Tutorial Tuesday

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I can't believe Halloween is nearing. It's my most favorite time of year! I can hardly wait for the costumes and treats and pumpkins! I am having a small get together to celebrate Halloween this year and knew that I needed to infuse embroidery into the festivities. I decided on cloth napkins.

I used Gina Matarazzo's Halloween Pals embroidery patterns on white cotton for these napkins. I love her patterns and these pumpkin pals are super cute. 

To make some Halloween cloth napkins, you will need the following:

- Four fat quarters (18x22-inches) of cotton 

- Embroidery hoop and stitching supplies

- Iron and Ironing board

- Sewing machine and supplies

Step One: Transfer pattern to the lower corner of fabric. Keeping the pattern at least 2-inches away from either edge. I placed the pattern on the lower corner of the right side, but it's up to you which side you prefer. 

Step Two: Stitch each napkin. When all are complete, wash, dry, and press. I don't like to press the embroidery itself, I usually press around them so as not to snag or warp the stitches. It's a good idea to place a thin piece of fabric over your embroidery to press it, so that the hot iron isn't directly on the stitches.

Step Three: Fold the four edges of the napkin over 1/4-inch and press.

Step Four: Fold the edges over a second time and press.

Step Five: Using the zig-zag stitch setting on a sewing machine, stitch along the fold that you just created to seal the edges and create a clean hem. 

Step Six: Fold the napkin so the embroidery is facing to out. Give each napkin another light press. 

Step Seven: Set the table and get ready for smiles and Halloween happiness to ensue!

This is a fun project to put together before Halloween. Hope you get to give it a try!