This quick and adorable tutorial is perfect for hostess gifts, grandparents, or for your own table. These half-circle Christmas tree napkins are more interesting than a square napkin and sew up in a jiffy! There’s a ton of different ways to fold them too! Below I’ll teach you how to fold then how to sew half-circle napkins, starting with a simple Christmas tree fold!
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support the free content I provide, at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

6 Creative Ways to Fold Half-Circle Napkins
Option #1: Christmas Tree Fold
The first option is the Christmas tree. It’s a holiday image that all of your guests are sure to love! Depending on what fabric you use, you can make it look very traditional or very modern!
Option #2: Trumpet Napkin Fold
You can flip the Christmas tree upside down and tuck your silverware in for a cute little trumpet napkin!

Option #3: Sophisticated Fold
For a very flowy, sophisticated look, just randomly fold the napkin with a skinny, wide, and then medium fold. This is my favorite look!

Option #4: Skinny and Tucked
Another fun option is to make 6 skinny folds and tuck it under a small dish. It looks really classy whether you’re going for vintage, modern, or traditional holiday décor!

Option #5: Fan Fold
Create a fan and tuck it under the bottom plate or charger for a really fun, flirty look!

Option #6: No Fold At All
Finally, for all my minimalist, hyper-modern readers, don’t fold the napkin at all! Tuck it under your offset dishes and wow your guests with your edgy look!

Now that you’ve seen all the ways you can fold half circle napkins, I’m sure you’re itching to make them; follow the tutorial below and be sure to show me your finished project!

How to Sew Half-Circle Napkins
Difficulty: Beginner
Makes: 8 half-circle napkins
Supplies:
- 1 yard of Main Print Fabric
- 1 yard of Contrasting Fabric
- Matching Thread
- Sewing Scissors
- Sewing Machine
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Sewing Pins
- Erasable Fabric Marker
Step #1: Cutting
Cut (4) 18″ diameter circles from each fabric. The easiest way to do this is to fold your 1 yard cut in half, and in half again. This creates 4 layers. Then, cut a string, about 12″ long. Tie an erasable fabric marker to the end and pin the other end onto the fabric. Re-measure the string and wrap around the marker until you have 9″. Keeping the sting taut, drawing a circle around the pinned spot. Cut along the marks.
Iron the circles in half. Cut in the fold to get a half circle.
Repeat with all 8 circles (4 of each fabric).
Step #2: Sewing
Place a half circle on a flat surface, right side up. Place a contrasting half circle on top, right side down. Pin.
Sew around the half circle using a 1/4″ seam, making sure to leave about 4″ open on the straight edge. This will allow you to turn it right side out.
Clip the corners and cut triangles along the curve. Turn right side out, press.
Once all seams are pressed, topstitch around all sides using 1/8″ seam and matching thread.
Repeat on the remaining half circles.

There you have it! A quick and easy gift that is sure to awe the receiver! They’ll be able to use them throughout the winter and next Christmas too! Make sure to show off your finished napkins or show me how you like to fold your napkins in the comments below. Merry Christmas!

Enjoy reading this post?
Want more great holiday tutorials and patterns? Hop on over to my Poinsettia Placemat Tutorial, check out one of my Quilter’s Gift Guides, or grab a copy of my Sashay Christmas stocking pattern and hang it with care on your gorgeous fireplace!
For more fun resources, subscribe to my newsletter below!
One other way I did mine was to starch them lightly and stand them up like a tree next to the plate. Love mine
That sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Rachel, I love all the displays using your half circle napkins! How clever. We all want to have a beautifully set table during the holidays, and we can use ideas from creative people like you! Your fabric choices are lovely as well.
Thank you so much! 🙂 These really can be anything you want them to be depending on the fabrics you choose!
what fabric did you use for the white napkins? great site!
Hi Virginia,
Thanks for your question. It was a while ago, so I’m not 100% sure, but I think it might have been by Moda. In any case, it’s just a regular quilting cotton. I hope that helps!
Thank you for your answer. I found some white fabric with a very muted design which seems to be just the look I was after. Love your ideas.