The Simple Stamped Napkins are a quick gift that you can easily customize by adjusting the size, or using different fabrics, stamps, inks, or thread. This low-sew project is easy enough for a sewing beginner.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. My sewing machine sponsor is Baby Lock. Additional materials for this post were generously provided by Ann Butler Designs and Fiskars.

The Simple Stamped Napkins are the type of gift you can customize easily to make them special for the recipient. These can be made as last-minute host(ess) gifts, or for a housewarming, or for your favorite home chef, or for almost any other occasion where a home-cooked meal will be served! To customize your set…

Pick the size. I made small napkins, just 12” (30.5 cm) square, for this project. If you’d like to make something more substantial (perhaps for Thanksgiving dinner!), 16” (40.5 cm) square, 18” (46 cm) square, 20” (51 cm) square, or 24” (61 cm) square are common larger napkin sizes.

Choose the fabric. You can make a coordinating set, using different fat quarters for each napkin. Or, use cut yardage for a set of napkins in the same fabric, like I did. A solid or mottled fabric would highlight the stamps the most.

Select your stamps. I used the 2” square stamps from three Unity Stamp Company Ann Butler stamp sets — Chevron, Stripes, and Double Stripes — but you could choose any stamps. If you’re new to fabric stamping, I do recommend using square or rectangle stamps because it’s much easier to line up the next stamp to the previous stamp and create a straight decoration.

Find your fabric ink colors. I used Ann Butler’s ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Limelight, Aquamarine, and Berry.

Make a bold choice in thread. The thread you use to finish each napkin will be visible, so make an interesting choice! I used a variegated thread in a contrasting color for my version.

This is the fourth pattern in the Little Gifts Sew Along. Are you just hearing about the Little Gifts Sew Along? Get all the details here.

• You can join in by sewing the projects as you have time.
• Share your progress and post pictures of your finished projects. Tag your projects and posts #sewlittlegifts and #stockingstuffersal on all social media.
• If you’d like to chat with other sewists, join the Underground Crafters Facebook group.
• By the end of the SAL, you’ll have up to 25 handmade gifts.
• Use the button below on social media. Right click (on desktop) or tap and hold (on mobile) to save.

Simple Stamped Napkins

Sewing Project by Underground Crafter

The Simple Stamped Napkins is an easy-to-customize gift that can be made to delight any host(ess). This is the fourth of 25 free sewing projects by 12 bloggers in the Little Gifts Sew Along.

Tools

• Sewing machine with overcasting stitches, or a serger. I used my Baby Lock Jubilant with Overcasting foot (G).
• Fiskars 45 mm Easy Change Ergo Control Rotary Cutter, Folding Cutting Mat, and Folding Ruler, or fabric scissors, ruler, and fabric marker.
• Basic sewing supplies (seam ripper, pins, etc.).
• Iron and ironing board.

Materials

• 100% cotton fabric. Use one fat quarter for each napkin in coordinating colors, or make several from a yard of fabric.
• 2” square stamps from these three Unity Stamp Company Ann Butler stamp sets — Chevron, Stripes, and Double Stripes, or other square or rectangular stamps.
• Ann Butler’s ColorBox Crafter’s Ink in Limelight, Aquamarine, and Berry, or any fabric ink.
• Variegated cotton quilting thread.

Instructions

Prepare fabric

• Iron your fabric.
• Cut fabric into squares in your preferred size. Each square will make one napkin. The ones I made are 12” (30.5 cm) square. Other common napkin sizes are 16” (40.5 cm) square, 18” (46 cm) square, 20” (51 cm) square, or 24” (61 cm) square.

Decorate your napkins

• Apply ink to your first stamp. Press firmly on fabric. Continue stamping until you create a look that appeals to you. If you’re new to stamping fabric, you may find this demonstration video by Ann Butler helpful.
• Let the ink dry.
• Set the ink by pressing with iron.

Finish edges of napkins

• Using a sewing machine with an overcasting foot and variegated thread, follow the machine’s instructions to enclose the raw edges with an overcast stitch. Alternatively, use a serger.

The Simple Stamped Napkins are also featured on AllFreeSewing.com. Sign up for their free newsletter to get free patterns sent to you daily!