How To Make Christmas Tree Napkins
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Time to read 4 min
A Simple Way to Sew Christmas tree napkins
The holiday season is the ideal time to let your creativity shine—and that can happen right at your table! Using only two half yards of fabric and a few basic supplies you can create these fun Christmas tree napkins that fold perfectly to display the festive holiday patterns.
The end result is a quick and delightful project to add a personalized touch to all your holiday meals that will surely put smiles on all your guests’ faces. The Christmas tree napkin is a fun and personalized project to add to your holiday décor.
Start by making a ½ circle template (9” radius)
Now using your two pencils, your 9" long cardboard, and piece of paper we can begin the project.
1. Use the strip of cardboard to create a simple compass: poke two holes 9” apart.
2. Insert a pencil into each hole. One pencil acts as the fixed point (eraser side down); use the other to draw.
3. On your paper, draw a half circle with a 9” radius using this homemade compass.
4. Cut out the half circle — this will be your template.
Cut Out Half Circles on Both Pieces of Fabric
(This amount of fabric will make four napkins)
Before you start cutting, it’s time to prepare your fabric! This part goes quickly and ensures all four Christmas napkins turn out uniform and neatly shaped. Follow these simple cutting steps:
1. Place the two pieces of fabric WRONG sides together so you can cut both at the same time.
2. Place the paper pattern at one long end - it should just fit - the half circle is 18" wide, which is exactly 1/2 yard.
3. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out the half circle on both pieces of fabric.
Sew the Two Pieces of Fabric Together
Now that your pieces are cut, it’s time to stitch them together! This part comes together quickly and gives your napkins that clean, finished edge that looks beautifully professional.
1. Thread your serger for a three-thread rolled hem.
2. Serge around the arc of your fabric, removing pins or clips as you go.
3. Serge across the bottom of your napkin, leaving a 2–3” tail on both sides.
4. Use the double-eye needle to pull the tail through the bottom stitch to neatly secure the ends.
THE MAGIC: Folding the half-circle into a Christmas tree
Now comes the fun part—watching your half-circle turn into a festive little tree! With a few simple folds and stitches, you’ll see the shape come to life right before your eyes.
1. Draw a line 1½” away from the center radius line using chalk or an erasable marker, perpendicular to the napkin’s straight edge. (This is the red vertical line shown in the photo.)
2. Fold each side in to meet this off-center line (as shown by the red lines in the photo) and press your folds firmly.
3. Use chalk or an erasable marker to trace over these fold lines—or rely on your pressed creases if they’re visible enough to guide your stitching.
4. Fold along each of the three marked lines in an accordion style to form the tree shape. Check that your folds line up evenly before topstitching.
Finishing Your Christmas Tree Napkins
You’re almost done! These final touches will lock in your stitching, press your folds neatly, and reveal that adorable tree shape just in time for your holiday table.
1. Topstitch along your marked lines
2. Fold along the stitched lines and press the napkin
3. Folding in one direction reveals more of one fabric; fold it the opposite way to reveal the other fabric.
4. That’s it—you’ve finished your Christmas tree napkin! Perfect for your table or as a handmade gift.
Creative Options to Make It Your Own
Now that you’ve finished your napkins, you're able to have fun experimenting with different textures and patterns for all your holidays and seasons. Go for some metallic patterns for winter themes, pastel colors for a summer theme, and even some floral patterns for a summer event.
Get some decorative stitching and lace to add a personal touch to your napkins. Your napkins will not only add convenience to your table but will also let you display your creativity.
Happy Sewing! - Lillian & Iola
Can I make these Christmas Tree Napkins without a serger?
Yes! While a serger offers a clean and professional finish, you can achieve this effect with a conventional sewing machine and a zigzag stitch and overcasting attachment.
What type of fabric works best for these napkins?
Cottons that are lightweight to medium weight are best—they can be easily ironed to perfection and will display quilted patterns well. Heavy cotton will not fold well.
How do I make my napkins stand up like a Christmas tree?
Your folds need to be pushed in crisply and a small amount of spray starch applied. The tougher your fabric is, the better your tree silhouette will retain.
Can I make these napkins in other shapes or sizes?
Absolutely! Use scaled-down versions for cocktail napkins and larger ones for dinner plates. Feel free to get creative and make oval shapes.
