These Christmas tree napkins fold into little trees right on your plate, and they're one of the easiest holiday sewing projects you'll ever make. Each napkin is just two fat quarters, one free template, and a few straight seams. Make one for every guest and your holiday table instantly looks magical. I remember seeing these on my mom's table for the first time and thinking she was an alchemist!
Download the free Christmas Tree Napkin PDF template here. It prints on 3 pages that you tile and tape together, and I show you how in the video.
What You'll Make
A fully lined cloth dinner napkin that folds into a Christmas tree shape for your place settings. The bottom edge of the template is about 17" wide. It's made from quilting cotton with no interfacing, so it goes right through the washer and dryer. Mix different fabrics on the table for a fun, scrappy look, or match them all.
Skill level: Beginner. If you can sew a 1/4" seam and turn a project right side out, you can make these.
Supplies
- Free Christmas Tree Napkin template (PDF), printed and taped together
- 2 fat quarters of quilting cotton per napkin (one front, one back). Non-directional prints work best, since the fabric ends up at all different angles once it's folded. I love Ruby Star Society prints for these.
- Coordinating thread (or metallic gold thread for a fancy topstitch!)
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler, or fabric scissors
- Iron and a pressing sheet
- Pins or clips
- A point turner or easy point tool (or just your finger)
- Optional: rickrack for trim, and pinking shears
How to Sew Christmas Tree Napkins
Step 1: Print and tape the template
The template prints on three sheets. Tile them together and tape. I usually trim the left margin off a page, leave the next one complete, and line them up. The bottom line should measure around 17". It doesn't have to be scientific, so just chillax!
Step 2: Cut your fabric
Place your two fat quarters right sides together and line the template up along a straight edge. Cut both layers at once with your rotary cutter. Cutting them right sides together means they're already lined up and ready to sew.
Step 3: Press
Give your fabric a quick press. Pressed quilting cotton behaves better, and the two layers cling to each other so they don't shift while you sew.
Step 4: Sew around the napkin, leaving an opening
Use a 1/4" seam allowance and a 3 mm stitch length. Start near the center of one edge and sew all the way around, stopping before you get back to where you started so you leave a gap for turning. Lock stitch at both ends. Use needle down and lift the foot to pivot at the corners.
My favorite tip for turning openings: instead of leaving the gap unsewn, turn your stitch length up to 4 or 5 mm and baste across it. Then unpick the basting to turn. When you press the opening closed later, the edges fold in neatly right along those holes.
Step 5: Turn and press
You can notch or pink the curved edge if you like, but I don't, and mine turned out fine. It's a big, gentle curve. (Save the pinking shears for tight curves, like a small circle.) Turn the napkin right side out and push the seam out with your finger or an easy point tool. Press well.
Optional: Add rickrack trim
If you want rickrack, add it before you sew the two layers together. Dot glue or baste it along the edge of one piece, then place the two pieces right sides together and stitch right along your basting line. That way just the cute little waves peek out.
Step 6: Topstitch all the way around
Topstitch around the whole napkin. This closes the turning opening and gives it a professional finish. I bump my stitch length up to 3 for topstitching. Use thread that blends in, or make it a design feature. Metallic gold thread would look amazing on these!
Step 7: Stitch the fold line
The template shows a "fold line, stitch later." Fold the napkin about 5 1/2" in from the edge, as marked on the template, and press. Open it back up and stitch along that line.
Step 8: Fold your tree
This step is all about pressing. Fold along your stitched line, keeping your attention on that top edge. Then fold one side over, hold it with your finger, and bring the other side over: one, two, three. Flip the napkin over and give it a final press, adjusting as needed. Each napkin might fold a little differently, and that's okay. You'll probably come back to this part of the video a few times. I sure did!
Jump to a Step in the Video
- 0:48 The free template
- 1:19 Tiling and taping the pattern
- 2:07 Fabric choices and cutting
- 3:33 Sewing around the napkin
- 5:19 The basting tip for turning openings
- 6:24 To notch or not to notch the curve
- 8:40 Adding rickrack trim
- 9:28 Topstitching
- 10:48 Stitching the fold line
- 12:25 Pressing and folding the tree
- 14:51 Finishing the fold
Christmas Tree Napkin FAQ
How much fabric do I need for a Christmas tree napkin?
Two fat quarters per napkin, one for the front and one for the back. For a table of six, you'll need 12 fat quarters.
Do Christmas tree napkins need interfacing?
No. They're just two layers of quilting cotton, so they stay soft and are easy to fold and wash.
Are these napkins washable?
Yes! Quilting cotton goes right through the washer and dryer. Press them before folding them for the table again.
Do I need to clip or notch the curved edge?
Not on this napkin. The curve is big and gentle, so pushing the seam out with your finger or a point turner is enough. If it bothers you, go ahead and notch it, or trim it with pinking shears.
Should I sew a button or ribbon on the tree?
I don't. A button or ribbon keeps the napkin from opening fully and makes it annoying to wash. Without one, your guests can just unfold it and use it.
Can I serge the edges instead of turning them?
Sure! You can serge or pink the edges if you prefer. I show the turned version so you can make it on any home sewing machine.
More Holiday Projects You'll Love
- Fun Holiday Stocking Sewing Tutorial
- Easy DIY Felt Ornaments and Gift Toppers
- Scrappy Holiday Card DIY Tutorial
- Heart Potholder Project
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Peace, Love, Sewing,
-Natalie
