DIY Stenciled Monstera Leaf Napkins

Over the years I’ve formed a few unintentional collections of things.

I say unintentional because I try to only buy things I really love or need. Since living in a tiny home the past year and a half, I really don’t want lots of extra stuff laying around because when you move you discover you don’t use most of it! But one of the small collections I’ve formed is a collection of cloth napkins. I’m just a sucker for good prints and I adore they instantly transform any dinner (even takeout) into a cozy, dining experience. So this week’s video is a homage to my collection—DIY monstera leaf napkins. Just in time for spring and to get your tabletop ready for some serious tropical vibes.

Watch the video below to see how to make them!

I cut out one stencil by hand, as you can see in the video, and then cut out a few extras using my Silhouette Cameo. This way I didn’t have to wait for the stencil to dry before using it again. I’ve said this last week but if you’ve been on the fence about buying a cutting machine, I highly recommend you do it! For the past few years, it’s been my most used tool.

DIY Stenciled Monstera Leaf Napkins

Supplies

SVG stencil for your Silhouette

Printable PDF stencil for cutting by hand

cloth napkins
cardstock
craft knife if cutting it out by hand
fabric paint
large foam pouncer

Directions

1. If you’re using a Silhouette, download the SVG stencil above and open it using the Silhouette Studio software. Place a sheet of cardstock on the light hold mat and cut out the stencil.
2. If you’re cutting it out by hand, download the PDF stencil above and print it out on cardstock. Use a craft knife to cut out the stencil. Be sure you’re cutting on a cutting mat or a thick piece of cardboard to protect your tabletop.
3. Wash and dry the cloth napkins to remove extra lint. Iron them to remove any wrinkles before stenciling. Place the napkin on top of a large scrap piece of paper (to protect your table from the paint that bleeds through). Place the stencil on the napkin and apply the fabric paint inside the stencil using a large foam pouncer. Once it’s completely, immediately remove the stencil. Move the stencil around the napkin and repeat. Allow the fabric to dry for 24-48 hours before heat setting it in the dryer.

These work up rather quickly so you might just want to make multiple sets! They would be great Mother’s Day gift and a welcoming hostess gift.

I used white cotton napkins I had on hand and dyed them powder pink before stenciling them. If you’ve never dyed fabric before, it’s actually quite simple. Just follow the directions on the dye package and be sure to wear gloves.

Shop for Supplies