How to Make Butterflies From Paper Napkins

Use the simple elegance of the butterfly as inspiration for a decorative folded napkin.

Table runners, centerpieces and place mats all add to the decor of a table, whether you are setting it for family dinner or a special event, such as a wedding reception. When concerned with the appearance of a table, cloth napkins may be your first choice, but they are also the more costly choice. Transform less expensive paper napkins into decorative butterflies to keep the table elegant without breaking the budget.

Instructions

1. Unfold one fold of the napkin, and rotate it so it is horizontally oriented.

2. Fold the left half of the top edge down diagonally to the center crease. Repeat with the right half of the top edge. You now have a triangle shape.

3. Flip the napkin over. Fold the left edge of the triangle in to the center crease. Repeat with the right edge of the triangle.

4. Flip the napkin over. Fold out the left and right flaps. You now have a diamond shape with a triangular pocket in the center. Rotate the napkin so the pouch is an upside-down triangle.

5. Fold the bottom point of the napkin up to the top point. Fold the point that was at the bottom of the napkin down and in to tuck it into the pouch.

6. Rotate the napkin so it is now an upside-down triangle. The top half of the triangle forms the top portion of the butterfly's wings and the bottom half, the bottom portion. Pinch the center of the top half so the bottom portion of the wings separates slightly, and the top portion of the wings angles up and out.

References

• "Napkin Folding for Every Occasion"; Doris Kuhn; 2000
• A Big Slice: Butterfly Shaped Napkin Fold