I’m all for a good DIY hack…but not all of them work. This napkin transfer on fabric idea is one of those where I thought, if this actually works, it would be amazing. But how can you really transfer a napkin onto fabric using just kitchen items and an iron?
I decided to try this easy DIY for myself and share the results with you! It sounds almost too simple—using things like cling wrap and heat to transfer a napkin design onto a fabric zipper pouch. Did it work? Well…here are some of the after photos!
I’m also sharing exactly how to transfer a napkin to fabric step by step below, plus my honest thoughts on whether this method will actually hold up over time.
You can watch the full video tutorial below to see exactly how this napkin transfer on fabric works, or just follow the easy step-by-step instructions to try it yourself!
Supplies needed:
Napkin (preferrable one with multiple plies, mine linked below)
Cling Wrap
Parchment Paper
Iron
Scissors
Here are the links to these napkins below here:
Step 1:
Cut out the napkin however you feel you want the design to be. I layed my pouch onto the fabric for this one (other options below this tutorial), and wanted it to be the majority of the surface, but left enough space for the fabric to meet the cling wrap.
Take the cling wrap and lay it flat on the fabric pouch for size. You will want it to be more than double the size of your cut out.
Step 3:
Step 4:
Cover it with parchment paper.
Step 6:
This may take a couple of minutes to do. Pick up the iron and check to see if everything is in place. If it is, then you are good!
Take off the parchment paper to reveal your bag!
As you can see, I did not really give any edge for the cling wrap to adhere to the fabric on this. At this point, I'm not positive if the edge like seals it in or not and makes it stay better. So, I wanted to try.
On this one below, I cut out some of the roses in the napkin and cut the cling wrap about a quarter inche from the napkin pieces. I figure if anything, this one should last the best since there's more edge to fabric.
They both turned out! I gotta say, I didn't expect this full one below to work. Somehow it's staying on.
This one turned out so pretty!
It's be a week of just basically moving them around and about the house, and they have held together pretty well. I will have to add them into my purse or laptop bag to see if they hold up to normal wear and tear.
Take the very top ply off of the napkin. Discard the rest.
Place the napkin on top of the cling wrap then fold the cling wrap over onto the top of the napkin.
Remove the extra cling wrap with scissors, but leave about a quarter inch edge of it. This will help it adhere to the bag in the next steps.
Step 5:
Place the napkin and cling wrap back onto the bag.
With an iron on high, press down on the parchment paper, moving the iron around as to not stay in place for too long. Make sure you get along the edges of the napkin really good, as well as corners.
I must say, I cannot believe this actually worked. It's a super weird texture, and probably wouldn't withstand a lot of use. But, I can open up the bag and turn it upside down and the napkin stays on. So, that's a win, right?
I decided to try this two other different ways to see if it worked with a full piece of napkin covering the entire bag...which means little to no edge of cling wrap. And another way with smaller cut outs.
What do you think? Think you'll try this? Comment below and let me know if you did!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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