Creative Reuse: Dinner Napkins from Pillowcases

Before I dive headfirst into my holiday decorating, are you all ready for a creative reuse? I've got a good one for you!

At the start of my vacation, my mom and I stopped into the Ralph Lauren Home outlet and found several king pillowcases in the 'Cote d'Azur' print for $6.48 each pair. Immediately, I knew I could use the print for something other than pillowcases. The print was reminiscent of a Robshaw-esque block print, but for a fraction of the price.

Each package contained 2 king pillowcases that measured 20" x 40". Using one of my mom's existing fabric napkins as a template, I began cutting 16 equal-sized 14" x 14" squares from the 4 large pillowcases.

The fabric was doubled so that both sides of the finished napkins were printed (that is, no "wrong side" showing). I ironed each square carefully to make pinning and sewing easier.

This is where my very talented mother comes in. Mom turned each of the printed squares wrong-side out and pinned the template red napkin to both to guide her stitching.

Using a simple straight stitch, Mom followed the edge of the red napkin and sewed up 3 1/2 edges of the square (as if she was making a pillow). She left a small opening so the napkin could be turned right-side out. Each napkin she sewed I turned right-side out and used an awl to make each corner clean and sharp.

Back under the iron these napkins went!

Next step? A trip back under the sewing machine's needle--this time to using the embroidery stitches on the machine to finish off each with a blanket stitch about a quarter inch from the edge. This final stitch closed up all the open seams and added a professional look to my 8 finished napkins.

...Ready for the final product?

$12.96 and a little bit of team effort resulted in 8 handmade napkins that look much more costly. This project would make a cute Christmas present for newlyweds or those who just settled into their first home.

Hope you like them!