Fringed Napkins in Watercolor Linen
As different colors of thread crisscross Purl Soho’s Watercolor Linen, they create a nuanced field of color that is hard to pinpoint but easy to admire. And when our Fringed Napkins expose these multi-color threads, something even more surprising starts to happen!
A pulled thread fringe around each Napkin shows off the sometimes-vivid, sometimes-subtle combination of threads that create this singular fabric. It’s wonderfully satisfying to reveal these little moments of magic!
We made Napkins in all the luminous colors included in our Watercolor Linen Bundle. To make your own set of Fringed Napkins in Watercolor Linen, just follow our original free Fringed Chambray Napkins Pattern. These are a dinner-napkin size 16 x 16 inches. Try the same and make your next dinner a real party! –Corinne
Materials
- Purl Soho’s Watercolor Linen Bundle, which includes twenty-two 18 x 27-inch pieces of Purl Soho’s Watercolor Linen.
- Purl Soho’s Cotton Thread Bundle in Bright, which includes six 110-yard spools of Gutermann’s Cotton Sewing Thread, and color coordinates with the Linen Bundles’.
You will also need a pair of small, sharp scissors and a straight pin.
Update, May 2024: You can explore our current collection of beautiful fabrics and supplies on our page of Sewing Tools + Notions!
Size
Finished Dimensions: 16 x 16 inches
Pattern
For the free pattern, please visit our original Fringed Chambray Napkins post.
Update 2024: You can explore our current collection of beautiful fabrics and supplies on our page of Sewing Tools + Notions!
These napkins are so pretty. Will the fringe tangle with laundering?
Hello Vicky –
This is a great question. The Fringe will get a little soft and lofty with laundering, but it is too short to tangle and the stitch line ensures that the rest of the napkin will not fray.
I hope this helps!
-Corinne
These are beautiful! I’m curious – how do they wash up? Should these be hand-wash only? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Cathy –
This is a great question! The napkins can be washed and dried as you would any linen item. The fringe will fluff up a bit, but the stitch line will keep the rest of the napkin from fraying, and safe for machine washing!
-Corinne
Linen likes to be dried partially in the dryer then hot ironed dry just like silk. It will bring up the sheen and make them softer but does not damage to the fabric.
Place mats to-go-with would make this even better!
Hello Ruth –
I love this idea! To make them, simply work out the dimensions you would like, cut the shapes, and then follow the rest of the directions as given in the pattern. This is really an easy and quick project, and so adaptable to any size!
-Corinne
I love your color combinations…..you girls are so artistic. I don’t sew but I can admire….
Hi! Can you recommend a thread color that might be appropriate for all or most of these beautiful swatches for this pattern? Thanks!
Hi Olivia! That’s a great question!
We love the neutral thread color of Gutermann’s #1040. It compliments both warm and cool fabrics. It’s pretty amazing! There’s a link to the product page here. Thanks for writing in!
-Keith
Love these napkins!! I would like to make them in the Sugar Plum color. Which color thread should I get to coordinate best with this color? Thank you in advance!!
Hi Leslie-
We think color 6080 would be great. Thank you!
Molly
Should the fabric be washed before sewing?
Hi Deborah! Great question!
We absolutely love the feel of the Watercolor Linen after washing! And prewashing your fabric will prevent any shrinking with subsequent washes!
Happy sewing!
Keith
Thank you!
Do they need to be ironed after washing?
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for writing in! These napkins will most probably need to be ironed after washing. As with most linen, after it is washed and dried, it benefits from a nice pressing!
Best,
Cassy
Can this linen be used for washing dishes to match the dish towels?
Hi Lynn,
Thanks for writing in! While this lovely line works well for clothing, napkins and dishcloths, I am not sure that I would recommend it for scrubbing. The light and lovely hand on this fabric can hold up well under many conditions but I am unsure how well it would stand up to scrubbing dishes. If you are looking for something with a bit more heft, I would recommend our Warsa Linen!
Happy sewing!
Cassy
These are beautiful but I wonder about what they look like after washing. Will they need to be ironed? I can handle a little wrinkle. But would I need to iron for them to lay relatively flat after folding?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for writing in! These napkins will most probably need to be ironed after washing. As with most linen, after it is washed and dried, it benefits from a nice pressing!
Best,
Cassy
I am working on the last two napkins of this set, as a housewarming gift for my daughter. They are gorgeous! Trickiest part is the cutting on the grain, but your directions are simple to follow, when the grain cutting is less than ideal. Fun thing: there is enough leftover fabric to make two sets of cocktail napkins, making this project a thrifty one! Thank you for all!
Can all purpose polyester thread be used instead of cotton?
Hi Sarah,
Polyester thread will work just fine for this project!
Best,
Carly
Lovely!
What thread colors would you recommend with the moody colorway?
Hi Dunrie,
Thanks for writing in! Great question! Colors 7380, 3756, 6230, 6230, 1690, 4680, and 4950 will match the Moody bundle!
Happy sewing!
Cassy