How to Make Mitered Corners

It took me several tries before I could make perfect mitered corners and the directions from Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts is the easiest one to follow.

Once you've mastered the basic skills required, you can apply them to making napkins and tablecloths with mitered corners.

1. Press 2 folds into each side of the fabric square; the first fold is 1/2 inch wide; the second is 1 inch. Unfold the second crease. Fold one corner in so the second crease lines up. Press.
2. Unfold the corner, and refold on a diagonal with right sides together. Stitch along the crease made b the folded corner. Repeat with the remaining corners.
3. Trim the points from the corners to 1/4 inch, tapering. Press the seams open and the corners flat.
4. Turn all 4 corners inside out (which is actually right-side out); press again.
5. Stitch down the fold all the way around so you have a seam 1 inch from the edges.