Use your Cricut to make custom napkins! This simple project is perfect for creating everyday napkins or customized napkins for special events.
Did you know that you can use heat transfer vinyl on napkins? Well, you can, and it’s a great way to get custom napkins without blowing your budget.
I’ve talked a little about HTV and how you can use it to easily create custom products with your Cricut machine. For this project, I’m going to share how to add a monogram to some napkins for a gift, party, or even a baby or bridal shower!
I also made a video on creating a split letter monogram right in Cricut Design Space. I’m actually going to show you a couple of ways to do it. Then, you can choose the way you like best and make your own monogram for your own projects.
This project will work on any of the Cricut machines, including the Cricut Joy.
Note: If you want more Cricut project inspiration using Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV), be sure to check out my Adding Heat Transfer Vinyl on Wood, Adding Heat Transfer Vinyl to Hats, and How To Use Heat Transfer Vinyl On Silk Scarf tutorials.
With these ideas, you can create a variety of fun and unique projects!
How To Make A Split Letter Monogram Video Tutorial
I actually filmed the process of making a split-letter monogram in Cricut Design Space. You can watch the entire video, which gives you options for making your monogram in a few different ways.
Then you can pick the one that you like the best and design your own monogram for the custom party napkin project below.
How To Make Custom Napkins Using Heat Transfer Vinyl
Now that you have your support letter monogram designed, just cut out the pieces from heat transfer vinyl and make some fun napkins.
Planning a party, shower, or another festive gathering? These custom napkins are the perfect way to add that final decor touch in just minutes. It’s an easy project with a big impact – that’s my kind of Cricut craft!
Supplies Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this project! I’ve included some handy links to make finding certain items a little easier and faster.
- Napkins
- Heat transfer vinyl and the colors of your choice
- Cricut machine (any will work for this project)
- Cricut cut file (make your own monogram file with the directions above)
- EasyPress
- EasyPress Mat or rolled-up towel
- Teflon sheet or parchment paper
Instructions
Here’s the process I used to make this project. Just follow these step-by-step instructions to see for yourself how easy it is.
Step 1
Start by cutting your split letter monogram or the design of your choice from heat transfer vinyl. I used two different colors of iron-on for my example.
Tip: Be sure to mirror your design and cut with the shiny side of the heat transfer vinyl against the mat. You can learn the basics of working with heat transfer vinyl!
Step 2
Weed away all excess vinyl from the backing sheet. You will want to repeat this for both colors. Be sure to remove the excess around the outside as well as the centers of letters.
You want to be left with only what you want to be transferred to your napkin.
Step 3
Next, locate your design on the napkin. You may be able to press both colors at one time, or you might have to press the two colors separately.
I am going to walk through pressing them one at a time.
Step 4
When pressing, add the napkin to your EasyPress mat or use a rolled-up towel. Then, add your first color of heat transfer vinyl on top.
Step 5
Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect the napkin itself from the heat.
Step 6
Place the EasyPress or iron on top for the amount of time and temperature recommended for the paper. You can grab these recommendations from the Cricut heat guide.
Step 7
Allow it to cool completely, then pull back the backing sheet from the iron-on.
Step 8
Next, place your second color over the top.
Step 9
Repeat the same procedure by adding the protective sheet over the top and pressing with the EasyPress.
Step 10
Then, allow to cool completely and remove the carrier sheet from the iron-on.
Repeat for as many napkins as you need for your party. These custom napkins are perfect for wedding showers, baby showers, and so much more!
Try adding heat transfer vinyl on napkins for your next event. They are so much cheaper and easier than custom-printed napkins ever will be!
Doesn’t the split-letter monogram you just learned how to design add a special touch?
So, add heat transfer vinyl on napkins with a monogram or just about any other design you can imagine. I can see these at your next party right now!
FAQs
Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about making these customized napkins. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!
How long does heat transfer vinyl last on fabric?
The standard recommendation from the manufacturer is about 50 washes for vinyl heat transfers if you follow the settings for washing and drying. After that, you can expect the vinyl to begin to fade and crack.
What kind of fabric can you iron-on vinyl?
You can use iron-on vinyl on cotton, polyester, and polyester/cotton blends. Unfortunately, using a heat press on synthetic fibers such as acrylic can cause the fabric to melt from the heat.
Why is my vinyl not sticking to my shirt?
The most likely reason is time. It’s essential that you follow the instructions for time and temperature because pressing for too short (OR too long) a time can make HTV not stick to your fabric.
More Cricut Party Inspiration
So, are you looking for more Cricut party crafts? Try these ideas for all your celebrations!
- High School Graduation Party Ideas
- Cricut Dollar Store Crafts Perfect for Baby Showers
- Paper Flower Shadowbox with a Cricut Machine
- Mason Jar Centerpieces For Weddings With Your Cricut
- Cupcake Toppers and Wrappers with Your Cricut
Supplies
- Napkins
- Heat transfer vinyl
- Cricut machine
- Cricut cut file
- EasyPress
- EasyPress Mat
- Teflon sheet or parchment paper
Instructions
- Cut your split letter monogram (or another design) from heat transfer vinyl. Don't forget to mirror your design and cut with the shiny side of the heat transfer vinyl against the mat.
- Next, weed away all excess vinyl from the backing sheet. Follow the same process for both colors so that all you have left is what you want to be transferred to your napkin.
- Now locate your design on the napkin. Press both colors onto the napkin (either at the same time or separately.
- To press, add the napkin to your EasyPress mat (or use a rolled-up towel). Then add your first color of heat transfer vinyl on top.
- Protect the napkin from the heat with a Teflon sheet (or parchment paper).
- Place the EasyPress on top for the amount of time and temperature recommended for the paper.
- Allow it to completely cool before pulling back the backing sheet from the iron-on.
- Next, place your second color on top.
- Repeat the same procedure by adding the protective sheet over the top and pressing with the EasyPress.
- Then allow to cool completely and remove the carrier sheet.
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Hi there, I was wondering what you chose for the two options on the Heat Guide to get that particular temp and time. Thanks! And this may seem really crazy, but were those paper or cloth napkins? You don’t indicate and I couldn’t tell. I was assuming paper but really don’t know.
Paper napkins. Just choose the paper as your surface on the heat guide.