Inspired by our worker’s holiday this coming Monday, we came up with the idea to create some darn sturdy dinner napkins, made from the one and only…denim. Companies such as Levi’s have made this material an American classic. From working farmers to 80’s supermodels, denim has been the go-to material for just about everyone! I think we can agree that denim is the one hardworking material that’s not going anywhere! So get out your old jeans and let’s make some napkins that are perfect for BBQs or great for hostess gifts!
Materials
- Old jeans
- Blue thread to match
- Ruler
- Sewing pins
- Sewing Machine
- Iron
Directions
If the old jeans you’re using aren’t soft, you’ll want to stick them in the washing machine with some tennis balls or sneakers and fabric softener. Here’s a tutorial on how to soften denim.
Once your denim is softened and dried, lay it out and cut four 19 x 15-inch rectangles.
Starting with one side, fold it 1/4″ inch in, then fold it again another 1/4″ and iron. Keep it together with pins.
Do that to all of the edges, this is so you won’t have a hard seem.
Sew a straight line just along the folded edge, reinforcing when you get to the ends. Do this on every side.
Iron them flat and tie with twine to give as a hostess gift! Or use them to get down and dirty with your BBQ this weekend or on Monday when you’re hopefully off work : )
Brittany says
Those denim napkins are such a great idea! Those would be great for Memorial Day or 4th of July. I need to make these!
Skye says
Great idea Eden, love that look and good tips on the jean softening thing. For a sec, I thought stones, but that may not be good for the washing machine. HAHA!
louise says
This is a great idea! I’ve never thought about using denim for napkins! I love the idea though.
Training Wear says
I have lots of blue jeans that I am not using. And I was thinking of buying some thick napkins. Glad I read this before I bought them.
Lisa says
Question….I’ve not tried this yet, but I’m trying to figure out how you get a piece of denim from jeans without the pockets, etc cut that large.
Dawn says
I am also wondering how to get a 19 x 15 inch rectangle from a pair of jeans. Using the rear end, you’ll have pockets. Using the kegs, you’ll have a seam.