How about some DIY fabric cocktail napkins that don’t require a sewing machine, and can upcycle an existing cloth napkin?
Don’t get me wrong, I love and frequently use paper napkins for occasions that aren’t sit-down. They also make a great addition to my styled posts because they add a whack of colour without breaking the bank. BUT, for cocktail season I like to have something a little nicer to offer.
DIY Fabric Cocktail Napkins
I’ve done cocktail napkins in the past, and you can see those gingham and gold napkins, or my summer cocktail napkins. For these, I’m going to make them from thrifted cloth napkins, and then add ribbon trim, edging, bows, etc. These will be so pretty, you won’t want to put them down!
What do you need to DIY Fabric Cocktail Napkins?
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- Thrifted cocktail napkins – you can also buy larger napkins and cut them down to size, or make your own using fabric
- As many colours and sizes of ribbons as you’d like! I a lot of mine by the yard from this store on etsy // here //
- Scissors
- Aleene’s No-Sew fabric Glue 4oz
How to make no-sew cocktail napkins
Figure out which ribbon will be paired with which napkin. I’ve opted to use contrasting colours, but colours that are found on the napkins themselves, thus creating the illusion of cohesion and maybe the look that they all came this way on purpose.
I contoured the whole napkin, so I cut four strips of ribbon, one to run each side, with overlap at each end.
Glue the first two ribbons down using your No-Sew glue. These should be on opposing sides from each other.
Using your scissors, cut the corners of each end of the remaining pieces of ribbon, on an angle so that it looks like they’re cutting-in on a V. This is also known as a mitered corner, and if you’re supper handy with a sewing machine you could sew this!
Glue down the remaining two pieces of ribbon and let dry about an hour. Repeat for all he napkins you’re making.
Enjoy! Throw a party! Break-out the mix! and the nuts! I think these will be a staple in my hostessing kit this holiday season.
That no-sew, I gotta get me some of that! I LOVE this idea, for sure will have to do this because it is so expensive to go buy all of the things for that tablescape. xo Planing my Christmas table now!
What pretty napkins! I’ll bet whoever gave them up to the thrift store is sorry they did, if they saw this. Your win!
I haven’t found a fabric glue that actually holds, I’ll have to check out your reco.
And finally – I LOVE YOUR PHOTOS!!! So colourful and fun!
I hope so! They gave up some awesome napkins. I actually saw them a few days earlier and then went BACK to get them!
and thank you! I take a lot of pride in styling my photos
You had me at, “Cocktail party season is just around the corner…” haha. These napkins are honestly so lovely, they have me wanting to party. Nice work.
right?! TGIF! T.G.I.F my friend. Half way through the Orc and almost at the half-way point for the SEPT-Mid-Decemeber holiday bonanza!
These truly are a fabulous idea! I also love the simplicity of making them and the endless possibilities for creating a collection of unique versions. This would also be a great project to do while watching a movie one evening! Off to share on Pinterest!
Exactly! You, my friend, have got it. Creating unique and endless possibilities from things around is what is fun!
They look great – and they’re so simple! Love this!
You now have me wanting to through a cocktail party. And I have to say those assorted candies are bringing back loads of good memories. Great DIY idea and beautiful, colourful pics as always!
oh yeah? I’ve never really had these candies, but I purchased them earlier this summer and DH loves them now!
I hope you throw a kick-ass cocktail party and think of me!
So cute, and colourful. Great ribbon project, makes me want a cocktail!
thanks girl!
What a fun way to mix things up and add some color!
Thanks 🙂
This is no sew?! Awesome! I’ll definitely be trying. They are perfect for a cocktail party.
yea! I love that stuff! I still don’t own a sewing machine, so it pays to have glue in a pinch.
I absolutely love these! Such a simple fix yet so elegant!
These are so fun and festive for a party! I love that you used no-sew glue because it is my favorite!
No sew is right down my alley! They look amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I absolutely love these! I will definitely be upgrading our holiday napkins for sure!
How adorable! I’m pinning these 🙂
YES! No sew! Why don’t I think of that more often. As always, love that colour!
I dunno! But you should! I have like two bottles of it 😉
So much fun! I love all the colour. Those will pretty up any occasion!
thanks Dani! I’ve already used them a few times, people love them!