These no-sew felt 4th of July napkin rings really brightened up Shane’s Fourth of July Birthday BBQ – no sewing machine required!

And yep, I realize I’m a bit on napkin rings kick …first the felt leaf napkin rings for Thanksgiving, then recycled napkin rings made from Saran Wrap cardboard tubes, and now these. But they just make such a statement on the table that I say, the more rings the better!

This time I made a variety of star shapes using star cookie cutters and various loose buttons. Here they are all piled up before setting the table…

Supplies for making Fourth of July Napkin Rings from Felt and Buttons:

• Metal star cookie cutters (or freehand your own star shape)
• Blue Felt and Red Felt
• Red embroidery floss
• Disappearing ink fabric marking pen
• Rotary fabric cutter, ruler and self-healing mat
• Good fabric scissors

Table

• White buffet plates
• Buffet silverware

How to make Fourth of July Napkin Rings from Felt and Buttons

Here’s a video that shows how to make the Fourth of July napkin rings. Or keep scrolling for individual photos and directions.

Step 1: Cut blue rings

Cut blue strips 6″ wide x 1.5″ tall using a Rotary fabric cutter, ruler and self-healing mat

QUICK NOTE: In this case, I planned to use high-quality paper napkins and plastic silverware so I made the rings 6″ wide. However, if you’re making them for cloth napkins you should make them 7″ — or just roll up a test napkin (with or without silverware), measure around it, and add 1 inch. The good thing about making them 6 inches is that you can just cut strips and cut them in half (see below).

Fold each strip in half and cut with a pair of scissors to make two blue rings.

Step 2: Cut ring slits

Measure 1/2″ from the left side and cut a slit halfway through (so your slit will be half of the 1.5″ tall). Repeat on the right side, but make sure the slit is opposite like in the photo above.

Step 3: Cut stars

Trace your star cookie cutter or freehand your own star shape onto the red felt and cut out. Use disappearing ink pen if you can; I am lazy and used a Sharpie so I just cut inside the lines to make up for it.

Cut one star for each ring.

Step 4: Attach stars to ring with button

Place your star in the middle of the blue ring. Place a small button on top. I like making the buttons and stars off-center because it gives it more energy.

Using a needle and red embroidery thread, sew through the button, star and ring to secure. Tie a knot in the back.

Step 5: Place on napkins

Roll your silverware in a napkin and secure the tabs to close the ring. As mentioned earlier, I used high-quality paper napkins and plastic silverware for the BBQ, so if you’re using fabric or silverware then you may need to make larger rings.

This is what the back will look like. Bring on the burgers…

Did you make it? Please post a comment and let me know how this craft idea works for you. And share your own photos at the MerrimentDesign.com Facebook page, “I made it!” flickr photo gallery or tweet a picture to @merrimentdesign.

COPYRIGHT NOTE: You’re more than welcome to use free pattern and how to step-by-step tutorial for your own personal use. Contact me for any commercial use – this includes etsy sellers.

Comments (7)  | Permalink  | By Kathy on 7/9/2009