Handy Dandy Double-Sided Wrap-Napkins

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: Handy Dandy Double-Sided Wrap-Napkins

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for quick & easy, useful projects that can make great gifts or brighten up your own living space. In an effort to pretty up our table and keep paper out of the landfill, I started making fabric napkins for our family (and as gifts) a year or so ago. I had been using the single side, hemmed edge method, as shown here on this page (click here).

This year I decided to kick it up a notch and make double sided napkins. When I showed my double-sided napkins to Cindy (one of our employees), she told me about some fabric napkins she had once been given that had ties sewn into one edge so they could be used to wrap silverware for each place setting. That sparked an idea in my mind…and a new use for Handy Tabs by LazyGirl.

Double-sided napkins require more fabric than the single-sided version, but this method is actually faster and easier than the single fabric method, in my opinion. It’s also very handy to be able to wrap, roll & tie your silverware ahead of setting the table or preparing a buffet. Or…make them without the ties if you prefer. They make wonderful basket or box liners and would make lovely, simple vase or centerpiece mat. Once you learn the technique, it’s easy to make them any size you want to serve a variety of purposes.

I’ve made table napkins anywhere from 12 inches square to 20 inches square. Vase or centerpiece mats could be much smaller…or larger…depending on your vase/centerpiece size.

Materials required:

–>Two pieces of fabric. My favorite size table napkin is 18″ square, finished. That means for each napkin I want to make I start with 2 pieces of fabric cut 18 1/2″ x 18 1/2″. Using contrasting colors for each side makes for really fun nappies. Whatever finished size you want, simply cut your fabric 1/2 inch larger in each direction (both height & width).

–>If making the with ties version, you’ll need 2 Handy Tabs for each napkin you wish to make. Keep in mind that Handy Tabs are polyester. Set your heat (iron or drier) accordingly.

NOTE: If you wish to make napkins larger than 18″ finished, we recommend you make your own tabs/ties measuring 3/4″ x 5″.

–>Good quality coordinating thread for construction.

–>Decorative threads, if desired, for topstitching.

Instructions:

Cut fabric as specified above.

Press both pieces of fabric.

Lay one fabric piece on top of the other, with RIGHT sides together (wrong side facing you).

If putting ties on your napkins, open each Handy Tab and press so that they are open and flat as shown–remember to check your iron temperature and adjust to POLYESTER setting so you do not damage the Handy Tabs. If you are not putting ties on, skip to the next step.

: Press Handy Tabs open so they lay flat and measure 3/4″ x 4″

Place your two Handy Tabs (layered one on top of the other) between the layers of fabric approximately 4 1/2 inches from the bottom of one corner as shown in the picture below. Place Handy Tabs so that ends extend 1/16 to 1/8 ” past the raw edges of your fabric…just a tiny smidge so you can see them. Pin in place as shown.

NOTE: If you are making napkins other than an 18″ finished size, calculate placement of the Handy Tabs as follow: Finished size divided by 4. Measure up that distance from one corner and place Handy Tabs.

Once Handy Tabs are pinned in place or if you are not putting ties in… Use a 1/4″ (.25) seam allowance and start sewing approximately 6″ from any corner. Stitch a 1/4″ seam allowance all the way around each side, stopping and pivoting at each corner until you come to the final side where you started. STOP sewing approximately 4″ – 6″ BEFORE your beginning point…leave this open so you can turn your napkin right side out.

Press napkin completely flat while still wrong-side-out to set the seam.

At the 4″ – 6″ open edge, fold and press the un-sewn 1/4″ seam allowance open/back toward napkin center.

The 4" - 6" open area is pressed open/toward center of napkin, using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Clip corners carefully, do not cut into stitching

Reach through opening. Turn napkin right side out. Push corners out using a tapestry needle or awl to make corners crisp and pointed.

Press napkin well, making certain it is completely flat and wrinkle free on both sides as well as making sure the turned in edges of the opening area are aligned and even.

Topstitch napkin approximately 1/8th” from edge — begin sewing at the opening and topstitch all the way around napkin. You may choose to use a straight stitch or you may wish to select a fancy stitch on your machine and/or use fancy decorative threads.

How to wrap your utensils:

Fold napkin in half so that ties are on the bottom most layer on one side or the other. Place utensils on the opposite end from the ties. Wrap and roll toward ties.

: Wrap and roll utensils.

Separate ties as shown in the picture below, pulling firmly to the other side. It may seem like the ties are too short, but they will be perfect.

Use firm, steady pressure and pull around in a single tie (NOT a knot). Pull the tie nice and snug so it doesn’t slip until you’re ready to open.

: Now you’re ready to tie. NOTE…this pic shows the napkin rolled with the other fabric side out as compared to the previous picture.

Finished -- same napkin as above, but shown with the other fabric side out.

I have tested washing and drying the “tie” napkins. The Handy Tabs hold up brilliantly…no problems at all. Keep in mind, the Handy Tabs are polyester and set your heat (iron or dryer) accordingly.

Fold double-sided napkins without ties as desired to compliment and dress your table.

Enjoy!

Click here for a printable document file (PDF). A RECENT version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. You may upgrade or download it for FREE at www.adobe.com.

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