Can I just say first how much I love the colors in this post! {sigh} Okay...
If I can teach myself how to use a sewing machine in one day, you can too! I've even done the hard work for you and created a post with clear pictures to help you! Check out this post: Sewing 101 {meant to inspire you}.
And if I can complete my first EASY sewing project {or maybe you are just looking for a new, simple, one} than so can you too!
Remember when I told you about my everyday napkins in this post? Well, I ventured out into the local fabric store and bought some inexpensive {$4.99 for 4 18x21 inch pieces, I bought two} 100% cotton fabric to make into napkins for my kitchen.
Have your machine ready to go, plugged in, thread in place...you know the drill. Heat up your iron and iron a 1/2 inch seam on all four sides of your fabric. In the picture below on the right, you will make neat corners by folding one side under {like wrapping a gift on the sides} and iron that flat too. I pinned mine to keep them together.
Lift up the presser foot {sorry I'm a beginner and some may be too} and clamp down on a corner o the fabric where you will start your stitch. Stitch forward and reverse a couple times to secure it and then continue to stitch along the seam to the next corner:
{again for the beginners} Once you get to the corner, lift the presser foot and turn the fabric 90 degrees. Lower the presser foot and sew along the seam on the new side. Repeat for the remainder of the napkin. On the last corner, stitch forward and reverse a couple times to secure the stitch. You are done!
Lift the presser foot and gently pull the fabric off to the side. If you have two threads coming out the side, YOU DID IT! Cut them and then trim any strings from the corners.
Maybe you made your first project like me or maybe you are making your first everyday napkin! Either way - WAY TO GO YOU! I totally got my home ec on today{and so did you!} I did use 100% cotton fabric, however, I'd advise you to use something a little thicker than what I did here. Mine will still work, but my other stash is a little more sturdy. These napkins are super washable. Speaking of washing, WASH your fabric before sewing it. Then you won't deal with post-sewing shrinkage.That would be embarrassing, right ;)
Good luck to you!
These would make for a colorful dinner party, huh?
COME CHECK OUT my second sewing project here. I made pillows from napkins, really!
Little R already using one:
And they have already migrated to the oven handle - I guess they could be hand towels too? Works for me!
Shared with:
It's Overflowing
Ginger Snap Crafts
Serendipity & Spice
The D.I.Y. Dreamer
The Vintage Apple
Beyond the Picket Fence
Fireflies & Jellybeans
Destination: Craft
Such fun colours!! Great job on your first sewing project! PS your photos are AMAZING! I'm gonna have to follow your photography tutorials!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The photography is my FAVORITE part of blogging :)
DeleteSuper cute. Guess I need to buy a sewing machine.
ReplyDeletehttp://inthekitchenandonthecouch.blogspot.com/
Oh Meghan, yes you do! I bought a refurbished one from a sewing store. The nice man had some useful information for a beginner like me!
DeleteSo cute! I love all of the fun colors you used. I suppose I should dust off my own sewing machine and give these suckers a try :)
ReplyDeleteyou choosed really nice fabrics. Congratulations on your first sewing project :)
ReplyDeleteLove,
Hanni
Congratulations for completing your first sewing project. I also have taught myself how to sew this year by making a quiet book for my nephew. Feel free to hop over and check it out. (the final reveal will be on Tuesday but you can see previews now)
ReplyDeleteI thought your tutorial was very easy to follow and would be great for any other beginner to follow. You'll find that sewing opens up a whole new world of crafts and projects. Enjoy!
Sarah@ Adventures of Our Fami-Ly
These are so cute! A lady made us a huge set of napkins when we got married...ten years later and we still use them!! Would be delighted for you to link to my brand new party: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/01/mop-it-up-mondays-party-1.html
ReplyDelete{HUGS},
kristi
your newest follower ; )
Love the napkins. We are in the process of switching over from paper napkins/paper towels so I think this will have to make a ton of these. As a novice sew-er, I like that it is all straight lines! (saw you on Northern Cottage).
ReplyDeleteSO freaking COOL!!! Now can you show me how to thread my machine???
ReplyDeleteWould you mind posting it on my blog please??? :)
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-1.html
Thanks for linking up!! I'm sooooo looking foward to the threading the sewing maching tutorial :)
DeleteSo cute! Love these :)
ReplyDeleteI just absolutely fell head over heels in love with these last week!! They are first on my list of features this week: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/02/mop-it-up-mondays-party-2.html
ReplyDeleteWould LOVE for you to link up your newest projects! Looks like you've been one busy girl. Those snickerdoodles, shoe clips and napkins are all to die for!! And of course, who can resist a panini? Would be delighted for you to link as many of your items up as you like! Hope you're having a great weekend!
{HUGS},
kristi
I love the bright colors you used! They turned out so well!
ReplyDeleteFun!! How have these held up with lots of washings? I wouldn't have left the raw edges showing, but having to fold the raw edge under is what has kept me from making cloth napkins. I hate ironing hems. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great first project and how-to you have done. I also wanted to tell you that the 18" by 21" fabric square thing is called a fat quarter. Not all quilt shops cut them but most do. A fat quarter is made by cutting a half yard in half on the folded edge thats on the bolt so the full width of the fabric fits on it. I would get the book Stitch By Stitch by Dedorah Moebes its a great book for beginers and more advance sewest.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great information!
DeleteYou are an inspiration. I, also, have put off sewing due to my own perceived failure status of self. Thanks for showing me it's okay to be a beginner!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! Sorry for the late reply August :)
DeleteI just got a sewing machine for Christmas from my hubby, and have been scouring the internet (and Pinterest!) for beginner sewing projects and general information about sewing. I am so happy I came across your site! I have been practicing on a pair of cotton pants I cut up for the last couple of days, and today I decided to try out these napkins. I did it! They look fantastic, and your info was a great starting point for me. I did fold the hem over twice because I didn't like the stringy edge from the fabric, and they look awesome! Not bad for a first time project. Thanks so much, I look forward to reading some more of your stuff.
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing!
You made my day! I'll admit I need to get back to my sewing machine and try some new projects! I still reference my Sewing 101 when it's been a few weeks in between the ones I am working on. I'm so happy you shared that you double folded the hem because I HATED the frayed edges on mine! I need to update mine again and will definitely use this tip! Happy sewing to you too!
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