Cloth Napkins

What You Need:

• fabric that you wouldn't mind wiping your face with
• scissors
• thread
• sewing machine
• stamp (wood ones work really well.  I got mine in a little shop on Granville Island while I was in Vancouver)
• paint (fabric paint lasts longer, but acrylic holds up pretty well too)
• paintbrush

Step One

Measure and cut your fabric into 6 equal rectangles (or more if you want to make more napkins).  I cut mine 10x13"; if you prefer bigger napkins, feel free to increase the size.

Step Two

Fold over the raw edge so it is hidden and sew all the way around all four sides of each napkin.  A bit tedious, but easy and fairly quick to do.  Snip off any stray threads.

Step Three

Apply paint to your stamp, and press firmly onto the napkin.  It's best to put a newspaper underneath because the paint can leak through a bit, depending on the fabric and paint types.  

Step Four

Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, then fold your napkins up nicely and tie them up with a ribbon or twine for a simple and beautiful gift!

Switch It Up

Instead of using a stamp, you could instead create your own design.  I came across this tutorial yesterday, on how to make stencils from freezer paper.  I haven't tried it yet, but definitely want to soon!

The tutorial shows using it on baby clothes, but you could use it anywhere, really.
http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/how-to-make-a-stencil.html