table napkins

[lovnbnhome]

I want to make some table napkins but wondered if there is a certain type of material that I should look for? I'm *really* new to fabrics and have no idea. I was thinking that cotton is good but are there different types? absorbency?
tia

[Kari_mom]

Cotton wovens are good, I like something with a bit of thickness to it or two layers of something lighter. Think about how it will feel against your face as you chose fabrics. I wouldn't chose a fabric that wants to unravel easily, I think it will be harder to cut and sew unless you want frayed edges. My friend makes napkins by zig-zagging about 3/8" in from the edge of a square cut to napkin size, then washing them so they fray.

I've read posts online that some mamas really like flannel napkins, especially for children. Two layers of flannel would be about right.

Consider hemp too, I'm thinking about making some hemp napkins for us.

We have a good size collection of napkins in different prints and weaves that we've collected at thrift stores and on clearance. My kids love to pick their favorites when they set the table. My ds2 asks for the Easter egg napkins every night. :LOL

[cinnamonamon]

Originally Posted by Kari_mom

We have a good size collection of napkins in different prints and weaves that we've collected at thrift stores and on clearance. My kids love to pick their favorites when they set the table. My ds2 asks for the Easter egg napkins every night. :LOL

That is such a cute idea! I bought some from a yard sale that look to be a thick woven -- rug style woven I mean; you could pull the strings out one by one if you untied the fringe, kwim? They are perfect weight & absorbancy. The ones I made are just serged off squares of cotton -- JoAnn's has "symphony broadcloth" for 1.79/yd & lots of great prints. 'Course I found mine at a yard sale -- $.50/2 yards. I only use 1 layer, but I have a bunch -- so often we just wipe our fingers once, so I figure I'd prefer to have twice as many rather than lots of thick ones...

Just jump in, lovnbnhome -- as long as it's cotton, it will absorb.


PS -- love the idea about letting the edges fray like that!

[lovnbnhome]

Thank you for the suggestions!!!! I guess I'm going to JoAnns or elsewhere and wipe my face in the fabrics! :LOL

I really don't like the feel of paper napkins on my face...so rough! Plus I have to go and buy them every few days... I grew up with cloth and love them!

[Selena]

I have tons of napkins I ask for them in swaps, I've serged muslin squares then dyed them myself, I have just torn squares of dyed flannel without finishing (these haven't frayed, honest, lol), I have recycled ones from various fabrics and thrift store funky 70s finds I really like single layers... not sure why... I have a friend who makes them with 2 layers of heavier weight fabrics... to each their own, I suppose I like the variety. Sometimes lightweight ones are good, flannel is great for wet messes and soft on wiggly toddler cheeks try a few of whatever you can find and go from there

[intymama]

Hi Selena

Glad to see you around MDC.

I've made napkins out of a tablecloth that shrunk too much. The fabric was kind of heavy and 100% cotton. Flannel sounds good though. I am loving flannel a lot lately, I guess I am going to have to try it.

[Selena]

Hi Juuuula nice to see ya here, lol