You will need

• white napkins
• stranded embroidery thread in the colour of your choice (use colourfast embroidery thread so the colour doesn’t run in the wash)
• embroidery needle
• embroidery hoop
• dressmaker’s pencil (test first to check that it will wash out of the fabric)

To make
1 Look on the internet for a pretty typeface and print out the required letters in the size that you want.

2 Trace the letters with your dressmaker’s pencil onto the napkins, positioning them diagonally in the corner above the hem.

3 Place the first napkin in your hoop, making sure the fabric is taut. Use three strands of embroidery thread and work the initial in satin stitch (see the diagram alongside). TIP don’t use too long a piece of thread, as it will be difficult to work with.

4 When you have finished, work the ends away into the back of the initial. repeat with the remaining napkins.

5 Wash the pencil marks out of the napkin then press on the wrong side while still damp, taking care not to flatten the stitches.

Text and image: Ideas magazine