How to Make Cloth Napkins: Size, Fabric & 4 Simple Folds
⚡ Quick Answer
- Cut cotton squares 1" larger than the finished size you want (18" squares make 17" napkins).
- Press a double ¼" hem on all four sides, miter or fold the corners, and topstitch.
- One fat quarter makes one 17" napkin; one yard of 42"-wide fabric makes four.
- Prewash first so your napkins don't shrink out of square after the first wash.
- Easy folds to start with: the classic rectangle, the triangle, the silverware pocket and the napkin ring pull-through.
A set of cloth napkins is one of the quickest ways to dress up a table, and you can sew a whole set in an afternoon. Here's how to make them from quilting cotton, how much fabric you need, and a few simple folds that make the table look finished.
▶️ Watch it done: Misty & Craig's Drift Into Blue Table Setting tutorial (placemats + napkins)
Key Takeaways
- ➤ Size: Dinner napkins usually finish between 16" and 20" square; lunch napkins are smaller.
- ➤ Fabric: Quilting cotton presses crisply, washes well, and holds a fold.
- ➤ Hem: A double ¼" hem hides every raw edge and needs no serger.
- ➤ Folds: Press well and starch lightly so folds hold their shape.
What Size Should Cloth Napkins Be?
| Napkin | Finished size | Cut size (double ¼" hem) |
|---|---|---|
| Cocktail | 9"–10" | 10"–11" |
| Lunch | 12"–14" | 13"–15" |
| Dinner | 16"–20" | 17"–21" |
How Much Fabric Do You Need?
Quilting cotton is usually about 42" wide after prewashing, so a yard (36") gives you a 2 × 2 grid of 18" squares: four 17" dinner napkins per yard. A fat quarter (about 18" × 21") gives you one. For a set of eight, buy two yards, or mix prints for a scrappy set. Browse fabric by the yard, or pick a holiday print from our Christmas fabric.
💡 Pro Tip: Prewash and press your fabric before cutting. Cotton can shrink a little unevenly, and a napkin that's cut square before washing may not stay square after.
How to Make Cloth Napkins
- Cut your squares 1" larger than the finished size.
- Press ¼" toward the wrong side on all four edges.
- Press another ¼" to enclose the raw edge.
- Neaten the corners. For a mitered corner, unfold the hems, fold the corner point in diagonally, then refold the hems so the edges meet at a 45° line. For a quicker finish, just fold one side over the other.
- Topstitch close to the inner fold all the way around, pivoting at each corner with the needle down.
- Press again, and you're ready to set the table.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a slightly longer stitch length (about 3.0) for topstitching. It looks crisper and is less likely to pucker thin cotton.
Easy Napkin Folds
Classic rectangle: Fold the napkin in half, then in half again into a square. Fold it in half once more into a rectangle and lay it beside the plate or across it.
Triangle: Fold the napkin in quarters into a square, then fold it diagonally into a triangle. Set it on the plate with the long edge toward the guest.
Silverware pocket: Fold the napkin in half into a rectangle. Fold the top layer down about a third to make a cuff, then flip the napkin over. Fold the sides in toward the center, fl
Napkin ring pull-through: Lay the napkin flat, pinch it at the very center, and lift so the corners fall down together. Pull the center point through a napkin ring and fluff the corners out into a soft fan above the ring.
ip it back over, and slide the silverware into the cuff.▶️ Watch it done: See the napkin ring pull-through in our 60-second Short, or the full Drift Into Blue Table Setting tutorial
Complete the Table Setting
Napkins look best with matching placemats. Find a design for every season in our quilted placemat patterns, start simple with Simple Quilted Placemats, or make a coordinating set with the Valentine's Day Zig Zag Placemat & Napkin tutorial. Working from fat quarters? Here's a guide to fat quarter size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fabric for cloth napkins?
100% cotton or a cotton-linen blend. Quilting cotton is easy to sew, washes well and holds a crisp fold.
How many napkins can I get from a yard of fabric?
Four 17" dinner napkins from one yard of 42"-wide fabric, cutting 18" squares.
Do I need a serger to make napkins?
No. A double-fold hem encloses the raw edges on a regular sewing machine.
How do I keep a napkin fold from falling flat?
Press each fold with an iron and use a light spray starch.