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)