SIMPLE MITERED CORNER
Dinner Napkins
DIY SEWING PROJECT
Use Spoonflower Fill-a-Yard to create a fun assortment of simple mitered-corner dinner napkins.
About the Fabric
For this project I chose designs from my Avocado Toast Collection and had them printed on 2 yards of Spoonflower’s Fill-a-Yard in Organic Cotton Sateen. This allowed me to have an assortment of 12 perfectly-sized squares for my napkins.
The organic sateen was a dream to work with. It has slight sheen and a wonderful feel with a great balance of softness and body. It doesn’t fray too easily, so I popped it in the washer without stabilizing the edges first. I used a cool cycle with a phosphate-free detergent and tumble dried it on low. Cutting the napkins apart before pressing to makes handling the fabric more manageable. At this point the fabric is very colorfast, but I iron from the back to be safe.
Notions
In addition to the fabric you will need:
- Thread to match or complement your napkins. I used ivory.
Step-by-Step
NOTE: Click on any of the photos to enlarge. Click on “x” in upper right corner to close zoomed view.
STEP 1 – Trim Squares to Size
Using a rotary cutter and straight edge, or a pair of scissors, trim each napkin to size by removing the white border.
If you are not using Spoonflower’s Fill-a-Yard, cut 17 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ squares from a suitable fabric.
STEP 2 – Press Under Raw Edge
Press under 3/8″ on all four sides of your napkin.
STEP 3 – Press Under Edge Again
Press under a second 3/8″ on all four sides of your napkin. The raw edge is now on the inside. Unfold this second hem for the next step.
STEP 4 – Mark the Corners
As noted in the previous step, you will want to unfold the second hem to mark the stitch line for the mitered corner.
There is more than one way to accomplish this. You can make a mark on each side 3/4″ from the corner and connect the marks with a straight edge.
I planned to do 12 napkins so I wanted a quicker way. I took a piece of card stock and measured 3/4″ from one corner on 2 sides and then cut from mark to mark to give me the little triangle as shown in the photo. I then am able to simply align the card stock template at each corner of the napkin and trace my line.
STEP 5 – Align and Pin
Fold the corner with right sides together to form a 45 degree angle. Pin to help keep layers in place.
STEP 6 – Stitch Corner
Stitch along marked line.
TIP: Start on the inside edge as shown. When you reach the finished edge, back tack to inside edge. This will keep your cut threads more manageable.
STEP 7 – Trim Corner
Trim the corner to eliminate bulk along the seam.
STEP 8 – Turn Corner
Turn the corner right side out.
STEP 9 – Press
Press corner and sides.
STEP 10 – Stitch Around Napkin
Starting near the middle of one long side, stitch around napkin 1/8″ from inside edge. Back tack at beginning and end of hem. Trim threads.
STEP 10 – Your Napkin is Complete!
Press once more for a nice crisp finish.
I love that napkins are simple and sustainable way to keep excess paper products out of the environment. If you want another eco-friendly project, check out these handy to-go pouches. They are perfectly sized to hold a set of flatware and a fabric napkin. Toss them in a lunch box, or keep them in your car for your next impromptu meal-on-the-go.
