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Learn how to make DIY Shibori Napkins for your dinner table. The graphic blue and white designs offer a modern pop using an ancient Japanese technique.

Have you heard of Shibori? Even if you aren’t familiar with the word Shibori, I bet you’ve seen the look! It’s an ancient dye technique that originates in Japan, but it’s been popping up all over the modern design world. The iconic indigo and white patterns are both organic and bold, perfect for an accent pillow, a throw blanket, and more home decor.

I’m Lora, of Craftivity Designs, back to share a simple craft with you (because I have no patience for tedious craft projects – ha!). Seriously, today’s craft — DIY Shibori Napkins — is simple enough that the kids can even participate. Plus, a stylish cloth napkin is a win/win because it’s both pretty and practical. Once my kids get a bit older, I’m hoping to switch completely over to cloth napkins and, in the meantime, I’m building our collection (you might also like my farmhouse style cloth napkins).

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How to Make DIY Shibori Napkins

1. First, pre-wash and dry the cloth napkins. 
2. Next, prepare the dyebath. Begin by filling a bucket with 1.5 gallons of hot water (near boiling).
3. Once filled, add 1 oz of the Navy Blue dye and half of the Denim Blue dye to the hot water and stir. 
4. To enhance the color, add a 1/2 cup of salt to the dyebath. 
5. To prevent uneven dyeing, add a drop of dish soap to the dyebath. 
6. Once the dyebath is ready, fill the second bucket with cool water.
7. Pre-soak the cloth napkin in the clear, cool water. 
8. Spread the wet cloth napkin out, and then fold it in an accordion style (fold, flip, fold, flip, etc.). 
9. Wrap rubber bands around the folded napkin every 1-2 inches. 
10. Place the napkin into the dyebath for 3-5 minutes. 
11. Remove the napkin from the dyebath and allow the excess dye to drip off the napkin. 
12. Rinse the napkin in cool water under a faucet or water hose until the water runs clear. Continue rinsing and remove the rubber bands.
13. Finally, open the shibori napkin to reveal your handiwork! 

DIY Shibori Napkins

Once the napkins dry, fold or roll the fabric to highlight the features of the shibori pattern. I wrapped several with my favorite leather DIY napkin rings, perfect for a casual lunch out on the patio. Not all of the napkins are patterned using the rubber bands, so check out my list of 5 Easy Shibori Techniques to try out, as well.

If you liked this easy craft idea, you might also like:

Learn how to make leather DIY napkin rings and farmhouse style cloth napkins.

Try 5 Easy Shibori Techniques for cloth napkins, pillow covers, tablecloths, and more!

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DIY Shibori Napkins

Yield: 5 Napkins

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Active Time: 30 minutes

Additional Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Estimated Cost: $15

Learn how to make DIY Shibori Napkins for your dinner table. The graphic blue and white designs offer a modern pop using an ancient Japanese technique.

Print

Materials

• Liquid Rit Dye – Navy Blue
• Liquid Rit Dye – Denim Blue
• Salt
• Dish Soap
• Spoon
• 3 Buckets or Glass Bowls
• Water Hose or Faucet
• Rubber Gloves
• 100% Cotton Cloth Napkins
• Rubber Bands

Instructions

1. First, pre-wash and dry the cloth napkins.
2. Next, prepare the dyebath. Begin by filling a bucket with 1.5 gallons of hot water (near boiling).
3. Once filled, add 1 oz of the Navy Blue dye and half of the Denim Blue dye to the hot water and stir.
4. To enhance the color, add a 1/2 cup of salt to the dyebath.
5. To prevent uneven dyeing, add a drop of dish soap to the dyebath.
6. Once the dyebath is ready, fill the second bucket with cool water.
7. Pre-soak the cloth napkin in the clear, cool water.
8. Spread the wet cloth napkin out, and then fold it in an accordion style (fold, flip, fold, flip, etc.).
9. Wrap rubber bands around the folded napkin every 1-2 inches.
10. Place the napkin into the dyebath for 3-5 minutes.
11. Remove the napkin from the dyebath and allow the excess dye to drip off the napkin.
12. Rinse the napkin in cool water under a faucet or water hose until the water runs clear. Continue rinsing and remove the rubber bands.
13. Finally, open the shibori napkin to reveal your handiwork!