Stop Wasting Money On Expensive Linen Napkins When There's A Cheap Hack

It's hard to ignore the wow factor that linen napkins literally bring to the table. Their elegant texture and appeal can instantly elevate your table setting, making any meal feel special. They're also far more eco-friendly than paper napkins, as they can be washed and reused. The catch is that buying high-quality linen napkins for your table comes with an equally high price tag. One set can easily cost $20 or more, depending on the brand and design. It's easy to see how these small pieces of fabric can create a big dent in your budget, especially if you factor in the maintenance. 

The good news is that you don't have to splurge on high-end store-bought napkins to enjoy their charm. Making your own linen napkins at home is a simple and affordable option for those who want a gorgeous table setting but lack the budget. The best part is that you don't even need to do any sewing if you opt to give your napkins a raw edge.

The process of making homemade napkins is easier than you might think and can be done with minimal sewing skills. But it's important to pick the right fabric. If you're planning to give your linen napkins a rough edge by ripping them instead of cutting and hemming, opt for a fabric that's a blend of viscose and about 15% linen. If you're planning to sew or use fabric glue to hem your napkins, then 100% linen fabric or a linen-cotton blend will work fine.

Begin by washing and ironing your fabric. Next, you need to decide on the dimensions of your napkins. A standard dinner napkin is about 16 inches by 16 inches, while cocktail napkins are smaller at around 10 inches by 10 inches. If you're opting for a raw-edged look, make a tiny cut and then tear the fabric the rest of the way. If hemming your napkins, cut your fabric to your desired dimensions, making sure to leave an extra inch on each side for hemming. Then, hem the edges with a simple straight stitch or use fabric glue. If you want, you can even add designs using stamps or embroidery. Consider keeping your new napkins in a linen cabinet instead of storing them in your lower kitchen cabinets if you want them to stay in pristine condition.

If you're looking for an even thriftier approach to creating linen napkins, you might want to consider upcycling old linen tablecloths or curtains. You can even repurpose old pillow cases into napkins. This not only saves money, but is an even more environmentally-friendly way to reduce waste. While you're at it, complete the look by upcycling clothes pins into beautiful wooden napkin holders.