How to Fold a Pocket Napkin With Steps and a Video

How to Fold a Pocket Napkin

If you're hosting a themed dinner party and need a simple way to elevate your table settings, consider this simple rectangular pocket napkin. It is a step up from just placing your flatware beside the plate and truly won't take much time at all.

1. Fold the Napkin in Half Vertically

   Lay out a napkin face down on a flat surface and fold it in half vertically, to where the open side is facing the left, ensuring the corners are aligned.

2. Fold Up the Bottom Half of the Napkin

   Grasp the bottom of the napkin and fold it up so the bottom edge rests a little higher than halfway up the napkin. Fold the new bottom up so it reaches that same line.

3. Flip and Fold to the Middle

   Flip over the napkin and smooth it out. Fold in the left side to the right one-third of the way, so the edge rests at the napkin's new center.

4. Tuck the Corner Into the Pouch

   Pick up the right corner and tuck it under the short folds on the left-hand edge. Align the corners so the napkin's bottom and right sides are straight.

5. Flip Over the Napkin and Insert Utensils

   Smooth the napkin, flip it over, and then arrange the fork, knife, and spoon neatly in the pouch.

How to Fold a Bouquet Shaped Pocket Napkin

If you're looking for a style that's unique but just as simple as the typical pocket fold, try this bouquet-shaped pocket napkin. While it will hold flatware beautifully, a sprig of a herbs or a flower cutting would also look gorgeous. Read on for the easy step-by-step guide.

1. Fold the Napkin in Half

   Lay out the napkin on a flat surface and fold the napkin in half, with the open end away from you.

2. Fold the Napkin Into Quarters

   Fold the napkin into quarters, then rotate the napkin to where the open end is facing away from you, shaped like a diamond.

3. Fold the Top Layer Down

   Take the top layer of the open end and fold it down. Flip the napkin over.

4. Fold the Left Side Over to the Right

   Take the left side of the napkin and fold it two-thirds of the way to the right.

5. Fold the Right Side Over to the Left

   Fold the right side over to the left, matching it up with the left side. At this point, it should look like a bouquet shape.

6. Tuck, Flip, and Insert Flatware

   Tuck the extra fabric from the right-hand side corner into the left pocket flap. Then flip it over, and arrange flatware neatly in the pouch.

How to Fold an Angled Pocket Napkin

This take on the classic pocket napkin fold uses an angle to create a little dimension. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create this gorgeous utensil holder.

1. Fold the Napkin in Half

   Lay out the napkin on a flat surface front side down and fold the napkin in half, with the open end towards you.

2. Fold the Napkin Into Quarters

   Fold the napkin into quarters, then rotate the napkin to where the open end is facing away from you and to the left.

3. Fold the Top Layer Down

   Take the top layer of the open end and fold it down horizontally, towards the right.

4. Flip the Napkin Over

   Flip the napkin over to where the open corner is now facing away from you and to the right.

5. Fold the Right Side Over to the Left

   Take the right side of the napkin and fold it one-third of the way to the left.

6. Fold the Left Side Over to the Right

   Fold the left side over to the right, matching it up with the right side.

7. Tuck, Flip, and Insert Flatware

   Tuck the extra fabric from the left-hand side bottom corner into the bottom right pocket flap. Then, flip it over, and arrange flatware neatly in the pouch.

How to Fold Your Napkin Into an Envelope

This pocket fold technique is a brilliant way to give heartfelt messages to your guests, as you can actually stuff the "envelope." This fold is just enough out of the ordinary to impress your guests and make them feel that much more welcome.

1. Fold the Napkin in Half

   Lay out the napkin on a flat surface front side down and fold the napkin in half to create a large triangle, with the open side away from you.

2. Fold in the Corners to the Middle

   Fold the left and right corners of the triangle in toward the center, with the points overlapping a little, and the bottom edge a straight line.

3. Fold in the Left and Right Sides to the Middle

   Fold the left and the right sides in again, so that their edges meet in the middle.

4. Fold the Bottom Up to Create a Pocket

   Grasp the bottom edge of the napkin and fold it up to where the triangle begins. Now the napkin should look like an envelope, and have a pocket. It is here where you stuff the pocket with whatever you desire.

5. Close the Envelope

   Fold the triangle flap over to close the envelope.