Whilst fabric at the end of its life can go for recycling. Reuse, where possible, is the more sustainable option. I changed a bedding set, after 18 years! It was a bit frayed at the edges with some thin patches. So not suitable for the charity shop. I have made napkins before, so decided to do it again.
Napkin uses
Napkins are not just for home. I take one out and about for cake / pastry purchases, eating out, festivals, unplanned foraging, picnics and other uses. Sometimes I even end up with a napkin discount.
While single use napkins are made of paper, it is still single use, and collectively we are getting through a lot! Plus, most are not composted. If the restaurant has already wrapped the cutlery in a single use napkin, I use my cloth one, and take the paper napkin home for my compost. Cloth ones are also a lot more absorbent and usually bigger than paper ones.
Tools needed
- Un-picker
- Dress making scissors
- Ruler
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Pins
- Sewing machine
Starting offÂ
Decide how big you want your napkins to be. I chose 38cm before hemming. Remember the hemming will take a few cm off the size.
If using a pillow case, or duvet, use an un-picker to undo the seams and create a flat surface.
If using a fitted sheet, cut along the elastic to remove it. You will have extra side sections that are too small for napkins, use these, and any end bits for making hankies.
Lay out your fabric, and mark out the size. I draw out a row, with a pencil, cut that out, and then cut into individual pieces. Repeat until you run out of fabric, or energy!
Pinning
I double fold over the edge in the middle, then fold in the corners, and each side, pinning as I go. Repeat on each side. Three pins on each side is generally enough, you may want four.
Ironing
Don’t skip this stage! It makes the sewing much easier, if the folds are pressed down.
SewingÂ
Use a sewing machine to complete the napkins.
Washing
Older fabric may have some small marks, or discolouration from age. I find using a coir brush with some watered down laundry liquid to scrub the finished napkins works well. Then place in the washing machine as normal. 
Gifting
As you may end up with more napkins than you need. Consider gifting them to friends who are interested in reducing their single use napkin consumption.
If making napkins for a special event you can even buy custom labels to sew on the napkins, commemorating the event for guests. I found some on Etsy (Cambridge Personalised), that were great quality and arrived quickly.
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