Rick rack adds a fun pop of color and texture to simple cloth napkins. This easy sewing project is perfect for beginners and takes less than 30 minutes to make. Whether you’re sewing napkins for everyday family dinners, summer picnics, or holiday gatherings, adding rick rack is an easy way to make them feel extra special.
Quick Start: Rick Rack Cloth Napkins
Skill Level: Beginner
Finished Size: 18-inch square (or any size you prefer)
Time: About 20 to 30 minutes per napkin
Supplies
- 18-inch square of cotton or linen fabric
- 2-1/4 yards of rick rack trim
- Coordinating thread
- Sewing machine
- Pins or clips
- Iron and ironing board
Basic Steps
- Cut your fabric to size.
- Sew the rick rack to the right side of the napkin.
- Overlap the ends neatly where they meet.
- Fold the rick rack to the back of the napkin.
- Topstitch to secure the trim.
- Press and enjoy your finished napkin.
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How to Make Rick Rack Cloth Napkins
Materials
- 18-inch square of cotton or linen fabric
- 2-1/2 yards of rickrack
- Coordinating thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Scissors
Instructions
Step 1: Cut your fabric
Gather your materials. Cut your fabric into an 18-inch square
Step 2: Sew the rick rack to the RIGHT side
Sew the rick rack to the RIGHT side of the fabric on all four (4) sides. Line up the middle of the rick rack to about 1/8-inch from the edge of the napkin. 
TIP: Place the rick rack for sewing so that you see a peek of the fabric in the valleys of the rick rack. See how you can barely see the cherry fabric in the valleys above?
When you get to where you started sewing the rick rack, overlap it by about 1/2″.
Step 3: Turn and sew rick rack to the WRONG side
Turn the rick rack to the wrong side and topstitch. 
Enjoy your finished napkin!
Recommended product: 25-yard roll of rick rack
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Frequently asked questions:
Quilting cotton is the easiest choice because it’s easy to sew, washes well, and comes in thousands of prints. Linen also makes beautiful napkins for a more classic look.
For an 18-inch square napkin, you’ll need approximately 2-1/4 yards of rick rack so you have enough to go all the way around and overlap the ends.
Yes. Prewashing removes sizing and helps prevent your finished napkins from shrinking after they’re made.
Dinner napkins are commonly 18 to 20 inches square, but you can make them any size that fits your table and style.
Absolutely! If you can sew a straight stitch, you can make these napkins. The rick rack hides the raw edge, making this an easy first sewing project.
Yes! Standard rick rack gives a classic look, while jumbo rick rack creates a bold statement. Mini rick rack is perfect for children’s napkins or more delicate fabrics.
If you’re making 18-inch square napkins, you can usually make four napkins from one yard of 44 to 45-inch wide fabric.
No. The rick rack finishes the edge for you, so there are no mitered corners to sew. That’s one reason this is such a quick and beginner-friendly project.
A set of handmade rick rack napkins is a wonderful way to add personality to your table without spending much time or money.
Mix and match fabrics and trim colors for every season, or sew a coordinated set as a thoughtful handmade gift.
Once you’ve made one, you’ll be looking for excuses to make another set for every holiday and celebration.
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