Holiday Project: Napkin Rings

One of my favorite things is hosting -- I love having people over, gathering friends or family around a table for good food, drinks and leisurely conversation. In my house, we joke that when it comes to entertaining, my partner Harrison is "back of house" and I'm "front of house". This means that when we have dinner parties or meals, he's in the kitchen whipping up incredible food (I'm a very lucky lady), and I'm the one setting the table, lighting candles, pouring wine, and making sure the set and setting is just right for the occasion. 

So when it comes to a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, if we're hosting then I want to make it extra special! Little touches go a long way, and what better way to bring a bit of festive color (and punch needle) to the table than with these simple and beautiful napkin rings?

This is an idea I've had in mind for a while, and when I began working with Quince & Co's Osprey yarn I knew it would be perfect for this project!  

These napkin rings are something you can create in an afternoon. It's a perfect weekend project and way to create something special for your own holiday table, or a perfect homemade gift to give a loved one! 

PUNCH NEEDLE NAPKIN RINGS

Supply List:

• Quince & Co.'s Osprey Yarn, or other worsted/fine yarn in your choice of colors
• Fine Oxford Punch Needle (I used size 13 Fine)
• Monkscloth
• Gripper Frame 
• Frame Cover
• Embroidery Scissors
• Fabric Scissors
• Overlock Machine / Serger (or zig zag stitch on a regular machine)
• Sewing needle & thread

INSTRUCTIONS:

If you're using Quince & Co.'s Osprey yarn, or another yarn that comes in skeins, I always recommend starting by winding the skeins into cakes so they're easier to work with.

Once you've got your materials on hand, selected the yarn and needle of your choice, you're ready to begin!

1. Prep your frame:  Begin by stretching your monkscloth tightly onto your frame

2. Draw your outline:  Draw multiple 1.5" x 6" rectangles onto your monkscloth -- as many napkin rings as you want to create (or have room for on your frame). Be sure to leave 2" in between each one so you have enough room for seam allowance!

3. Design your pattern: Once you've drawn out your napkin rings, its time to think about the design! I created my napkin rings with a simple striped design so I didn't draw it out on the monkscloth first, but if you wanted to create something more complicated or block out your colors, you can do that right onto the monkscloth.

*remember to leave enough space in between your pieces for seam allowance! I recommend 2" of seam allowance in between these pieces.

4. Punch your piece: Next, the punching begins! Punch each of your pieces using the colors and punch needle size of your choice. I used the 13 Fine Oxford Needle, which gave my pieces fluffy, distinct loops without being too chunky. 

The Quince & Co. Osprey yarn colors I chose for my designs felt perfect for either Thanksgiving or Christmas! The exact colors I used are: Cypress, Wasabi, Lichin, Nasturtium, Apricot and Honey.

4. Clean up / Trim your pieces:  Once your pieces are punched, check the front of your work! Make sure loops are even, and that you've pushed all the tails toward the front. Trim the tails on the front of your piece.

5. Remove & press:  Once your pieces are trimmed, remove your work from the frame and press your pieces flat with a hot iron and a damp cloth so that they lay flat.

*Remember to be careful when pressing if you're using a soft wool like Osprey, and don't use an iron if you're using a poly/acrylic blend yarn!

6. Cut & serge:  Cut your pieces out, leaving 1/2" seam allowance on the ends, and .75-1" along either side lengthwise. If you have a serger or overlock machine, secure the edges. Otherwise, you can also use a regular sewing machine with a straight-stitch or zig-zag stitch around the edges so they don't unravel.

7. Pin & sew: Fold your napkin rings together with the looped side facing inwards and pin the edges in place. Sew the two sides together from edge to edge using the needle and thread, getting as close to the loops as you can without stitching over them. 

8. Fold & stitch seam allowance: With the front (looped side) of your punch needle pieces still facing one another, fold your monkscloth seam allowance in towards the center. Fold until you see a line of loops along either side. Your seam allowance should touch or overlap slightly. Now stitch your monkscloth seam allowance together.

9. Complete your napkin rings:  Turn your pieces right-side out, so that the looped side is on the outside. You may want to gently press the inside of your rings with a hot iron so that the monkscloth on the inside lays as flat as possible. Your pieces are now finished!

From here... your napkin rings are ready to use! 

Some things to consider...

• Do you want to punch all your napkin rings with the same design, or make each one different?
• Consider the color of the napkins that will be going inside your napkin rings! Think about how your colors might make the napkin rings, or the napkins themselves, stand out.
• What about working with different needle heights to add additional texture or dimension to your pieces?

However you choose to create this project... have fun, and make it your own!  I hope it brings a little bit of punch needle joy to your special gatherings this season.  

Happy Holidays!