How to Add Napkin Onto Fabric (Easy DIY Decoupage Makeup Bag Tutorial)

Okay, if you know me…I will try to put a napkin onto anything. They come in so many pretty patterns and colors, and I just can’t help myself from grabbing them...so I have to use them or they’ll end up sitting in a drawer haha

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I recently shared how to add a napkin onto fabric using an iron (and yes, it actually worked!), but today I wanted to try an even easier way...no iron needed. This is my take on an easy decoupage on fabric method using Mod Podge, and it’s perfect for making a custom makeup bag or pouch with just a few simple supplies. I’ve used napkin decoupage on all kinds of things before, but never on fabric… and I was honestly so surprised by how well it turned out.

Come see exactly how to add a napkin onto fabric step-by-step and wait until you see how cute it looks at the end! I used two different napkins, tell me which is your fave in the comments :) 

I have a full video as well on how to make these at the bottom of this post.

Supplies I used:

Decoupage Medium (linked here)

Pouch (linked here)

Floral Brown Napkin (linked)

William Morris style Napkin (linked)

Step 1:

Trace out the pouch or bag onto the napkin. I did the whole size, but if you have a cute pattern on the napkin that works for cutting it out for a fun design, you can do that too!

Step 2:

Cut it out. (hard step, I know haha)

Step 3:

Take the top pattern ply off from the other plies. To make it easier, you can wet your fingers.

Step 4:

This was an unnecessary step for my bag, but if your fabric is somewhat thin, put a piece of wax paper in the middle of the bag to prevent it from sticking to the other side. 

Step 5:

Add a decent amount of decoupage medium to the bag. 

Then spread it out with a paint brush.

Step 6: 

Place the napkin onto the bag, gently. Lightly press down on it and try to smooth it out.

Step 7:

Let it dry. I like to speed up the process with a hair dryer.

Step 8:

Time to seal it. Add another coat of the decoupage onto the top. Spread it out as evenly as you can. If there are thick parts, that will take longer to dry.

Step 9:

Let it dry, or use a hair drying again :)

Here's how it turned out! I was so happy to see the white from the napkin turn more beige with the top coat of Mod Podge. It looks like this is really printed on. 

Here's the other napkin I used. I love both of these!

Now are these durable? I don't know. I've used mine for a few weeks and they have been completely fine. But, I doubt they are water proof since Mod Podge is clean up with water and soap. I mean...it can probably get wet, just not drenched...who knows :) I haven't tried! 

Also, they are pretty hard as you can imagine. They do bend still, just not as easily. Maybe this makes them more durable :) 

These work great as make-up bags or pencil bags. I like to use mine in my purse for the random necessities like band-aids and wet wipes. They would also work great as a sunglasses holder.

So, what do you think? Would you try this? Which style is your favorite? I would love to know in the comments below! Also, you can see the full how to video on how I made these here:

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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.”