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DIY Christmas Tree Napkins Tutorial and FREE Pattern

Christmas is the time of year when your most loved ones are coming over to spend some time with you. So you need to be a great host, which means that your dinner table should look as best as possible.

These DIY Christmas tree napkins are meant to help you with just that!

Nothing says Christmas better than a Christmas tree, so why not put them next to your plate? This Christmas tree napkin tutorial will show you how to make unique and creative napkins that everyone will love as soon as they see them.

By the way, just between us, since they are easy to sew and you can finish them in no time, they can even act as a great last-minute Christmas present! Now let’s make some Christmas tree napkins, shall we?

christmas tree napkins tucked between plates

Below you will find my step by step tree shaped napkin written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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How to make Christmas Tree Napkins

Supplies and tools

supplies for the tree shaped napkins

DOWNLOAD: Christmas tree napkin pattern (Free PDF file)

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Christmas Tree Napkin Tutorial and Pattern

Watch the diy christmas tree napkin video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

Christmas Tree Napkins VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Prepare the pattern

Download and print the pattern (don’t scale it in any way, print at 100% US letter paper). Using our free Christmas tree napkin pattern will make the things easier.

If you don’t have a printer however, you can also manage without it. Read how in step 2.

STEP 2: Cut the fabric

Take two of your fabrics, place them on each other and align the bottom edges. Place the paper pattern on top and cut according to the pattern. You need 2 semi-circles in different colors for one napkin.

christmas tree pattern on top of the fabrics

If you don’t have a printer, follow the instructions below how to make your own pattern.

Take a fabric pencil, pin and a piece of thread. Knot the end of the thread the pin it to the center of the bottom edge of the fabrics. Wrap the thread around the pencil several times until it is 8.5 inches (21.5cm). Draw a semi-circle around the pin and cut it out.

If you are making a bunch of napkins, make a paper pattern or use one of the cut fabrics as a pattern to cut the next set of fabric sheets.

TIP: Don’t forget to wash and iron the fabric well before you start doing anything with it.

STEP 3: Pin fabrics together

Take one fabric semicircle and place it right side up. Take a semicircle from the second main fabric and place it over the first one, with its right side down. Align the edges and pin everything.

Sew all around the semicircle. Leave a 4 inch (10cm) opening unstitched on the straight edge so that you can turn the whole thing around.

making the christmas tree napkins - pinned fabrics

STEP 4: Clip and snip

Clip the curve of the napkin and snip the bottom corners to allow it to lay flat. You can skip this step, but I highly recommend it, as it really gives the napkins a professional look.

STEP 5: Turn inside out

Turn the fabric right side out and push out the edges. Then use your iron to press everything flat.

Fold both layers of the edge where the unstitched section is inwards about quarter of an inch. Press it flat and pin in place.

STEP 6: Mark the folding / stitching line

Using your paper pattern as a guide match the beginning of the dashed line with the bottom corner of the napkin. Mark the start of the fold line. Remove the pattern and using a ruler draw a line perpendicular to the straight bottom edge.

If not using the pattern, measure 5 inches (13cm) from the bottom corner and then draw the perpendicular line.

topstitching the Christmas napkin

STEP 7: Topstitch

Topstitch all around the napkin using a scant 1/8 inch (3mm) seam allowance. Start on the straight edge, just before the fold line you marked, stitch all around the napkin. Stop at the fold line, put your needle down, raise the presser foot and pivot. Stitch along the fold line.

Reinforce the beginning and the end of this seam with backstitching.

STEP 8: How to fold a Christmas tree napkin

It a bit tricky, but the fold line we stitched earlier will definitely make the folding part much easier.

Fold the napkin again over the stitch you made earlier. Press with the iron.

8.1. You will need to fold this flap into thirds, similar to a fan. Grab the corner of the flap and while you’re pressing the corner on the straight edge of the napkin with your finger, pull the flap backward to fold it towards the other side.

Keep pulling until the curve becomes parallel to the long straight edge of the napkin. Then stop and fold it towards the back, just like a fan, until you align the edge with the previous fold. Make sure that the folds are aligned with each other. Press everything flat.

how to fold the christmas tree napkin

8.2. Flip the napkin over and grab the bottom corner. Fold it until its crease aligns with the back fold you made in the previous step.

Then do just one more fan fold so that the last edge is aligned with the previous fold.

how to fold the christmas tree napkins - step 3

Press everything well with your iron and you’re done! Your first christmas tree napkin is ready!

Repeat the steps with your remaining fabric and your set will be complete.

christmas tree napkin ready for serving

(Optional) Make stems

Place two fabric rectangles on each other, right sides in, and align their edges. Use a quarter-inch seam allowance and sew around three sides of the rectangle. You can use a contrasting thread if you want to add more flair to the napkins.

Clip the corners and turn the whole thing inside-out. Poke the corners out with chopsticks or with the back of a pencil.

Topstitch around the three sewn edges. Go as close to the edge as you can.

Just before you sew the main fabrics together in step 3, place the stems on the curved edge about 2 inches from the right bottom corner, aligning the raw edge with the raw edges of the main fabrics then sew.

 

Did you like the Christmas tree napkin tutorial? Don’t forget to make a few of these unique napkins for your loved ones as well! If you think of a suggestion for improving this project, let us know. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 32 comments
Elizabeth Watson - October 3, 2020

These are the cutest and your step by step tutorial is awesome!! I’d love for you to share over at our weekly Wednesday Creative Crafts Linky Party
https://creativelybeth.com/creative-crafts-linky-party-9-join-in-the-fun/
Have a great week!
Creatively, Beth

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    Bridget - March 5, 2021

    Good stuff!

    Reply
Kathy A - October 3, 2020

This project is absolutely adorable!

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chickenruby - October 4, 2020

They look really fun to make and use at Christmas. Thanks for linking with #pocolo

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Clare - October 4, 2020

For crafty folk these look like a great idea. Maybe children could fold paper napkins to get the same effect. #KCACOLS

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Shelbee on the Edge - October 4, 2020

Oh these are just too adorable! I love them! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up with me.

Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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Kristin - October 4, 2020

This is such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing at Charming Homes & Gardens!

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Hannah - October 5, 2020

Oh my gosh, these are so cute! 🙂 #dreamteam

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Hannah - October 5, 2020

Popping in from #KCACOLS too 🙂

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Rosie Doal - October 5, 2020

Ooh this looks like a fun craft project for my teen daughter who loves creating and making. It’s never too early to start thinking about Xmas x #KCACOLS

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Marilyn - October 6, 2020

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Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Please stay safe and healthy. Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn
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Michelle - October 6, 2020

These napkins are so cool! They will be featured in this week’s Creative Compulsions.

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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Melynda Brown - October 8, 2020

Hello, this is one of my favorites for Encouraging Hearts and Home, this week! Stop by and say hello, and this post has been pinned!

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Nora - October 8, 2020

I have this pattern in an old Christmas book. Thank you for reviving it because I had forgotten all about it

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MomOfTwoLittleGirls - October 8, 2020

I love this! It’s so creative and festive. Thanks for sharing. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time.

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tracey bowden - October 9, 2020

I love Christmas these look so cute! If I was in any way crafty I would be trying this out, great tutorial too! #kcacols

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Jade - October 10, 2020

These look great, I always wondered how they were done. Great tutorial I feel like I may actually be able to make some! #KCACOLS

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Franca Desjardins - October 10, 2020

These Christmas tree napkins are so cute. What a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing it with us at #KCACOLS 🙂 xx

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Karren Haller - October 12, 2020

Those are very clever napkins, with all of the masks I have made it would be a nice change of pace to work a new project. Pinned for later
Thank you for sharing on omhgww, be sure to stop by and share again.
Have a great week
Karren

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    Helen - October 12, 2020

    Thank you Karen. I’m sure they will be a nice touch in your Christmas table

    Reply
Naush Samama - October 12, 2020

Wow !! Perfect Christmas table napkins ! Your tutorial is always very helpful.
Thank you for sharing it with us at Meraki Link Party.
Naush

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Donna Crane - November 22, 2020

Napkins are usually square to my knowledge, therefore this is not a napkin.

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    Helen - November 22, 2020

    It is 🙂 Napkins are USUALLY rectangle, but this is not always the case. According to America’s leading and most-trusted provider of language information – Merriam-Webster a napkin is:
    “a piece of material (such as cloth or paper) used at table to wipe the lips or fingers and protect the clothes”

    Reply
Elizabeth - March 11, 2021

Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
I think my friends would really appreciate this tutorial. Please let me know. Thanks!

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    Helen - March 11, 2021

    Sure you can share it!

    Reply
Frances Bustamante - October 27, 2021

Thank you. Nice tutorial.

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arline - October 31, 2022

These are darling; would be great to know how much fabric to buy (of each of two fabrics) to make, say, four napkins!

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    Helen - November 3, 2022

    Depends on the width of your fabric, whether you have directional print etc. It’s a 17″ semi circle (one of each fabric), so you will be able to fit 6 of these in a yard of fabric that is 60″ wide, and 3 in a half yard.
    So to make 4 napkins you will need a yard of each fabric and you will have some left over

    Reply
Tess - November 14, 2022

Hello, the PDF link isn’t working. would you ne able to send it to my email? sunedaze983@comcast. Thank you!

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    Helen - November 16, 2022

    Hi Tess, it’s working fine on my end. Perhaps your browser is blocking the pop-up. Can you please test a different browser (Chrome, Firefox, safari, opera) or a different device (phone, PC)
    If everything else fails, shoot me an email via the contact form and I will send you the pattern manually

    Reply
Kellie - December 7, 2022

These have been so fun to make because they are very Impressive with very little effort and time.
I love your tutorials.

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francesca - December 30, 2022

THESE NAPKINS ARE SO KUTE. I MADE A COUPLE WHICH ARE BOT PERFECT, BUT WITH PRACTICE I WILL GET BETTER
THANK YOU FOR SHARING I AM GOING TO TRY EASTER NAPKINS
Francesca

Reply

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