Are you ready for the next installment in our picnic project?  Now that we’ve made over our picnic basket (part 1) and sewn a removable liner (part 2), it’s time for some napkins!  In our house, we learned that you could never have too many napkins.  My mom was always armed with extras, so I decided to make two sizes. 

I made some cocktail napkins (above) and a full sized dinner napkin that could easily double as a place mat (below).  The cool thing about this project is that although these napkins look fancy, they are super cheap to make.  That yummy off-white fabric above?  Muslin. The black lace?  It’s hem facing. (The kind that comes in a pack at JoAnn’s for a couple of bucks.)  Grab some black and off-white thread, and you are ready to go.  This is a seriously quick and affordable project.

Instructions: Cocktail Napkins

1) For each cocktail napkin, I cut out two squares of muslin (FRONT and BACK) that measured 8.75″ x 8.75″.  On the FRONT, I pinned a strip of lace hem facing 1.75″ from the edge.  Using black thread and a narrow zig zag stitch, I stitched the lace directly onto the muslin.

2) Pin the two squares right sides together (so the lace is facing IN).  Sew a 1/4″ seam around all four edges, leaving a 3″ gap on one side so you can turn your work.  Trim corners and flip the napkin right side out.  Press and turn under raw edges in the 3″ opening.

3) Top stitch along all 4 sides 1/8″ inch from the edge.  You’re done!

Instructions: Dinner Napkins

1) The dinner napkin is a single piece of muslin 18″ x 18″.  As in step 1 for the cocktail napkin, sew the lace hem facing directly onto the muslin using a zig zag stitch.  Since the back of the fabric will be exposed, it is important to match your bobbin thread to the fabric.  (The top thread is still black.)  The photo below shows the back side of the napkin.  If you prefer, it would be simple to cut a second square to hide these stitches.

2) Attach bias tape edge.  This link is a great tutorial for attaching bias tape (including how to make your own). I decided to use a very narrow bias tape (1/8″) and while I love the way it looks, it’s very tricky to miter the corners with such a narrow edge.  If flawless corners are critical for you, I might recommend a wider bias tape.

3) I normally finish my bias tape by hand, but in this case, I top stitched it instead.  The beautiful weather outside was just too good to ignore, so I went for the speedy option.  It turned out great.

There’s more picnic fun ahead including a picnic blanket, some insulated food wraps, and some glass etching!

P.S. – I haven’t tried washing these yet, but when I do I plan to wash them on the gentle cycle (cold water) and line dry.  This is how I treat all of my table linens, and I’m hoping it will help the lace trim hold up in the wash.