Environmentally Friendly Sewing Project - Fat Quarters

If you've been a Sit 'n Sew customer for a while, you know that I'm a big fan of fat quarter bundles - so much possibility in a carefully curated group of fabrics!

With Earth Day around the corner (April 22nd), I wanted to share another great use for fat quarters - making your own cloth napkins.

Why use cloth napkins?

First, they're much better for the environment than disposable paper napkins and paper towels.

They're also more durable, and over the long run, less expensive than constantly buying paper. (Check out 6 reasons here from thekitchn.com)

Plus, as sewists, we can choose our own fabrics and create napkins using fabrics we love!

Today I'm using this spring-inspired Sunshine Garden FQ bundle to stitch a new set of cloth napkins. See all of our fat quarter bundle options here.

Each fat quarter will yield one napkin. If you prefer to use yardage, you can get two napkins from each 1/2 yard of quilting cotton.

Step 1: Cut (1) 16" square. Trim 1/2" at each corner - that is, measure 1/2" in from the corner, and cut on the diagonal.

Tip: I aligned a 45-degree line on the ruler with the top edge of my fabric square to make sure that I was cutting an even triangle.

Step 2: Fold and press each trimmed corner in 1/4". Use a glue stick or other fabric glue to secure this folded edge.

Tip: Layer scrap paper under your fabric so you don't leave glue stick residue on your cutting mat.

Step 3: Fold the square diagonally at each corner and press, marking the center of the glued corner. I then marked this line lightly with a fabric marking pen. Working your way around the square, fold each long edge in 1/4" and then 1/4" again and press. In the corner, this edge should align with the marked line.

Tip: Use a glue stick or fabric glue to hold these long pressed edges down as well.

Step 4: When all 4 sides have been folded twice and pressed, you're ready to stitch! If any of your mitered corners don't line up exactly, your folds may not be exactly 1/4". Refold and press to try again. Stitch around all 4 sides right by the inner folded edge (wrong side of napkin up), pivoting with the needle down at each corner.

That's it! Your napkin is complete! Make as many as you like using your favorite fat quarters, and enjoy using them!

Tip: If you're making multiple napkins, set them up assembly line style - layer several fat quarters to cut at once, and then trim corners while squares are still stacked. Then press and glue several napkins at once, and then sew them. They're quick to make!

Shop our Fat Quarter Bundles here and get started on your own napkins!

Looking for more inspiration? I used a second Sunshine Garden FQ Bundle to make this set of 4 placemats. You can download the free placemat pattern with the purchase of any FQ Bundle.

Apr 17th 2025 Lisa Swenson-Ruble for Sit n' Sew Fabrics

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