Cloth Napkins

How To Fold A Cloth Napkin

Napery is the art of napkin folding. It is also sometimes referred to as napkin origami. Origami being the Japanese art of folding paper to create many objects . Napery became an art of folding fabric in the same manner. Many years ago in the late 1800’s dinner was a festive meal. Families dressed for the occasion and dressed their tables with their finest silver, china and cloths. It was a chance for families to show off their wealth, and it was a chance for the lady of the house to show off her cleverness. One way she was able to achieve this was by folding napkins in a creative manner.

Napkin folding is definitely a way to express your own personality and creativity still. One of the better napkin folding sites I have found is here.

I believe there are eleven different folds with simple to see instructions. No matter how many ways there are to fold, the first thing to remember is that you can’t fold napkins if they don’t crease well. Therefore the most significant consideration is the fabric content. Synthetic fabrics are made to resist wrinkles and stains, and just don’t hold up well to folding. A fabric made of cotton or linen fold very well and also take to starch easily. Napkins need to be at least 15″square, spotless, well starched , and ironed flat before beginning.

When learning napkin folding, the most important thing to master is the fold. They need to be made with a great deal of care and precision. Check your folds at each step for accuracy and then crease with your thumbnail. If you work on a hard surface , such as your countertop, the folds will crease easier. Start with a simple creation first, and remember if you become dispirited, walk away and take a break. It is usually easier when you return.

There are so many different ways to fold , you will be astounded. The French pleat, candle, crown, peak, flame, Bird of Paradise, are just to name a few, and if you go to Napkin Folding Guide, you will find easy instructions to follow for these and many others. One other fold for the outrageously bold, is the penis fold . It can add a hilarious touch to a special party and is found at You must see this video. There are also many other wonderful sites that show easily how to create, but the ones I have listed here are incredibly well done, and easy to follow. So fold on ,dear people, and enjoy your new creativity.