Creative Ways To Fold Wedding Napkins Like A Pro

DIY wedding napkins are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding reception tables. They are also a good way to save money, as they are cheaper to make than to buy. You can use any fabric and colour, and there are many folding styles to choose from. You can make simple napkins with a straight stitch, or get creative with decorative stitches. You can also add details like ribbons or napkin rings to elevate your place settings. DIY wedding napkins are easy to make and only require basic equipment, such as fabric, scissors, and an iron.

Choosing the right fabric

The first step to making wedding napkins is to choose the right fabric. This is important as it will set the tone for your wedding decor and overall aesthetic. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect fabric for your DIY wedding napkins:

Fabric Type

It is recommended to use natural fibres such as linen, cotton, or a cotton-linen blend for your napkins. These fabrics have a beautiful texture and a soft, relaxed feel that will elevate your tablescape. Linen, in particular, is a great choice for a rustic or vintage-style wedding. If you want to add a touch of luxury, consider using fabric napkins instead of plain paper ones.

Fabric Weight and Opacity

When choosing your fabric, opt for something heavyweight or opaque. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you cannot clearly see your hand through the fabric. This is important because if the fabric is too sheer, the seams will be visible, and it may not be as durable.

Fabric Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of your fabric napkins can be used to enhance your wedding decor. If you're going for a rustic theme, try a mixture of beiges, creams, browns, and fresh earthy greens. For a vintage, mismatched look, you can use floral patterned material to create unique napkins for each guest. Don't be afraid to get creative and choose colours and patterns that reflect your style. Remember, the perfect wedding decor is all in the details!

Fabric Amount

To make the most of your fabric and minimise wastage, you can use its dimensions to calculate the maximum size of your napkins. For example, from 1 metre of fabric, you can make 4 napkins, each measuring 18" (46 cm) square. Keep in mind that napkins can be flexible in size, so you can adjust the measurements based on your preferences and the size of your fabric.

Fabric Preparation

Before you start cutting and sewing, wash and dry your chosen fabric to account for any shrinkage. Then, iron the fabric to remove any creases and make it easier to work with. This will ensure a neat and professional finish to your napkins.

Cutting the fabric

The first step in making your wedding napkins is to cut your chosen fabric into squares. For each napkin, you will need a square measuring 18 inches (or 46 cm). This means that 1 metre of fabric will yield 4 napkins.

Before cutting, measure and draw out the squares on the reverse of your fabric using chalk on dark fabric or a pencil on light fabric. If using a pen, be sure to cut exactly on the drawn lines, or the marks will be visible on the finished napkin.

It is important to cut the lines as neatly as possible, as these cuts will be visible on the finished napkin. A good quality pair of fabric scissors will be essential here. Pinking shears, which create a zigzag cut, are a great option as they can disguise not-so-straight lines.

If your fabric is fraying a lot after being cut, you can apply some fray check (found in craft stores) or a small amount of clear nail varnish or water-based varnish to the ends and leave to dry. Some fabrics can also be sealed by running a flame briefly over the frayed ends. However, if you are unsure whether your fabric is suitable for flame sealing, it is best to avoid doing this.

Once you have cut out your squares, iron them flat for a neat finish.

Folding the fabric

Preparing the Fabric:

Before you begin folding, it is essential to have your fabric cut into the desired size and shape. For a standard wedding napkin, cut your chosen fabric into squares. The size may vary depending on your preference, but a typical dimension is 18" x 18" (46 cm x 46 cm) for each napkin. You can also add a seam allowance of approximately 1 cm if you plan to sew or glue the edges.

Once you have your fabric squares, it's time to start folding!

Folding Techniques:

Method 1: Simple Fold-Over Edge:

• Fold over the straight edge of your fabric by 0.5 cm to hide the raw edge.
• Turn the fabric edge again by another 0.5 cm to create a clean seam and secure the fold with an iron.
• Repeat this process for all four edges of the napkin.
• You can then stitch or glue the folded edges to keep them in place, creating a neat finish.

Method 2: Decorative Fold:

• For a more decorative look, you can fold each edge of the fabric in by 0.5 cm and press it down with an iron.
• Then, fold each edge in again, but this time by 1 cm, and press again with the iron. Ensure that all corners are lined up neatly.
• Decide on a decorative stitch pattern, such as crosses, hearts, or stars. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the pattern.
• Sew along the ironed-in seams, securing the folds in place.

Method 3: Rectangular Fold:

One of the simplest and most elegant folds is the rectangular fold. Tuck the napkin edges out of sight, creating an understated base for a place card or menu. You can accent this fold with a single flower or a sprig of greenery.

Method 4: Pocket Fold:

For a cohesive place setting, try the pocket fold. This involves folding the napkin to create a pocket that can hold a menu card or other small items. It adds a streamlined and contemporary touch to your table setting.

Method 5: Waterfall Fold:

A waterfall fold is a simple yet elegant option. Fold the napkin into thirds lengthwise, and then drape part of the linen over the edge of the table for a refined look. You can also add a monogram or embroidery to the napkin for a personalised touch.

Finishing Touches:

Once you've mastered the folding techniques, you can enhance your wedding napkins with some final touches:

• Iron the napkins one last time for a crisp and professional look.
• Add embellishments such as ribbon, twine, or napkin rings to complement the fold.
• Place a menu card or place card on top of the folded napkin for a neat presentation.
• Experiment with different colours and textures of fabric to create a unique and personalised look for your wedding reception tables.

Remember, attention to detail is essential, and your creative napkin folds will surely elevate your wedding décor!

Stitching the fabric

Now that you have your fabric cut into squares, it's time to stitch them together. This will give your napkins a neat finish and ensure they last through the wedding and beyond.

Firstly, fold each edge of the fabric inwards. You can choose the width of this fold, but a standard amount is 0.5 cm, folded twice. This will create a neat hem and ensure that no raw edges are visible. Use your iron to press down on the folds, creating a crisp, sharp edge. Repeat this process for all four sides of the napkin.

Next, it's time to decide on your stitch. A simple straight stitch is the most common choice for napkins, but if you want to get creative, you can opt for decorative stitches. Test out your chosen stitch on a scrap piece of fabric first, to ensure you're happy with the result.

When you're ready, stitch along the inside edge of the seam, securing the ironed-in folds in place. Repeat this process for all four sides of the napkin. If you're using a decorative stitch, go slowly and carefully to ensure the stitch is even and neat.

Finally, give your napkin a final press with the iron. This will create a professional finish and ensure your napkin lies flat.

Adding decorations

Fabric and Colour Choices

The fabric and colour you choose for your napkins can be a simple way to add a decorative touch to your wedding tables. Opt for fabrics with interesting textures such as linen, which is a popular choice for its natural texture and feel. Consider using natural fibres like linen, cotton, or a cotton-linen blend over synthetic ones. When it comes to colour, you can go for a monochromatic look, or mix and match shades that complement your table linen. If you're going for a rustic theme, try a mix of beiges, creams, browns, and fresh earthy greens. For a vintage mismatched china look, you can use floral patterned material to create unique napkins for each guest.

Decorative Stitches

If you're sewing your napkins, consider using decorative stitches instead of a simple straight stitch. This is a great way to add a creative and fun element to your napkins. Choose stitches that match the overall vibe of your wedding, such as crosses, hearts, or stars. If you're not sure, test out different stitches on a piece of scrap fabric first.

Napkin Folds and Arrangements

The way you fold and arrange your napkins can also be a form of decoration. Instead of a standard triangular pyramid fold, try something more creative like a rectangular fold, pocket fold, or waterfall fold. You can also drape or roll your napkins elegantly, placing them at an angle or tucking them under the salad plate. For a whimsical touch, try a loose, organic wraparound fold that leaves the edges exposed.

Embellishments

Embellishments like ribbons, twine, or napkin rings can add a special touch to your napkin arrangements. You can tie napkins with a simple knot or a bow, or secure them with a paper clip. For a natural feel, use a sprig of fresh greenery or a flower to finish off the look. If you want to include a menu card, you can bundle it together with the napkin using twine or a gold paper clip.

Frequently asked questions