Celebrate Spring (Napkins with Perfect Points Tutorial)

Here in Winnipeg the snow is mostly gone and we are so ready to get on with spring! This is the perfect time to freshen things up a little – both inside the home and outside.

I was so excited to work on this project. In the span of just two evenings, I had a whole new set of crisp, spring-y, bright-coloured and cheery napkins. Perfect for entertaining as the weather starts to warm.

I’m not afraid to admit, I’ve never made napkins before. I don’t even know why. Maybe the mitred corner seemed like it was too finicky or complex, but it’s such a smart finish to the napkin.

This is such a fun project and I love that you can easily customize it to your decor or change it with the seasons.

Spring Napkin Tutorial

There’s a lot of discrepancy over what a standard size napkin is. When I was looking for some advice I found everything from 16 x 16 to 24 x 24. I like a somewhat generous napkin and opted to go middle of the road with a finished size of 20 x 20.

To get a 20 x 20 napkin, you will need to start with a 21 x 21 piece of fabric. 

Using two metres of fabric, I was able to cut out eight napkins.

Next you will need to mark your edges that you will turn up to create a nice finish. Along each edge, mark a 1/2 inch seam, and then a second 1/2 inch seam.

Next press your seams to the wrong side of the fabric.

Mitred Corners

Once you make one mitred corner, you’ll be well on your way!

Open the first seam along all four sides.

Take one corner and fold towards the centre. You’ll fold it just enough so that the sides are 1 inch. 

Press this corner down with your iron to create a crease.

Next you will open the corner point and fold your fabric right-sides together at the corner taking care to match up the creases you just created.

Straight stitch sew along the crease. Back stitch at the start and end so that it doesn’t open when you turn out your corner.

Cut off the excess fabric after the point. 

Turn the corner right side out and use a blunt object to make sure you get a good point on the corner.

You can now stitch around all four sides to secure the open edges down.

This is a great time to use some of the various stitches on your machine. I decided mine didn’t need to match and used four different stitches. 

With the upcoming Easter weekend, I want to share with you a fun little extra. I’ve been making these bunny napkins for years now. I’ll often get my younger cousins to help me make them as we set the table for dinner. 

View the Bunny Napkin Video for folding details: 

How do you freshen up your decor for spring? Is the snow gone where you are?