Joann that near the Calico section they had a note posted saying something along the lines of "this material is known to contain formaldehyde"

So then I thought I would have to use 100% Organic Cotton/Bamboo fabric.

Thank you for your insights :)

I was thinking of making like seven 8 count sets. So there would be more than enough for during the week and then maybe a couple of holiday sets.

I would think that as long as they were prewashed there would not be a problem. You would wash them before using, I'm sure.

Oh definitly :) I would likely wash the fabric before I even made the napkins.

Also, another question, should I put something in the middle for absorption, or would the two layers be enough?

I use the same fabric for napkins that I use for making quilts. And if there is definitely a wrong side and a right side, who cares? Just fold so that the "right" side shows. Definitely wash the fabric first so shrinkage won't be an issue. You can also just serge around them or add a very simple hem.

No, you don't neet to put anything between the layers of fabric. Many napkins out there are of a thicker material but they are only single ply. Admittedly, the single ply one are not very absorbant but being 100 % cotton they absorb more than say something with polyester in it.

I have made napkins from my quilting materials, if i over bought for a project. I like them not matching, but coordinated, like quilts! :lol:

Thank you for all your help and suggestions :)