french embroidered napkin holders

It’s hard to believe that my honeymoon was over 30 years ago. It was then, while visiting my husband’s relatives in Normandy that I first discovered cloth napkin holders – little envelopes made from fabric remnants used to store each person’s cloth napkin between meals. They were not only lovely, with a name hand embroidered on each one, but these eco-friendly items were also well before their time.

I love the idea of personalized napkin holders, and making them for overnight guests adds even more charm to this unique tradition. Recently, I came upon the original ones my husband’s aunt Sabine made for Regis and me so many years ago, and I knew what my next craft project was going to be. A modern twist on this very sweet tradition.

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supplies needed:

• fabric
• sewing machine
• embroidery machine (unless you prefer hand embroidery)

step 1 – cutting

I decided to make my napkin holders slightly larger than the original French ones. I used cotton chambray for the outside and prints for the lining. Cut one piece for the outside and one piece for the lining, each measuring 11″ x 15.5″.

step 2 – embroidery

Next, embroider the name on the front of the outside piece, centered about 2″ up from the bottom, as shown below.

step 3 – sewing

Once the name is embroidered, pin the outside to the lining with right sides together. Stitch around all the edges, leaving an opening at the top.

Turn the pouch right side out and press.

Using contrasting thread to match the embroidered name, stitch the end with the opening closed.

Fold and pin the outside bottom up about 4″, as shown (below left). Then flip the entire pouch over and stitch with contrasting thread on 3 sides, as shown in photo (below right). Press.

There are so many ways to personalize these clever napkin holders. Give them a boho feel by using all different fabric remnants. Go French Market with crisp blue and white linen or Shabby Chic with bits of lace and fabric flowers. But the most important thing is to use them. Every day. And replace paper napkins permanently.

The biggest compliment is a little share – please pin the photo below!