Diy Wedding Napkins: Create Your Own For Your Special Day

If you're looking to add a personal touch to your wedding, why not try making your own napkins? It's a simple and rewarding project that can save you money and add a unique, elegant flair to your tablescape. With just a few basic supplies and some fabric of your choice, you can create beautiful napkins that will wow your guests. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to make your own wedding napkins, from choosing the right fabric to adding decorative elements. We'll also offer tips on creating no-sew napkins for those short on time. So, whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just looking to add a special touch to your big day, read on to learn how to make your own wedding napkins.

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type: Opt for fabrics that are heavyweight or opaque. As a rule of thumb, if you can clearly see your hand through the fabric, it's too lightweight and translucent for napkins. Fabrics like cotton and linen are popular choices due to their absorbency, durability, and ease of care. Cotton is a great option for a casual, relaxed look, while linen adds a touch of elegance to your tablescape. You can also explore blends that offer the best of both worlds in terms of durability and softness.

Colour and Pattern: This is where you can get creative and choose colours and patterns that complement your wedding theme. For a rustic theme, earthy tones like beige, cream, brown, and green would work beautifully. If you're going for a vintage mismatched china look, consider using floral patterned fabric to create unique napkins for each guest. Don't be afraid to mix and match, as this can add a charming, one-of-a-kind touch to your tables.

Amount of Fabric: The amount of fabric you'll need depends on the size of your napkins and how many you plan to make. As a general guide, for an 18" (or 46 cm) square napkin, you'll need 1 metre of fabric, which will yield 4 napkins. Keep in mind that larger napkins will require more fabric, and the size of your fabric bolt will impact how many napkins you can make.

Washing and Care: Before you begin cutting and sewing your napkins, it's essential to wash, dry, and iron your fabric. This helps reduce future shrinkage, prevents colours from bleeding, and removes any chemicals. It's also a good idea to choose a fabric that is easy to care for and can be washed and reused, ensuring your napkins are both practical and eco-friendly.

By carefully considering these factors when choosing your fabric, you can create wedding napkins that perfectly suit your style and add a personal touch to your special day.

Preparing the fabric

Step 1: Choosing the Fabric

Start by selecting the fabric for your napkins. You can choose any material you like, but it is recommended to opt for something heavyweight or opaque. Avoid fabrics that are too sheer, as the seams will be visible. For a rustic theme, consider earth tones like beige, cream, brown, and green. If you want a vintage mismatched china look, try mixing floral patterns to create unique napkins for each guest.

Step 2: Washing and Drying

Once you have your fabric, it is essential to wash, dry, and iron it before cutting and sewing. This process will help reduce future shrinkage, prevent colours from bleeding, and remove any chemicals. It is a standard step to do before any sewing project.

Step 3: Measuring and Cutting

Next, decide on the size of the napkin you want to make. For a standard dinner napkin, you may want to cut 18" x 18" squares, while for lunch napkins, 14" x 14" squares will do. Mark the measurements on your fabric using chalk or a pencil, and cut out the squares neatly. A good pair of fabric scissors or a rotary cutter will make this task easier.

Step 4: Folding and Ironing

Now it's time to fold and iron the hems. Fold over the edges by a quarter to half an inch. If your fabric has a "right" and "wrong" side, fold the edges towards the "wrong" side so that the hem will be hidden. Then, fold it over again and iron as you go. This will create a neat and crisp finish.

Step 5: Trimming the Corners (Optional)

If you want to reduce the bulk in the corners of the napkin, you can open up the corners and trim from corner to corner. Refold the corners before proceeding to the next step. This step is optional but can make sewing easier.

By following these steps, you will have prepared your fabric, and you are now ready to start sewing your napkins together. Remember to choose a fabric that suits your wedding theme and style, and don't be afraid to mix and match for a unique and personalised touch.

Cutting the fabric

To make your own napkins for your wedding, you'll need to cut your chosen fabric into neat squares. Here's a step-by-step guide to cutting the fabric:

• Before you begin, wash, dry, and iron your fabric. This process will help reduce future shrinkage, prevent colours from bleeding, and remove chemicals. Ironing will also make the fabric easier to work with.
• Decide on the size of the napkin you want to make. For example, if you're making dinner napkins, you might want them to be 18x18 inches. For lunch napkins, a 14-inch square is a good size.
• Measure and mark the fabric: On the reverse of your fabric, use chalk on dark fabric or a pencil on light fabric to mark the dimensions of your chosen napkin size, including a hem allowance. For example, if you're making 18x18-inch dinner napkins, cut each raw napkin to 20x20 inches to account for a 2-inch hem allowance.
• Cut the fabric: Use a good pair of fabric scissors or a rotary cutter with a ruler and self-healing mat to cut out your napkins. Cut the lines as neatly as possible, as these cuts will be visible on the finished napkin. If you're using a rotary cutter, a straight edge can help you achieve square cuts.
• Finish the edges: If your fabric is fraying a lot after cutting, you can use fray check from a craft store or apply clear nail varnish or water-based varnish to the ends and let it dry. Alternatively, briefly running a flame over the frayed ends can seal some fabrics, but only do this if you're sure your fabric is suitable for flame sealing.

By following these steps, you'll have neatly cut fabric squares ready for the next steps in creating your own wedding napkins.

Folding the napkins

Folding your own napkins for your wedding is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some creative and elegant ways to fold your napkins and impress your guests:

The Elegant Knot:

Tie your soft, washed linen napkins in a simple, elegant knot. Place each knotted napkin on your guests' salad plates, along with colour-coordinated flatware to complement your wedding palette.

The Casual Roll:

For a casual and relaxed look, place a loosely rolled napkin on top of each plate. You can add a ribbon tie for a bit of extra flair. Be sure to coordinate the napkin colour with your table linen for a cohesive look.

The Drape:

If you're having a dinner buffet and won't have plates at each place setting, drape each napkin off the edge of the table. This will help demarcate each guest's spot while adding a pop of colour to your tablescape.

The Loose Gather:

Complement a lush, floral centerpiece with loosely gathered napkins. Instead of a tight rectangle, go for a more relaxed fold. Add a calligraphed place card and tie everything together with a matching ribbon.

The Modern Square:

Give your place settings a modern twist by alternating plate and napkin colours. Fold each napkin into a crisp square and add a sprig of fresh greenery and a luxe velvet ribbon for an elegant finish.

The Angled Tuck:

For a chic and unfussy look, try tucking each napkin beneath the salad plate at an angle. Loosely gather the napkin and then place the plate on top. Finish it off with a few sprigs of fresh flowers or greenery for a natural, fresh look.

Finishing the napkins

Now that you have your fabric cut into neat squares, it's time to finish the napkins. This process will give your napkins a polished look and ensure they last through many washes. Here are the steps to follow:

• Fold and Iron the Hems: Fold over the edges of each napkin by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. If your fabric has a "right" and "wrong" side, fold the edges towards the "wrong" side so that the hem will be less visible. Use an iron to press the folds in place.
• Cut the Corners: Open each napkin and trim the corners by cutting from one corner to the other. This step helps reduce bulk in the corners when you sew. Refold the napkins after cutting.
• Pin the Corners: Pin all four corners of each napkin to hold them in place.
• Sew the Hems: Using a sewing machine, sew along the outside edge of the napkin, then sew again near the inside edge of the hem. Repeat this process for all your napkins.
• Seal the Seams: If you prefer a no-sew method, you can use a bonding web to seal the seams. Place a strip of bonding web under the seam flap, cover with a damp cloth, and iron on high for 10-20 seconds until the bond is secure.
• Fold and Store: Finally, fold your napkins in half and then in half again. Your handmade napkins are now ready to be used or displayed at your wedding!

Remember, the key to a successful finish is taking your time and ensuring straight cuts and precise folds. These steps will give your wedding napkins a professional look, and your guests might never guess they were handmade!

Frequently asked questions