Bleach Pattern Napkins

I decided to make something I’ve been wanting to try for a long time – Bleach Pattern Napkins.

These little bleach pens come in handy for so many wonderful things. Wash and dry your fabric before you start (I also ironed mine). I bought pre-made napkins at $5 for 4. If you buy fabric and make your own napkins, it could cost you as little as $2 for a set of 4.

I started by using my Cricut and cutting out a simple shape.

Then I placed it on the napkin where I wanted it. I chose just to the right of center, because of how the napkin will be folded later. Place something plastic under the fabric so the bleach doesn’t bleed through. I used a kitchen garbage bag.

Follow the directions on the pen label. Then start filling in the pattern as evenly as possible.

Lift up the paper then let the napkin air dry for a few minutes. This is what it will look like.

Then after a few more minutes, it looks like this.

It was too plain for me so I added a freehand monogram.

Let them dry. Mine took about a half hour. Once they’re dry rinse the bleached area in cold water and hang to air dry. They can be washed and dried now.

They were really fun and easy to make. I’m working on some more right now but I’m free handing the pattern. I need to learn to have a little lighter hand in some spots. The bleach bleeds quite a bit when it’s still wet. If you’re reading this and your last name starts with a “J” you might be getting these for Christmas. I hope you like them.

{ 9 comments… add one }
  • Amy November 18, 2011, 7:18 am

    I love this idea Leanne! It would be a fun way to personalize a gift for someone. I have never used the bleach method- but it looks like fun. Hmmm….wheels turning. 😉 This would make a really fun wedding gift too.
    xoxo,
    Amy

  • Jonie November 18, 2011, 7:45 am

    I have been eyeing this method for a while now too, but have been unsure about the actual results. Thanks for letting me see that the results are pretty much awesome. 🙂 Love this idea!

  • Emily November 18, 2011, 7:48 am

    Great idea! I just love this…I want to re-create my Thanksgiving napkins now! Thank you for sharing!!

  • Gwen @ Gwenny Penny November 18, 2011, 8:04 am

    I was thinking the same thing as Amy… wedding gift! Great project, Leanne. I love how quickly this can come together with store-bought napkins. Nice hostess gift, too.

  • Pudel - design November 18, 2011, 8:17 am

    This is a great idea!
    Thank you for hosting.
    Last year I made many, many T-Shirts for my friends, they still wearing them;)
    Maybe that is a inspiration for you;))

    Lovely greetings…

  • Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D November 18, 2011, 9:44 am

    Those napkins are too cute!
    (Our last name starts with J, but doubt they’re destined for us *wink*)

    I couldn’t resist and Pinned your napkins!

    I would love it if you would link them to our FREE-FOR-ALL Linky Party!
    All the best,
    Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D

  • Michelle November 18, 2011, 10:42 am

    I have been wanting to try the bleach pen trick for a while now. Cute to use it on napkins! Great idea to use a stencil.

  • LeAnn November 18, 2011, 3:15 pm

    What a great idea! I like how you have the bakers twine around it too. Fun!

  • Caitlin November 18, 2011, 5:22 pm

    I’ve been wanting to try something with bleach lately, but wasn’t sure if it would actually work. This is so cute! I can’t wait to try!

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