So we decided to "go green" and use cloth napkins instead of paper. However when I wash them the edges fold over and curl up and generally look messy. I currently never iron and do not want to spend time ironing napkins. Any advice? Anyone use a brand that this does not happen to ?
Mine are always wrinkled. I found that putting a frilly, fun napkin ring on them made my table look cute anyway. And the napkin ring helps people remember which is theirs if you don't need to wash the napkin after every meal.
The rolled edges are occurring because the fabric was not pre-shrunk before the napkin edges were sewn. The only way you can get around this is by buying more expensive cloth napkins that have been pre-shrunk. Or make them yourself.
Mine do this too... I just roll them up and tell myself it's the 'rustic' way!
Just roll 'em up and put them in a napkin ring.
A few curls or fine....if you can get them out of the dryer and fold them flat, the put a heavy plate or pan over them...it will be fine. I try to do the same and its working...not perfect but its working. I bought paper napkins in while, but I admit I sometimes use papertowels!
GO GREEN Mamas!
Blessings....
You can hang them to dry, or dry then for a few minutes and then hang them.
If they are just for every day, just fold them and do not worry about it.
Hi K.,
I know you're supposed to get them right out of the dryer and fold them but even when (almost always :) I don't do that, I fold them - wrinkles and all - and put them away and by the time we use them they are somehow actually pretty wrinkle free. I got ours at Cost Plus World Market. I'm sure different fabric blends (poly?) have different results too. I think my Cost Plus ones are all cotton which can't helpm much. Good luck and happy to hear you're aboard the cloth napkin train ;)
I fold mine as soon as they come out of the dryer or off the line. They're folded in half widthwise twice (this is for the larger napkins, my little ones only do it once) and then in half lengthwise so it makes a nice little rectangle to place by the plate and you can hide any curling edges but honestly most of mine don't curl. I have TONS of napkins, at least 40. I have 4 kids along with a messy husband so I don't want to wash napkins every day! This way I can also send them in their lunches, etc. I bought a ton of them from the thrift store so they don't even all match but it doesn't matter for everyday use. They're made to be stained, etc.! I do keep a couple of sets just for nice though, for holidays etc.
i second the napkin rings!, look up fancy ways to tie it, look up not so fancy ways also. Let the kids be in charge of the napkins and napkin ring set up. This way you can make dinner and set the table and not have to worry if the edges aren't perfect. This way you can get your napkins in the discount sections of walmart and target like i do!
For everyday use, I bought a supply of inexpensive cotton dish towels from IKEA. They are absorbent, easy to wash, soft, and I just roll or fold them in the drawer.
I keep my actual napkins for weekends or special occasions.
