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

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