DIY tablecloth. It would seem that it’s so difficult? Cut out a piece of fabric of the desired size and simply hem the edge. But there is one subtlety. A good tablecloth should have properly formed corners. And one more advantage of a tablecloth sewn by yourself - you can sew napkins from leftover fabric, treating the edges and corners in the same way.
sewing machine;
threads of the desired color;
ruler;
pencil or chalk;
pin;
iron.
Cut a piece of fabric of the size you need so that the “overhangs” on all sides are 30 cm. From the remaining width of the strip of fabric, cut out square napkins.
Fold the edges of the napkin to a width of 1 cm. Iron the folded edges.
Fold the edges again by 1 cm and steam again.
Fold the napkin diagonally, right side inward, wrong side out, and pin together. Draw a line perpendicular to the diagonal fold of the napkin from the corner to the edge of the hem.
Using a sewing machine, sew the seam along the marked line.
This is what the seam will look like. It is very important that the beginning of the seam exactly matches the corner of the napkin.
Cut the corner of the napkin close to the seam (at a distance of 2 - 3 mm). Also cut off a small piece of fabric in the corner of the napkin.
Treat all corners of the napkin in the same way.
Press the seams on both sides.
Turn the seams right side out, iron the hem and corners of the napkin.
Hem the napkin exactly along the edge of the hem. Iron the napkin again.
Hem all the napkins in the same way.
To hem the tablecloth with your own hands, do the same, first fold the edges to a width of 1 cm, and then to a width of 2 cm. Iron the edges.
Also fold the tablecloth diagonally, pin it, and mark the seam line perpendicular to the fold line.
Sew by machine. Trim off excess fabric.
Press the seam on both sides.
Turn over and smooth out the corner.
Sew along the edge of the tablecloth hem.
The edges of a tablecloth and napkins, sewn by yourself, look neat and are no different from the edges of a purchased tablecloth and napkins.
After you have mastered this technique of hemming a tablecloth “on the corner,” you can experiment. Sew a tablecloth with your own hands with embroidery, hemstitching, appliqué, etc.
Click on point No. 2 in the table of contents below, where 12+ schemes with photos are described in detail.
Quick navigation through the article:
The main answer to the question of how to beautifully fold paper napkins into a napkin holder is to make a corner out of each napkin. Look at the photo below: what do you see? Single and double fans, which were lined with paper napkin corners.
So simple and so convenient! Any napkin can be easily pulled out without destroying the ensemble, and the most ordinary napkin holder looks like a solid holder for a festive composition.
What are we doing:
Option 1 - lay out two fans towards each other.
Option 2 - lay out one fan from the center to the sides.
Another option is to fold the napkins into elongated trapezoids that will become the bird's tail. For the tail details, bend parallel corners and fold the napkin in half. A bright and unusual tail will be provided by blanks made from napkins of contrasting colors. The head and neck of the bird are a napkin folded into a flat tube with a bent tip. The creative solution is described in step-by-step photos below:
Such a bird fits perfectly into the New Year's table setting, if the Rooster rules the year, or for any spring holiday - as a symbol of the return of warmth and migratory birds.
Both methods - corners and birdie - are shown step by step in a short video:
The fifth option is non-standard: instead of a napkin holder, we use dishes.
Now let’s turn to step-by-step diagrams for the most effective and simple solutions on how to beautifully fold napkins on a festive table.
Having decided to diversify the serving with napkin folds, we will take into account 2 rules:
They folded it, rolled it up, slightly loosened the top and slightly bent the “petals”, and put it in a glass. A clear photo is the best instructor! Below are three options for roses - for every taste.
You will have to work a little longer with a fan (or accordion):
Rings are a win-win option for beautifully folding napkins on a holiday table. They also open up a new horizon for ideas. Look at the step-by-step photo below how easily an ordinary soft napkin turns into a lush, elegant bow:
The second seemingly obvious option with a ribbon is not without its classic charm. Light patterned fabrics for the theme of a particular holiday and a plain satin ribbon for the middle are ideal for such a bow:
The third option for a ring is a classic flower from Victorian England. It looks very nice on the table, but is easy to create at home:
Any of the ideas organically incorporates natural decor - a sprig of spruce for the New Year or small flowers for the Easter feast.
We can also make rings with our own hands. We will need a base (for example, a long tube of foil or cling film can be easily cut into strong rings of the desired size) and any materials for decoration - from coarse textured thread to tie a ring to thin lace that can be glued on top of cardboard.
And this cute fold in the form of a scarf is just asking to decorate the New Year's table. Playful simplicity and naive charm:
By choosing any “envelope” pattern, we can not only beautifully fold napkins on the festive table, but also place cutlery or a card with the guest’s name in them. And when serving for the New Year, it can be a miniature card with a wish.
The most popular envelope in European countries is with a beveled corner. It is wide, elegant and able to accommodate the entire set of appliances, and not just the pleasant little details of the decor. Detailed photos explain the simple process step by step.
Another envelope option is with a solid stripe in the middle. This simple circuit is well described in a short video instruction:
And a simple version of a quick envelope will easily fit into the table setting for a home party and will require a minimum of time from the creator (involve the kids in the holiday chores!):
Are only flat circuits simple? No. Many bulk variations that stand up on a plate on their own are done in minutes!
Any schoolchild will come up with an interesting three-dimensional version. Napkin Candle that can create the mood for serving a romantic meal or New Year's feast:
The universal-to-use crown also folds up in a couple of minutes. It blends organically with natural decor, becoming a stand for the first spring flowers, fresh greenery or Christmas-themed spruce branches.
The classic form of origami comes to the rescue in many holiday details:
The interesting contours of the pinwheel and ease of execution will also be useful for the festive table: the weather vane turns out beautifully from any material.
Let's complete the parade of simple patterns with a flat flower using the traditional origami technique. This laconic form looks simply perfect! It will take effort for your guests to destroy it for the sake of table convenience. And who said that a meal is not a place for strong aesthetic impressions? After practicing on simple diagrams, we dare and impress!
An important secret to success: for such a flower, choose a traditional, thin cotton napkin and iron it well before folding.
Of course, we didn’t talk about all the interesting ways to fold napkins on a festive table, and the diagrams given are only part of the ideas for a festive table setting. However, we recommend starting with our selection. Advantageous ease of execution and detailed step-by-step photos are a guarantee of success with minimal effort and time.
P.S. Attention!
A great selection of 10 simple folds for any holiday in a step-by-step video.
Thank you for the article (10)
The center of any meal is a tastefully set table. When a housewife has a question about table textiles, a tablecloth and table napkins come to mind. Why do we need cloth napkins? How to handle them during a feast?
This article is intended for persons over 18 years of age
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They are divided into two types, based on their purpose. Place napkins are those that are laid on the table personally for each guest and on which the table setting is organized. But the most common second option is table napkins, which need to be placed on your knees and wipe your hands. These are the ones we will talk about. Moreover, you will learn three ways to fold textile napkins: the simplest, but most effective and meeting the main requirements of etiquette.
During the Middle Ages, such an attribute of a feast as napkins had not yet been invented, and to wipe their hands from grease, people used the tablecloth itself. Only noble guests were given a bowl of water and lemon, which has disinfectant properties, to rinse their fingers in.
Napkins came into widespread use only in the 16th century. At first, napkins were placed on the shoulder, on the arm, or used as a bib, which was attached to the vest with silver hooks or tied at the back of the neck. Gradually the napkins “moved” to my lap. In the 17th century, when women's skirts became fuller, the size of napkins increased to 90-115 cm. With the advent of new cutlery, the size of the napkin also changed. So, as soon as the use of a fork came into practice (and this happened only in the middle of the 18th century), participants in the meal became more careful and napkins decreased in size.
According to the canons of classic table etiquette, for a banquet, lunch or dinner, table textiles should be made from natural white linen. But modern table etiquette allows us to deviate from this rule, and now there is a huge variety of mixed fabrics for table linen: beautiful, expressive, and most importantly, more practical to use (for example, Teflon-coated fabrics that are not afraid of fat, wine and coffee ). For informal dining, white table linens can easily be replaced with beige or another neutral shade. And if you want to create a certain mood at the table or maintain the style of the interior, then etiquette allows for colored or even combined tablecloth and napkins: the fabric can be checkered or striped, with a floral or any other interesting print. Choose according to your taste! A very convenient and win-win option is the use of companion fabrics, when one of the elements of table linen (tablecloth or napkins) uses a fabric with a multi-colored pattern, and the other uses a plain fabric that repeats one of the colors of the print; or two prints are combined (for example, flowers and stripes) with a choice of the same color palette.
The dimensions of a modern table napkin are approximately 40x40 cm (from 36 to 46 cm), a tea napkin is smaller in size - approximately 30x30 cm (from 25 to 35 cm).
In the modern world, textile napkins are a mandatory attribute of table setting, so every housewife should take care of their availability.
People first learned about paper napkins in 1867, when their first batch was produced at a paper mill in England. The guests really liked this serving attribute, and since then their production on an industrial scale began. Paper napkins have a number of advantages: they perfectly absorb moisture, and most importantly, there is no need for washing, which every housewife will certainly appreciate.
But can they completely replace textile ones?
Linen napkins are an essential attribute of any feast; their main purpose is the comfort of guests and the safety of their costumes. However, paper napkins must be present on the table in sufficient quantities.
The main task of a textile napkin is to protect the guest’s outfit; it should be laid on your knees. A linen napkin is also used when your fingers are a little dirty. What to do if your hands are very dirty, and what to use during a runny nose? Paper napkins will save you; this is exactly what they were created for.
All the guests, including the hosts, took their places and the meal began. The hostess is the first to start the feast - she unfolds her napkin, then the guests follow her example.
When we come to a restaurant, we often see napkins rolled into the shape of a Crown, French Lily, Bishop's Miter or other unusual shape. The art of folding napkins came to us from the 17th century. At the French court there were special people who folded napkins for the royal table and did it simply masterfully, but using such a napkin for its intended purpose was prohibited, as it was considered a violation of the rules of etiquette. During the Victorian era, views on table manners changed somewhat - people began to think more about hygiene. Imagine how many times you will have to touch the napkin during the folding process, and, moreover, what a crumpled appearance it will have, having been in the shape of a Fan or Artichoke! It is unlikely that any of the guests will want to wipe their hands or lips with such a napkin.
Complex folding options faded into the background and were replaced by simpler ones. Modern etiquette follows the same rules for folding napkins: minimum touching and minimum folding.
They are absolutely universal:
When choosing a method for folding napkins, you need to take into account the occasion of the meal itself. For a formal feast, napkins with lace or the fan-fold option are certainly not suitable. But to create a warm spring mood, this is what you need.
The “Petals” method of folding napkins will come in handy - an ideal option for an informal, cozy atmosphere, which goes well with floral textile prints and floral decor on the table.
1. Unfold the napkin and place it on the table with the wrong side up.
2. Take the upper left corner and pull it to the opposite corner, folding the napkin in half, forming a triangle.
3. Pull the upper corner of the resulting triangle towards the left corner, but do not connect them to each other.
4. Repeat the action: fold the right edge to the left, without closing the corners of the napkin.
5. The napkin is ready! We place it on a substitution plate with the petals to the right, and place a snack plate on top. We complement the table setting with cutlery and glasses.
Nowadays, napkin rings are used as a decorative element for serving. But there were times when rings served another function: they guaranteed ownership of a dirty napkin.
Historical background: Since table linen was rarely washed, textile napkins were used repeatedly. The rings served as an identification mark so that the guest could be sure that he received exactly his dirty napkin.
Rings are made from different materials: silver, wood, fabric, etc. But even in the absence of serving rings, you can easily improvise, for example, replace them with ribbon.
There are many ways to put a napkin into a ring: you can gather the napkin into unusual folds, fold it into a fan, or simply roll it into a tube, choose any one to suit your taste! Let's look at the simplest option:
1. Unfold the napkin and place it on the table inside out.
2. Take the napkin by the middle with your hand and shake it to form loose folds.
3. Place the middle of the napkin into the ring and straighten the folds. Ready!
It is convenient to place the napkin placed in the ring directly on the plate. Firstly, it will save space on the table and free up space for dishes. And secondly, the napkin on the plate will hint to the guest that he will not be able to start the meal until he spreads the napkin on his lap.
A napkin envelope is a great option for formal formal dinners. Although, if you dilute the table setting with delicate decor or flowers, this method of folding napkins will also be appropriate for an informal dinner with close people.
1. Place the napkin folded in four on the table so that the four free corners are at the top right.
2. Take the top free corner and fold it diagonally inward, as shown in the photo. Align the fold.
The resulting “pockets” are very convenient for storing cutlery, thereby saving space on the table. In addition, you can put a note, flowers, a gift or even a small bun there.
A beautifully folded napkin will decorate your table. The napkin can be given a variety of shapes: from simple traditional to more intricate. Please note that starched napkins are much easier to fold. But always remember that textile napkins are an essential element of table setting; you cannot do without them by giving preference to paper napkins.
Don't neglect the rules of etiquette. Show respect to your guests by worrying about their appearance, then they will appreciate your concern and thank you in return for your warm welcome!
Here are some popular patterns for folding a fabric napkin:
Do you like to receive guests? We simply love it! And that’s why we suggest you sew a tablecloth with your own hands before they arrive. Believe me, such a tablecloth will not only decorate your holiday, but will also become a source of pride for the hostess, because such a tablecloth cannot be bought in a store! Made from floral cotton tapestry, it is finished with a satin border and fine lace trim. Another special feature of this tablecloth is that it is double - placed on a thin olive-colored cotton lining.
Rice. 1. DIY tablecloth - table setting
Rice. 3. Table setting - top view
In order to correctly calculate the required length of fabric for a tablecloth, measure the length and width of your table and add 60 cm to the measured values. The estimated length of the tablecloth (DS) and the finished width of the tablecloth (SH) are calculated using the formula: DS = Table width + 60 cm, ШС = Table length + 60 cm. According to the standards, the tablecloth should go down from all edges of the table by 25-30 cm.
As a rule, tablecloths bought in stores have standard sizes and do not always fit our table, going down the edges too much or not enough. This is another reason to sew a tablecloth yourself!
Fabric for the tablecloth can be purchased at a curtain fabric store. The width of such fabrics is usually 2.8-3.0 m, which will allow you to sew a tablecloth even on a large table. Dimensions of the table presented in the master class: 0.9 m x 1.8 m.
For our tablecloth and 4 napkins we needed:
Main fabric: cotton tapestry with a floral pattern - 1.5 m with a fabric width of 2.8 m.
Lining fabric: cotton poplin 2.4 m long and 150 cm wide.
Satin ribbon for finishing the edges of the tablecloth 6.5 cm wide, 8.5 m long, lace trim 2.5 cm wide and 8.5 m long, matching threads.
For finishing the edges of napkins (napkin size 0.3 x 0.3 m): satin ribbon 3 cm wide, 5 m long, lace trim 2.5 cm wide and 5 m long, matching threads.
Rice. 1. DIY tablecloth - necessary materials
Cut out the tablecloth from the main and lining fabrics according to your measurements, add 1 cm allowances on all sides. Place both pieces with right sides facing each other, match the edges and secure with tailor's pins.
Rice. 2. Treating the tablecloth with a lining. Cut out 2 rectangles for the tablecloth from the main and lining fabric according to your measurements.
Sew the parts from the main and lining fabrics along the contour, leaving a small area for turning.
Rice. 3. Sew the parts along the contour
Cut off the allowances at the corners, not reaching 2 mm from the stitching.
Rice. 4. Cut off allowances at corners
Iron the seams of the tablecloth from the right side, placing both allowances on the main fabric piece.
Rice. 5. Iron the seams
Sweep the tablecloth clean on all sides, turning the seam to the wrong side.
Rice. 6. Sweep clean on all sides
Fold and iron the seam allowances along the open area of the tablecloth. Then fold them together, matching the edges, baste and stitch close to the edge. Remove basting stitches. Iron the tablecloth along all edges again.
Rice. 7. Fold and baste the allowances along the open area
Before adding the satin ribbon, you need to secure the edges of the tablecloth. To do this, place wide basting stitches along the edges as shown in photo 8.
Rice. 8. Baste the edges of the tablecloth using wide stitches.
Satin ribbon and lace trim are used to decorate the tablecloth. First, you need to stitch the satin ribbon along the edges of the tablecloth, then the lace trim is sewn onto the ribbon (Fig. 9).
Rice. 9. Satin ribbon and lace trim
Start stitching the satin ribbon from one of the corners of the tablecloth. Place it exactly along the edges and stitch exactly to the edge.
Rice. 10. How to sew satin ribbon
To make it easier for you to guide the fabric under your foot when turning a corner, thread a double thread into the top of each corner. Pull the thread as you turn to help guide the fabric under the foot.
Rice. 11. When turning the corner, pull the thread
After the satin ribbon is stitched around the entire perimeter of the tablecloth, you need to decorate the corners. To do this, lay the tape at a 90° angle and cut off the excess tape at the corner, leaving allowances for hemming the edges.
Rice. 12. Cut off the corners of the satin ribbon
Tuck one seam allowance over the other, fold the top seam allowance under and baste or pin.
Rice. 13. Fold and pin allowances at corners
Make sure that when folding the ribbon you get a neat, even hem. Stitch the corner allowance exactly to the edge.
Rice. 14. Stitch the tape allowance to the corner
The open edge of the ribbon can be pinned to the tablecloth or basted; we will sew lace trim along this edge.
Rice. 15. Corners of the tablecloth
The lace trim should be stitched exactly in the center. To do this, place the trim on the open edge of the satin ribbon and stitch it in the center, while simultaneously stitching the inner edge of the satin ribbon.
Rice. 16. How to sew lace trim
Having reached the corner, bend the lace trim at an angle of 90°, fold the seam allowances inward and continue the stitching. Sew the binding along all sides of the tablecloth, secure and trim the ends of the threads.
Rice. 17. Having reached the corner, turn the binding at an angle
To secure the lace trim at the corners, sew a short stitch on each corner of the tablecloth.
Rice. 19. Stitch the corners of the binding
The finished tablecloth looks simply luxurious and will serve you for many years. Advice! Get yourself a brush and dustpan for this tablecloth and your table will always be neat and clean!
Rice. 20. Ready-made tablecloth
For the set you will need 6 table napkins. To sew them, use the same fabrics as for the tablecloth. Cut out napkins from the main and lining fabrics and sew them in the same way as the tablecloth. To decorate napkins, use a narrower satin ribbon 3 cm wide.
Rice. 21. Cut out napkins
The finished set of napkins is shown in Fig. 22. Together with the tablecloth, they make the perfect set that you can use as you wish. We wish you happy holidays!
Rice. 22. Ready-made napkins.
You will find even more new interesting ideas on the website of Anastasia Korfiati’s Sewing School. Subscribe to free lessons and sew fashionable clothes with us!
