Where do you get your cloth napkins?

[ians_mommy]

I am trying to reduce the paper usage in our home. I prefer to use a dish towel when I eat and when DS eats anyway (I just dont feel paper napkins do as great a job), but I would like something more napkin-sized. It would be nicer for guests too.

Ive searched in stores and online, and have not been thrilled with the cost. I also dont like the feel of many cloth napkins (synthetic and stiff).

Anyone have a great idea for getting some cotton or bamboo napkins without investing tons of $$$

[Chloe'sMama]

I made mine. I had a bunch of left over flannel and used my MIL serger. It was so quick.

I think I would try to make some with folded over edges too.

I spent maybe $2 on 20 napkins and it didn't take too much time.

[NewDirections]

I found some really cute cotton stripe napkins at Target on clearance for $2.50 for a 4 pack. I used to use paper towels, but they're so bad for the environment and I also go through so many of them I'm working on that

[tightwaderin]

All of mine are from yardsales. I used to collect vintage printed tablecloths (also from yardsales) and the napkins just went with them so they're all nice and soft cotton ones. I've gotten away from paper towels but cannot convince DH and the 2 teen boys. I have plenty of old cloths that I hemmed up to use instead which are conveniently layed on the counter. I don't buy them, DH does. . .ugh!

[SeekingJoy]

If you like the terry of doshtowels, but not the size, what about terry dishrags? I have found them in multipacks for $3-5.

[Llyra]

I found some of mine at a thrift shop, and some on the clearance rack at Linens and Things. FWIW, if you're going to buy from a "home store" like that, you'll do better to go in person and look at what's on clearance. Those really great deals aren't always available online.

[jewelsJZ]

Did you try looking on Etsy?

[Beauchamp]

Kohls, clearance section, plus a 15% or 20% off coupon! (100% cotton ones, only, I don't buy the poly blends.)

[Ruthie's momma]

Pier 1 Imports or Cost Plus World Market...

[Gray's Mommy]

All of mine have come from a local thrift store. Most have been or look brand new. I even have purchased a pack of 8 napkins with one having a spot...no biggie for me. I just bleached it & out it came. I normally don't spend more than $5 for 8 napkins.

Even my kids prefer the cloth napkins.

[Ruthiegirl]

Salvation Army. I have also bought flannel at SA and made my own. Either way, we get cloth napkins for cheap.

[EmmaJane]

We got about 50 at a yard sale a couple of months ago... I think the seller collected them. All white, a gorgeous mix of linen and cotton, many with other people's initials (shrug). We love 'em!

[karemore]

I love mine from Kohls!

I bought them last year for Thanksgiving/fall but now we use them all the time. I had purchased three different colors to go with placemats so it's perfect for our family of three, everyone knows which color they are. (we use the same napkin until soiled)

I'm going to check back after Thanksgiving to see if they have some on clearance.

[notneb]

I've gotten most of mine from yard sales and thrift stores. The price is right and if I don't like the look or feel of the ones available I can always come back to the store in a few days or hit up the next weekend's yard sales.

[columbusmomma]

my Mom has made most of mine. I like many of the above places PP have mentioned. Whenever I plan to make a purchase I get onto the store's website and sign up form their emailings. Many times when you first sign up they will give you a coupon too! So with savings the napkins will be cheaper or you can buy more!

[thtr4me]

Mine are all washclothes that I picked up at Target. I ususally buy the cheapest bulk ones in white, or colors if they have any colors in the cheap bulk packs. I have dyed a bunch of mine so they are all different colors, and have even done a few with indigo.

We use them in place of both paper towels and paper napkins. They sit in a stack on the counter, and we grab them for everything from wiping up spills, to wiping up faces. I have even used them to clean muddy feet before letting them inside. I just throw them in a sanitize cycle in the washer when enough get dirty.

I bought a bunch for my mom last year and dyed them all purple. She really loved them!

[Dreamy]

I bought some lovely damask linen and cotton ones through the vintage section of Etsy (they came from an estate sale). The seller is RenaissanceProfessor. I LOVE them. I got a mix of white and colours, and keep them rolled up in a wicker basket on the kitchen table

[ChristyMarie]

Discount stores - TJMaxx, Home Goods, Marshall's. Just check the clearance section for really good deals. Buy brand name and they last a long time. But the cotton ones do need to be ironed to look nice in my experience.

[koofie]

Mine were all hand-me-downs from my Mom, until someone offered a huge box of ~40 of them on freecycle. They are stiff, but not as synthetic-feeling as some I have felt.

[AlwaysByMySide]

Mine are mostly dishtowels/hand towels. If I see them at the thrift store, I tend to pick them up, but I think that's only happened once or twice.