Crafting Wedding Napkins: A Step-By-Step Guide For Your Big Day

Wedding napkins can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking for elegant, no-sew, or DIY stamped napkins, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can even make your own cloth napkins with just a few simple steps and some fabric of your choice. This way, you can ensure the napkins match your wedding's colour scheme and theme. If you're short on time, pre-made napkins can be personalised with stamps, ink, and embossing to create a unique look. So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just looking for a quick and easy solution, there are many ways to make wedding napkins that will wow your guests.

Measure and cut fabric into 18 squares

To make your own wedding napkins, you'll need to start by measuring and cutting your chosen fabric into 18-inch squares. This will give you napkins with a finished size of 18 x 18 inches.

Firstly, measure and mark the fabric. Using chalk or a pencil, draw out the 18-inch squares on the reverse of the fabric. If you're using a dark fabric, chalk will show up better; for lighter fabrics, a pencil is a better choice. Be sure to draw clearly so that you can cut precisely on these lines, as any mistakes will be visible on the finished napkin.

Next, cut out the squares. A good pair of fabric scissors will make this job easier, and pinking shears are a great option as they can disguise any slightly wonky lines. Cut the lines as neatly as possible, as these cuts will be visible on the finished napkin.

If your fabric is fraying a lot after cutting, you can treat the ends with fray check (available at craft stores), clear nail varnish, or water-based varnish. Some fabrics can also be sealed by briefly running a flame over the frayed ends. However, if you're unsure whether your fabric is suitable for flame sealing, it's best to avoid this method.

Fold and iron the hems

Folding and ironing the hems is a crucial step in making napkins for your wedding. It ensures crisp edges and a polished look for your DIY napkins. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve perfect hems:

Start by folding over the edges of your fabric by a quarter to half an inch. If your fabric has a “right” and “wrong” side, make sure to fold the edges towards the back, so the hem will be on the “wrong” side. This keeps the raw edge hidden and creates a neat finish. Run your iron over the folded edge to create a crisp fold.

For a truly professional finish, repeat the folding process. Press the iron along the folded edge again to set the fold in place. This double-folded hem adds structure and a refined look to your napkins.

Take your time with this step, as crisp, precise hems elevate the overall appearance of your DIY wedding napkins. It's worth noting that ironing your fabric before starting the cutting and folding process is also beneficial. It makes the fabric easier to work with and helps you achieve cleaner cuts and folds.

Remember, you can always add decorative elements or embroidery to your napkins after completing the hems. Whether you're creating simple or elaborate wedding napkins, precise folding and ironing of the hems will ensure a beautiful final product that will impress your wedding guests.

Cut corners

Cutting corners is an important step in the process of making wedding napkins. Here are some detailed instructions on how to cut corners effectively:

Start by opening the corners of each napkin. You should be able to see four square fold lines. Using scissors or a rotary cutter, carefully trim the fabric from corner to corner. This step helps to remove the bulk in each corner of the napkin, making it easier to sew and creating a neater finish. After trimming, refold the napkin along the existing creases.

Another method for cutting corners is to use pinking shears, which create a zigzag cut. This technique is especially useful if your cutting lines are not perfectly straight, as the zigzag pattern can disguise any imperfections. Pinking shears also help to minimise fraying, resulting in a cleaner finish.

If you are working with a fabric that frays easily, there are a few additional steps you can take. One option is to use fray check, which can be purchased at craft stores. Alternatively, you can apply a small amount of clear nail varnish or water-based varnish to the cut ends of the fabric and let it dry. For some fabrics, you can also briefly run a flame over the frayed ends to seal them. However, exercise caution and only do this if you are certain that your fabric can withstand the heat without damage.

By following these instructions, you will be able to cut the corners of your wedding napkins neatly and effectively, ensuring a professional finish for your DIY project.

Sew the napkins

To sew your own wedding napkins, start by washing, drying, and ironing your chosen fabric. This will prevent future shrinkage and colour bleeding, and make the fabric easier to work with.

Next, decide on the size of the napkin and measure and mark the fabric with a pencil, including a 2-inch hem allowance. Cut out the napkins using scissors or a rotary cutter. If you want to make square napkins, a good finished size is 18 x 18 inches, which means you will need to cut 20 x 20 inch squares.

Now it's time to fold and iron the hems. Fold the edges over by 1/4 to 1/2 an inch, with the hem on the "wrong" side of the fabric if there is one. Then, fold over again and iron.

Open each corner of the napkin and cut from corner to corner to reduce bulk. Refold and pin all four corners.

Finally, use a sewing machine to sew around the napkin, near the outside and inside edges of the hem. Repeat for each napkin.

Finish the edges

There are several ways to finish the edges of your wedding napkins. Here are some methods to achieve a polished look:

Serging

Using a serger, you can finish the edges of your napkins with a professional and clean finish. A serger is a sewing machine that creates durable seams by enclosing the edge of one fabric with another. This method will give your napkins a refined appearance.

Zigzag Stitch

If you don't have access to a serger, you can use a zigzag stitch on a regular sewing machine. This type of stitch will prevent fraying and give your napkins a unique, handmade touch. It is a simple and effective way to finish the edges.

Simple Hem

For a classic and elegant look, you can opt for a simple hem. Fold the edges of the fabric towards the "wrong" side (if your fabric has a distinct front and back) by a quarter to half an inch, and then fold it over again. Iron the folds to create crisp edges. This method will give your napkins a polished and refined appearance.

Bonding Web

If you don't want to sew your napkins, you can use a bonding web to create a no-sew hem. Cut the fabric with pinking shears (zigzag cut) to disguise any uneven lines. Then, fold and press the edges with an iron to create a crisp fold. Place a strip of bonding web under the flap, cover with a damp cloth, and iron on high heat until the bond is secure. This method creates a seamless finish without the need for sewing.

Mitered Corners

For a more advanced technique, you can create mitered corners. Open each corner of the napkin to reveal the four square fold lines. Trim from corner to corner to remove the bulk. Then, refold and pin the corners. Sew around the napkin near the outside edge and again near the inside edge of the hem. This method creates a neat and tailored finish to your napkins.

Frequently asked questions