14 April 2010

Reversible Fabric Napkin Ring Tutorial

I was invited to decorate a table for a dinner my Church's women's organization held a few weeks ago. The theme for my table was purses. So, I used a couple of my Clementine Purses for the centerpiece, and then needed to come up with something for napkins. I like to keep things relatively simple, and have something I could use over and over. The result, which incidentally is a great scrap fabric buster, is this tutorial. You do need to know how to sew a button hole, but other than that this is a great beginner-intermediate sewer project.


You'll need two different coordinating fabrics.  You'll also need coordinating thread, two matching buttons per napkin ring.  Gather your fabric cutting tools (I love my rotary cutter and ruler), and then enough ric rac for the number of rings you are making.  I always have my seam ripper handy, too.  For sewing on the button, have a hand needle and toothpick handy.

Let's begin!
First, cut your fabric strips 2.5 inches by 6.5 inches, two for each napkin ring.
If you are using ricrac, cut 6.5 inch pieces, two for each napkin ring.  I took all the pictures using the ric rac method, got the first one finished, and realized I didn't have enough ricrac.  (Typical!)  So, I made mine without ricrac.  It's totally up to you.


Now, to make sure you place your ricrac correctly, I recommend ironing in 1/4", along each side. 
This makes sure you center your ricrac correctly.
If you want, you can now baste the ricrac in place, or if you're in a hurry, just pin everything together.
Ready to sew?



I like to use the safety pin to help me turn the fabric tube right side out.  It gives me something to hold onto.

I used two different thread colors to coordinate with the different fabrics.  Just be sure you have the matching fabrics and threads in the right position.  I.E., the fabric on the bottom should have it's matching fabric in the bobbin case.  Finish topstitching.  Now, you're ready to add the buttons. 
Hold the button where you'd like it, and make two marks at the top and bottom of where the button is to be placed.  These marks will be where your button hole tack bars will be sewn.


For this project, I used a different color thread in the bobbin so that the threads would match the fabrics better.  Open your button hole with your seam ripper or small sharp scissors.

I just make a small mark with my pencil through the button hole, and try to center it as much as possible.  You will be sewing both buttons on at the same time, but begin with one. 
Sew a couple stitches with double thread.  Then, push your thread through to the other side of the napkin ring. 
Before you get any further, follow this tip:

Now, carefully sew both buttons simultaneously.  The holes should be aligned so that you go up through both, and down through both.  Sew at least 4 times around both buttons.
Now, remove the toothpicks, and wrap your thread around each button's "shank".


I like the look of the napkin rings with both the ricrac and without.  I'd love to see what you come up with!  They were fun to use for our Easter dinner, and will grace our table whenever I feel like doing something a little out of the ordinary.



{SQUEEK!} This tutorial was featured on U Create AND Craft Gossip  AND One Pretty Thing AND
luvinthemommyhood AND Totally Tutorials, AND Crazy Domestic!
I'm linking up with Women Who Do It All, Blue Cricket, Just a Girl, Somewhat Simple, Favorite Things Friday, KoJo Designs, Under the Table and Craftaholics Anonymous Support Group.

20 happy thoughts:

Caroline said...

Very sweet. Thanks!

Laura said...

These are so cute!

I would love it if you joined my "Saturday is Crafty Day" party on April 24th! Stop by my blog for details.

Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

those are super adorable! I LOOVE the red ones with the ric rac!

Jenni R. said...

Thanks Chris for your comments on my craft table! Your napkin rings are adorable! Thanks for a super idea!

CraftCrave said...

Just a quick note to let you know that a link to this post will be placed on CraftCrave today [14 Apr 02:00pm GMT]. Thanks, Maria

B said...

LOVE IT!! and simple enough that I should be able to do it. THANKS FOR A GREAT TUTORIAL! I'll be following from now on!

Jill said...

Those are just too darn cute! I will definetly be making some. Thanks for sharing!
-Jill

Anonymous said...

These are beautiful. I have some vintage fabric fabric that I'm making napkins from and thesemade from some vintage fabric would be perfect. Thank you for the great tutorial.

Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something said...

Cute as can be! great tutorial! I have become a follower and would be honored if you choose to do the same!

Lei said...

I saw them at UCreate! So cute Chris!

Diann @ the Thrifty Groove said...

Very cute idea!

Natasha said...

This is such a great idea and your instructions are very detailed and helpful. Thank you!

Best wishes and happy Friday,
Natasha.

Artediella said...

molto carini รจ originali complimenti ciao mariella

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

This is a fabulous idea! Perfect for some summer time outdoor dining! Stop by the Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance. I need to add these to my to do - Super cute and creative!

Jess said...

Those are so cute. Thanks so much for linking to Favorite Things Friday!

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Thanks so much for stopping by and linking up to the Sunday Showcase Party! I greatly appreciate it! These are just too cute! Hope you enjoy your week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Hello - Just wanted to let you know I'm featuring your project today. Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Emily said...

This is such a cute idea! Now if only I could find a couple extra hours in my day to do it.

Linda@CraftaholicsAnonymous said...

Chris,
Awesome tutorial! love that they're double sided. Thanks for joining the Craftaholics Anonymous party! I had fun stopping by and checking out your craftiness!
Linda

Anna said...

very cute Chris!

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