Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Shabby Lace Napkins

Nothing is more romantic than lace.  I spotted all lace napkins in Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Inspirations and I knew they would be easy to recreate with the right fabric.  The key is the right fabric.  It needs to be 100 % cotton and a substantial weight.  I just happened to find that sort of fabric at Wholeport.com.  In this picture the napkins were washed and that made them scrunch up beautifully for the rumpled shabby look they also only got more absorbent and thick with washing. 

Supplies:
1 yard or more of lace fabric (pay attention the the width so you can get 4 squares out of it)
thread
scissors
yardstick, tape measure
cutting board (optional)
dressmakers chalk

I first laid out my fabric (unwashed) on a cutting board and measured out four 18 inch squares.  I like to use my fabric unwashed to sew with because the sizing keeps it stiffer and makes it easier to sew with.  It also won't unravel as much if not washed until the edges are properly finished.  
I then finished all edges of my lace with an overlock stitch to keep it from unraveling.  You could use a zig zag stitch or another finishing stitch on a regular sewing machine. 

I then turn the finished edge under and then turned it under again to sew and this hides the overlock stitch  and gives the napkin a finished look.  Do this on all four sides of all four napkins.  *Note: pay attention to the right and wrong side of the lace and sew accordingly.  With some lace it is difficult to tell which is the wrong side.  You want all of the napkins to have the same appearance when finished.

When finished sewing wash the napkins in cold water on the delicate setting and drip dry.  Some shrinkage might occur.   These finished napkins measured approximately 17 inches square.
I can't say enough about the beauty of this fabric.  I have always been on the lookout for 100% cotton lace and Wholeport had this in their selection.  It was also a generous 55 inches wide and that made it easy to lay out the napkin squares.  
I actually only meant to use this fabric on the Lace Back Tee, but there was more than enough fabric to also cut out these lace napkins.

Thank you Wholeport for sponsoring this project!
 Sherry
I will link to;
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style 
Strut Your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters Stuff 
Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House
The Scoop Party at Cedar Hill Ranch  
Make It Pretty Monday at The Dedicated House
Rooted in Thyme Simple and Sweet Fridays
Tutorials, Tips and Tidbits at Stonegable 
Transformed Tuesdays at PJH Designs 
Whatever Goes Wednesday at Someday Crafts 

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherry! Oh, these are just so beautiful! I've thought of lace napkins and thank you for the tute too! Hope you're doing well.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

I remember your "T", turned out so nice! The lace makes for beautiful napkins, thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Cindy

martinealison said...

Un joli billet... Merci pour l'évolution de cette belle réalisation.
Gros bisous

Jonell w Harrison said...

Honestly- I have a drawer full of lace curtain panels for other uses..never thought about sacrificing some for NAPKINS...I CAN DO THAT..Thanks!

Jonell

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi: What a great idea. Love it! Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

Blondie's Journal said...

These are SO pretty, Sherry, I wish I knew how to use a machine. I just love lace and these napkins would look fabulous with an elegant table setting as well as a simple one!

XO,
Jane

pembrokeshire lass said...

What a good idea. Must watch out for some material. Thanks for the tips about the finisher! Joan

Linda Walker said...

Very pretty! love them!
Linda
mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com

Cantinho da Zazá said...

Hi Sherry!
So Beautiful... so Romantic... Perfect!
Thanks for the tutorial!
Zazá

Ricki Treleaven said...

Oh, Sherry....these are so pretty! :D I love lacy pretties like this!

xo,
RJ

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

Hi Sherry,

I never would have thought of lace napkins! Of course, I've never seen cotton lace either.

Thanks for dropping by Harvest Lane Cottage and "talking back" to me. ~smile~

Blessings to you!
Laura

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Sherry, those napkins are so beautiful! There's nothing I love more than lace! Scrumptious!!

Blessings,
Sandi

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

I honestly never thought of using LACE for napkins but this is such a beautiful idea. Thanks for the tips.

Angela said...

You are so lucky to find pure cotton lace..
Your napkins are very pretty.
hugs,
Angela.