How To Make Custom Napkins With Heat Transfer Vinyl

Grab your Cricut and learn how 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 split 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 For How To Make Custom Napkins

• 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

Step 1: Cut Split Letter Monogram

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 Monogram

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: Decide Where To Place The Monogram On The Napkin

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: Place The First Color Of Vinyl Onto The Napkin

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 The Napkin With A Protective Sheet

Cover with a Teflon sheet or parchment paper to protect the napkin itself from the heat.

Step 6: Press The First Color Of Vinyl Onto The Napkin

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: Remove Protective Sheet

Allow it to cool completely, then pull back the backing sheet from the iron-on.

Step 8: Place The Second Color Of Vinyl Onto The Napkin

Next, place your second color over the top.

Step 9: Add A Protective Sheet & Press Onto The Napkin

Repeat the same procedure by adding the protective sheet over the top and pressing with the EasyPress.

Step 10: Remove Protective Sheet

Then, allow it 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 About How To Make Custom Napkins

If you have questions about how to make custom napkins, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below!

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 Fabric?

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.

I Don’t See The Cartridge Section On My Cricut. Where Is It At?

Looks like it is called “image sets” now in Cricut.

How Do You Fix The Spelling Or Color Before You Make It? Like When You Are In Design Space.

To fix the color, click the color box and change it. Then, to fix the spelling, click the word and type.

What Did You Choose On The Heat Guide To Get That Particular Temperature And Time?

For the paper napkins, I chose paper/cardstock as the surface on the Heat Guide.

6 More Cricut Party Inspiration

If you loved learning how to make custom napkins and are looking for more Cricut party crafts, check out the projects below!

• High School Graduation Party Ideas
• Cricut Dollar Store Crafts Perfect for Baby Showers
• Paper Party Hats With Cricut
• Paper Flower Shadowbox with a Cricut Machine
• Mason Jar Centerpieces For Weddings With Your Cricut
• Cupcake Toppers and Wrappers with Your Cricut