Cloth Napkins for the Kids

Now that S is eating everything we do, and using a spoon, we need more cloth napkins.  They are so much more effective then using a disposable napkin or paper towel, and at the end of the meal, we can just wet it and give the little guy a really good wipe down, then wipe the crumbs off the table, chair, wall and floor.  C's "job" at mealtime is to lay out napkins, and the kids have their own flannel monkey set.  Flannel is great for kids because it is so soft.  So, when I found this fun flannel for my ribbon blankets, I bought extra for napkins.  This is the same method I also use to make cloth wipes, so pay attention Neely, I know you'll be needing more of those soon!

(Since I sew at night, these photos are not the best.)

First, off, what size should you cut the napkins (or wipes)?  Since these are kids' napkins, you don't want them too big.  I find 8x8 to be a good size, but in the spirit of using every single inch of my fabric, cut mine 8x9 (so the finished size ends up being more like 7.5x8.5).  Put a few pins in, noting that black pin at the top of the square.

That black pin at the top helps me remember to leave a 2 inch gap for turning.  (Yes, I have forgotten.)

Now clip the corners.

Turn it right side out and poke the corners a bit with a chop stick.  Press it and think of Gram (remember from this post how I said she loved ironing).  Top stitch with a smaller seam allowance, remembering to close the opening.

When you get to a corner, make sure your needle is down, lift the presser foot, and turn.

If you have difficulty getting around a corner, use your scissors to help push the fabric along.

I always make sure to trim the extra fabric from the beginning before I meet up with it.  I've had those threads catch in my bobbin before and it made quite a mess.  

Admire your top-stitching.

And now you have new napkins (or wipes)!

 P.S.  Has this ever happened to you?

What a pain.  If it's on the inside, I just trim the threads nice and close.  No one will see.  Otherwise, rip out the seam and start sewing again, making sure to back stitch over that area.