Which Napkin Fabric Will Work Best for Your Event?

September 8, 2016

Wedding Napkin Fabric

Thinking of an intricate napkin fold for your next event?

Folding your napkins will add another layer of sophistication to your decor! CV Linens offers a large selection of fabrics, so it’s no surprise that some napkin materials are better for folding than others.

Before you commit to purchasing napkins, take a look at this guide we have created to help you choose which napkin fabric will make the perfect fold for your special day!

Comparing Napkin Fabrics

While all of our napkins may share characteristics such as quality and size, the biggest difference between napkin fabric is the finish and rigidness of the fabric. Because the possibility of each napkin fold is dependent on how rigid (or stiff) the fabric is, your napkin fold depends almost entirely on your fabric choice.

Lamour Satin

• Finish: Soft sheen, Matte Lamour Satin is an easy favorite for special event decor. The soft sheen is perfect for picking up the subtle lighting from candlelight or LED lights. Lamour is a perfect choice if your aim is to create a simple standing napkin fold.

• Rigidity: Medium Rigid
• Folds that will not work: Very stiff or intricate folds
• The best folds for this fabric: Triangle fold, Spiral folds, loose folds, pocket folds, or rolls

Satin

• Finish: High Shine Satin napkins are the lovely, shining answer for adding a touch of color to your table setting. If you are looking for a napkin which can be easily added into a napkin ring or be crafted into a simple fold to lay flat on the table, satin is a great option!

• Rigidity: Very Limp
• Folds that will not work: Folds expected to stand up
• The best folds for this fabric: Rolls or simple folds

Pintuck

• Finish: Slight Shine The Pintuck napkin’s distinct pattern is meant to be seen, so don’t let it get lost in a complex fold! The beauty of pintuck is it was made just to lay around being admired without you having to lift your folding-finger. Enjoy it. Besides, pintuck is made of taffeta which isn’t great for retaining folds anyway.

• Rigidity: Quite Limp
• Folds that will not work: Because of the pattern of the fabric, most folds will not work
• The best folds for this fabric: Very simple folds, or rolls

Glitz Sequin

• Finish: Shining Sequins Glitz sequin napkins are the ultimate in glamour! While simple stand up folds are a breeze for this fabric because the tightly packed sequins make for a rigid material, intricate folds are nearly impossible. The reason more complex folds are so difficult is because when we say Glitz Sequin Napkins are rigid, we do mean rigid! Nevertheless, they're a good choice when looking to add a touch of glam to dinner parties and other special events!

• Rigidity: Extremely Rigid
• Folds that will not work: Due to the sequins only simple folds can be done
• The best folds for this fabric: Triangle folds, fan folds, the French fold

Taffeta

• Finish: Medium Shine Taffeta napkins are your pick for a pretty fabric with a little bit of a shine and a lot of flow! Taffeta napkins aren’t ideal for a precise fold, but with a little help from an iron, taffeta can shaped into pointed corners for a pocket fold. This fabric is your best bet for napkin rolls and anything that will lay flat against the table!

• Rigidity: Very limp
• Folds that will not work: Upright folds, triangle folds, fan folds, or spiral folds
• The best folds for this fabric: Pocket folds, rolls, and loose folds

Polyester

• Finish: Matte/No Shine Although Polyester Napkins may not boast some of the fancier finishes, this classic fabric is the undisputed king of the folding linen napkins! If your heart is set on a fold with lots of twists, tucks, and precise corners, Polyester napkins are what you’re looking for. Perks of polyester include easy care instructions like being machine washable and easy to clean for unstoppable durability! Both will keep your polyester looking fresh use after use.

• Rigidity: Rigid
• Folds that will not work: Most folds are possible with polyester
• The best folds for this fabric: Intricate folds such as crowns, lotuses, or roses are possible with polyester napkins

What napkin fold are you planning to use next?

Now that you have all of the information about which napkin fabric and folds are optimal for your special day, you’re free to start planning! We are always crazy about seeing your photos of your special events. Share your most accomplished napkin fold with us on Facebook!

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