I can’t claim the original idea for these napkins, I think I saw them in a Martha Stewart magazine?  Anyway, the idea stuck and when I saw that seersucker fabric was on sale at Fabric.com I decided to give it a shot.

I purchased two yards of fabric, I wasn’t sure how many napkins that would make because I hadn’t decided yet how big to make them.

First, you need to decide your measurements, I went with 18″ square.  Then, cut your fabric, trying to be as straight as possible with your cuts. (this will come in handy later…askmehowIknow *ahem*)

The 18″ cut allowed for eight napkins from the two yards (and about $1 per napkin – score!).  Once you’ve cut your squares, you need to fray the edges:

They will continue to fray when you wash them, but I’m pretty sure it’ll take a while before you are left with a postage-stamp sized napkin and 17″ of fray.  ;o)

When you’re all done, since you pre-washed your fabric (you did pre-wash it…right? ;o) ), you are all set to use your napkins with your next meal!

We had BBQ ribs the night I made these and they worked great!  If you don’t mind sewing and you have the ability, to stop the fraying you can sew a zig-zag seam around the edge.  My old grey mare of a ’36 Singer has never heard of zig-zag stitch so we’ll live with the fraying.  ;o)