How to turn fabric scraps into DIY Christmas napkin rings

Whip up an easy-peasy Christmas table make with these patchwork DIY napkin rings by Lynette Anderson. They’re the perfect way to use up all those treasured scraps of festive fabric from previous projects that you don’t want to part ways with.

This speedy little seasonal sewing project uses strip piecing for a quick result, and you don’t need very large pieces of fabric to give it a go. Adapt the pattern with Spring fabrics for your Easter table or in wedding shades for anyone out there planning some crafted touches to wedding parties.

These DIY napkin holders were first featured in Today’s Quilter magazine, and if you want to go all out, try Lynette’s matching Patchwork Placemat Pattern (pictured below).

Each finished napkin ring will measure about 2in x 6in. Read on for our step-by-step tutorial, and if you want to really up the festive factor, we’ll also show you how to add appliqué Christmas motifs to some plain napkins to show off your new napkin holders! If you like this and are thinking larger scale than DIY Christmas napkin rings for your festive patchwork, you might also like our guide to the best Christmas Quilt Patterns.

How to make fabric DIY Napkin holders

You will need:

• Fabric (Twelve (12) assorted 1in x 10in strips of fabric)
• Backing fabric (13in x 7in)
• Interfacing (8in x 10in)
• Velcro (Or press studs)

Cutting out

Step 1

Cut the backing fabric into four (4) 3¼in x 6½in pieces.

Step 2

Cut the interfacing into four (4) 2in x 6½in strips.

How to make the Christmas napkin rings

Step 1

Sew together your twelve (12) 1in strips along the long edges with a ¼in seam (Fig 1). Press all seams in one direction.

Step 2

Crosscut the pieced strips into four (4) 2in strips (Fig 2). Iron interfacing onto the wrong side of each one.

Step 3

Place a pieced strip on top of a piece of backing, right sides together. The backing fabric is larger than the pieced strip, so make sure the raw edges are lined up. Sew along both long sides and one short end.

Step 4

Turn the napkin ring inside out and press. The larger backing will create a border edge down each side of the patchwork (Fig 3). Bind with a scrap of backing fabric or turn in the end and slip stitch to close.

Step 5

Attach Velcro or press studs to each end. Repeat to make four (4) napkin rings.

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How to make napkin motifs to match!

For an added special touch, fussy-cut specific motifs and use appliqué to customise plain napkins for individual guests.

Cutting out

Step 1

From the napkin fabric cut four (4) 17½in squares.

Step 2

From the feature print, roughly cut around the chosen details. Making the napkins

Step 3

Fold over a ¼in twice, on each napkin edge. Top stitch close to the edges all around to hem.

Step 4

With the napkin flat and right side up, pin ric-rac around the four edges, ½in from the edge. Stitch in place with matching thread.

Step 5

Working with the fusible web prepare four (4) fussy-cut circles (see Technical Tip below). Centre and position one feature circle approximately 1½in up from the bottom and in from the right. Blanket stitch in place by hand or machine (see our guide to How to do blanket stitch). Repeat to make four (4) napkins in total.

Technical tip: Cut fusible web slightly larger than the detail you want to fussy cut. Iron it to the wrong side of the print before cutting out the shape. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using fusible web.

Add a handmade touch to your table

Turning fabric scraps into DIY Christmas napkin rings is a quick, fun project that brings festive charm to your table. Once finished, you’ll have personalised decorations that make every place setting feel special.

Start your Christmas sewing

Looking for more festive ideas? Our folded fabric wreath tutorial is a fun, creative way to craft handmade decorations.