Fringed Edge Napkin project
REAL LINEN NAPKINS ARE ONE OF LIFE’S LITTLE LUXURIES. THE LAUNDERING IS NOT SO EXCITING THOUGH. THIS CASUAL HEM FINISH WILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO FORGET THE IRONING AND CELEBRATE THE WRINKLES, JUST TOSS THEM IN THE MACHINE AND ENJOY THEM.
by Judy Newman
A fringed edge hem is a good technique to consider when you want a finished edge that is somewhat rustic. When washed, the edges will be even softer and lovely, and it’s quick and easy to do. To make four napkins, cut four pieces of loose weave linen to 45cm square. Make sure you are cutting on the straight grain on each side – to check, you can pull a thread and it will draw along the grain.
Then simply find a decorative stitch on your machine that you like (not too wide) and stitch approximately 5mm from the raw edge, pivoting at each corner and avoiding stitching into the 5mm allowance on any side.
Once the stitching is complete, fray the edges, leaving a couple of threads outside the stitching line.
Your family and friends will feel special when they see these at the dinner table setting!
This finish is also a good one for skirts although your edge is unlikely to be on the straight grain so the threads won’t pull in the same manner. Instead just use a pin to tease out the threads, trim them evenly and wash to complete the frayed finish.
If you like the dyed look on your napkins, see this step-by-step.
And for some different ideas and uses for the humble paper napkin, click here!