Make IN BED: The Practice of Napkin Folding
Photography Sarah Forgie
Process by Undressed
The finishing touch to each place setting lies in an artfully folded napkin. As part of our Make IN BED series, we invite you to discover this meditative practice for your festive tablescapes and learn three classic folds - a rose, fan & crown - our take on tradition this holiday season. Make IN BED is a special initiative from our team, exploring creative ways to reuse textiles by offering open-source guides and complimentary kits to try at home.
Materials
- Napkins
- Iron
- Spray starch
For the best results, start by starching and ironing your napkins, this will help the shape to hold. Use square napkins, the ones we used are our 100% linen napkins which measure 45 x 45 cm.
Rose
Fig 1. Fold napkin in half diagonally, making a triangle.
Fig 2. Position the point of the triangle pointing away from you, and begin to roll from the bottom up, leaving a small triangle of fabric left unfolded.
Fig 3. Roll again, this time from left to right.
Fig 4. Once you reach the end, tuck the loose end into the folded fabric, securing the rose in place.
Fig 5. With the rolled 'rose' face down, gently pull apart the two points left sticking out to form two leaves.
Fig 6. Flip back with leaves facing down, and admire your rose.
Fan
Fig 1. Fold the napkin in half to make a rectangle.
Fig 2. Fold the napkin like an accordion starting at either end.
Fig 3. Grasp folded napkin at the base
Fig 4. Allow folds to fan out.
Fig 5. Slip the end through a napkin ring.
Fig 6. Admire your fan.
Crown
Fig 1. Fold napkin in half diagonally, making a triangle with the point facing towards you.
Fig 2. Fold outside corners to meet at top point, making a second triangle.
Fig 3. Fold bottom point 2/3 way to top and fold back onto itself.
Fig 4. Flip napkin over and bring the corners together, tucking one into the other.
Fig 5. Peel open the two top corners to make crown.
Fig 6. Open base of fold and stand upright, or in a wine glass, and admire your crown.
