In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, I’m sharing a 3 leaf clover napkin fold to embellish seasonal table settings with a wee bit of green.
Folding napkins into attractive and creative shapes is a cheap and easy way to dress-up a table and impress guests. Over the last several years, I’ve used 18 different napkin folds in tablescapes. See them all in, Napkin Folds for All Seasons, Holidays & Occasions.
Most are super fast and easy to do! Others have more steps, or require practice to learn the technique. Think of it as very basic origami, but with fabric rather than paper!
The 3 leaf clover napkin fold is part of this month’s Craft Hop hosted by Andrea of Design Morsels. Links to all 14 posts are listed at the end. If you’re coming from Cecilia’s and her lovely fresh citrus and herb bouquet, welcome!
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Three’s ♣ a Charm
All you need is a square napkin to follow along this 6-step tutorial. No napkin rings or ribbons are required. Once you get the hang of it, use an iron to create crisp edges as you go.
Although there are numerous online videos for folding shamrock shape napkins, I couldn’t find one for a 3 petal clover.
After a little trial and error, I came up with an easy method on my own. Basically, I’ve added a step to the basic shamrock; converting its fourth leaf into the stem of a lucky clover. Use fabric with some body or stiffness to it, so that the stem “stands” in place. Let me show you.
6-Step Napkin Fold Tutorial
If you’re new to napkin folding, the lucky clover shape is moderate in difficulty. However, the classic shamrock was the first I ever tried, and it took just a few tries and practice to figure out.
- Open napkin and lay flat
- Fold corners into center
- Flip napkin over
- Fold corners into center
- Lift napkin edges from underside
- Pinch fourth corner, poof petals
Tip: Any solid green napkin fabric — or pattern that doesn’t have a St. Patrick’s Day specific motif— could also be used on a Christmas table.
Step 1: Open Napkin Out Flat
To make a 3 leaf clover, any napkin or piece of fabric at least 16 or 17 inches square will do. I used 20 by 20 inch, green and white buffalo check napkins. Several years ago, I scored 16 of them for $8 at a resale shop and couldn’t pass them up.
Tip: The bigger the napkin, the easier it is to handle the folds and fabric. However, it will also increase the size of the finished clover.
First, spread the napkin out — wrong side up — and press flat. Wrinkles in the picture above were because I had deconstructed an already folded clover shape napkin.
Tip: Unless you’re just practicing, setup on an ironing board and press the 3 leaf clover napkin fold as you go during steps 1-4. Depending on the fabric material, using steam will provide the most defined edges.
Step 2: Fold Corners Into Center
Next, fold each of the four corners of the napkin into the center, forming roughly equal size triangles.
Don’t worry if the points of the triangles don’t meet perfectly in the center. But, try to make two pairs of triangles that are the same size and line up along one edge — see above.
Press in place.
Step 3: Flip Napkin Over
Simply flip the napkin over and press again.
You’re halfway to completing a 3 leaf clover napkin fold. Easy right?
Step 4: Fold Corners Into Center Again
Now, repeat the second step, folding the corners into the center.
And, like the first time, don’t worry if you have spaces between the triangle folds.
When you’re done, the napkin will be another half size smaller. Press a final time.
Tip: Once you’ve completed all four, six or more napkins to this point, stack them and carry to the kitchen or dining room.
Step 5: Lift Corners Up From Underside
For steps five and six, you probably want to complete the fold right on the dish. For illustrative purposes below, I took photos on the same flat surface.
Forming a leaf is the trickiest part of the 3 leaf clover napkin fold. But, once you get the hang of it, a little light bulb will go off.
Reach under, behind a corner, and then pull and lift up the fabric edge an inch or two (depending on the napkin size). This action will also raise the front side corner.
Hopefully this close-up view will help to illustrate how it’s done. Viewing an online video may also be helpful. Just search online for, “shamrock napkin fold.”
Repeat the action on three corners to form the petals of your lucky clover. If you want a four leaf shamrock, repeat the process on the fourth and final napkin corner.
We’ll get to shaping in a wee bit, but here’s how the completed shamrock shape napkin looks on the table.
Otherwise, move to step six to create a stem for a lucky 3 leaf clover napkin.
Step 6: Pinch & Poof
So that the napkin doesn’t unravel, it’s best to also complete this step right on the plate.
Simply take the fourth section of fabric — near the center of the napkin — and pinch it together between your thumb and forefinger.
If you leave the petals as they are, your 3 leaf clover napkin fold may resemble more of a fleur-de-lis as seen below.
A more classic fleur-de-lis fold is featured in my Back to School Table. Although, it does requires a napkin ring or ribbon to hold its shape.
Finally, play with the three petals to give them a more rounded shape. Do this by folding the outer pointed tips under slightly. Then, use your fingers to slightly spread open each petal.
Here’s the completed 3 leaf clover napkin fold on my latest Irish theme tablescape. What do you think? Does it look like a clover?
Although not necessary, I placed a gold shamrock coin in the center of folded napkin. Feeling lucky? Game to give it a try?
Tip: Placing the folded napkin in a shallow bowl helps to create a more dimensional clover.
See the same fold, using a smaller (12-inch square), emerald green napkin in, Traveling Irish Shamrock Cloth Tablescape.
Join me for more of holiday setting , when I host a hop where 14 Stylists Share St. Patrick’s Day Table Setting Ideas. And check out my Easy, Hearty Irish Stew.
15 Arts & Craft Projects
Next up is Terrie of Decorate and More with Tip and her fun boho canvas art project.
Hop on to Easter
Before you know it and it will be Easter!
So while you’re practicing a shamrock or 3 leaf clover napkin fold, consider trying your hand at a bunny or rabbit.
The adorable bunny shape napkin requires a piece of ribbon to hold its shape. For that reason, it also works well on a buffet setup.
See it made up in three different colors and prints on, Sweet Rustic Rabbit Easter Table.
Although this rabbit ear napkin fold can lay flat on a plate, I like it standing in a glass. For the Vintage Easter Table with Chocolate Rabbit Centerpiece, I used my great grandmother’s etched crystal stemware.
It also requires a small piece of ribbon, which is tied around a real or faux Easter egg.
Both napkin styles are sure to bring a smile to children of all ages!
Heh, maybe occupy your kids or grandchildren by letting them try a fold or two?
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Debbee, that clover fold of the checked napkin is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! And the gold coin complements it beautifully! Pinning! Happy to be hopping with you again.
Thanks Cecilia! I like the 3 petal version better, as I think it looks more reminiscent of a lucky clover.
Love your shamrock napkin fold Debbee, what an excellent tutorial! I love the way it looks on your table too. Happy to be hopping with you again.
P.S. I hope to join you for your St. Patrick’s Day table setting hop, I’ll keep you posted. ☘️??
Adapting the fold to create the stem was actually pretty easy to figure out. I like it better than the 4 petal version. Do hope you can join us for the table hop Mary. Hope you’re enjoying visiting with your mom.
This is so cool, Debbee! What a fabulous way to dress up a table setting – especially for St Paddy’s Day! I attended a napkin folding class on a cruise once and they didn’t show us anything like this! Thanks!
I saw some green and purple print fabric and thought of you — perfect shamrock folded napkins for Gail! They had a towel folding class on our Small Ship Greek Island Cruise. But, most took two towels and weren’t adaptable for napkins.
The napkin fold is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. I can’t wait to see your full table all dressed up. Looks pretty as much as I can see.
I wanted to change my table setting up this year, but still use the Ireland Pursuit dishes (my everyday pattern). Napkin folding was a little project I could undertake with a young puppy underfoot lol! Most of my crafting time is devoted to his care and training right now.
I am so impressed with your napkin folding skills Debbee! I’ve always wanted to try this – I think I’ll actually keep my napkins looking like the fleur-de-lis for some Canadian flair!
Oh Sara, the fleur-de-lis is perfect for French Canada! You might also want to consider using the more classic fleur-de-lis as seen in my busy as a bee, Back to School Table.
So cute Debbee! I am in a rut with my napkins, I always seem to do a simple boring napkin rings! I must branch out and try some of your clever folds. I’m looking forward to the St. Pat’s hop next week, thank you for hosting it!
It’s not a rut if you have napkin rings that fit your theme, occasion or season. I started napkin folding when I lacked rings or specific color dishes for a tablescape. And, as I’ve maxed out storage to acquire new tableware, napkins became the easiest way to update a setting. Appreciate you taking part of the hop next week Jenna!
Children and adults would enjoy sitting down to a napkin fashioned into a four leaf clover or bunny ears.
I put together a weekly single table setting for an ongoing post, and am going to try and put the napkins together 🙂
Rachelle, I’ll bet you have no trouble with any of the folds. But fair warning, napkin folding is addictive lol!
So cute and so timely! This is the perfect way to serve up napkins for St. Patrick’s Day and add a festive touch to your tablescape! Your instructions are easy to follow! Thanks Debbee!
Well, since there’s no thrifting or shopping for tableware finds right now, napkin folding is an easy way for me to style a table setting.
What a neat little St. Patrick’s day touch that isn’t that hard. I like it!
Not hard and zero expense if you already have napkins in a color or print that fits the occasion.
You always share great napkin folds and tables. Pinned!
Cindy, you are so sweet to say so — thanks! I hope you’ll give the fold a try.
How fun and great timing. I was just thinking it was time to get some of my St. Patrick’s Day stuff out. Super cute and thanks for sharing.
An easy way to create an Irish theme table setting. Hope you give it a try.
Debbee, I think this is my favorite of your napkin folds to date! I love how you adapted it to make it your own with the stem. That was so clever to put a gold coin in the middle. The green and white buffalo check really pops! Thanks for the great tutorial. I’m looking forward to the tablescape hop on Wednesday:) Pinned!
I just felt the stem helped it more like a lucky clover. Forgot I had those napkins (they got buried in the cupboard), and will maybe use them this coming Christmas — if I remember lol! Delighted to have you join the hop Rebecca!
Very cute Debbee. I love the clover napkin fold. St Patrick’s Day will soon be here. I hope the weather warms up. Enjoy your sweet fur baby.
Thanks Linda, I’m sure ready to see some green grass after all this snow and ice! But later this year, I’ll be complaining about all the clover in our lawn, lol!
Debbee, I just got to know your blog, I love how your clover napkins have turned out, you have also explained us perfectly how to do it. I like to decorate the table and sometimes use the fold of the napkin. Now I’m going to go in to see your other folded. Thanks a lot. A kiss from Barcelona
Pilar, so lovely to hear from you — in Spain! My husband and I visited your fabulous country several years ago (See Spectacular Spain in September). One day, I’d love to return. I wanted to fill my suitcase with all the gorgeous ceramic dishes while visiting Seductive Seville Entices with Arabic Palace, Flamenco Dance.
What a great tutorial! What a perfect accent to your table.
Thank you Joanne! In past settings, I didn’t want to cover up the dinner plate pattern. But, since it’s my everyday pattern, the napkin adds some whimsy to the table.
Love the napkins Debbee, but let’s see that baby! What a cutie.
Last week I added a photo of Whiskey and I to the blog sidebar. He’s a perpetual motion machine when awake, and chargers at me whenever I get down to his level, trying to get a photo. He thinks the phone is a toy lol! I’ll try to do a puppy update in the weeks ahead.
Debbee, you are so creative! This napkin fold is so fun and festive for St. Patrick’s Day. It looks perfect with these green and white checked napkins. You have inspired me to give this a try! It was so much fun to hop with you. Pinned!
Lynne, sure hope the napkin fold works out for you!
Debbee, your napkin folds add lovely drama to your table settings. I love viewing creative ideas, such as napkin folds, creative ways w/ food, and repurposing projects. It’s so interesting seeing the unique ideas people come up with, especially ones I would never have thought to do. Thanks for the very informative post. BTW, love the the picture of you & adorable Whiskey. Hugs!
The clover napkin fold helped me to update, change-up my St. Paddy’s Day table. Because I just have to use the Ireland Pursuit dishes every year. Last year, I added the hand painted shamrock pilsners — which are in NYC with my son now. Running out of ways to restyle the holiday table. Whiskey is presently in the “dog house” (crate) right now. At 13-14 weeks he’s become quite the little imp lol! He and I start training and socialization classes 3 days/week in a couple of weeks. Will be a good outlet for us both. And, I can’t wait to take him to Animal Friends.
Those are fun napkin folds! I’ll have to try them. Thank you for sharing!
The only potential downside Liz, is that they cover any design on the underlying dish. But, since I used the vintage white Haviland bowls they provided a pop of Irish flair.
Debbee, OMG, these hankies are so adorable. You are so amazing. Congratulations, you are being featured at Thursday Favorite Things. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2021/03/thursday-favorite-things-party.html
Hugs, Bev
I guess those clovers did bring me good luck — thanks so much for the feature Bev! They are number 18, and I may have finally run out of napkin folds to try or adapt. They’ve been great for styling new tables using tableware I already have.
Your instructions are so easy to follow Debbee and I love the final outcome. What a perfect addition to a St Paddy’s day themed lunch. Thanks so much. I’ll definitely be giving it a try.
Michelle, how lovely to stop by and comment — from South Africa! Lovely to meet you!
I love this idea! I’m going to link to your post in my Weekly Rambles today. Thanks for the inspiration:)
What a lovely surprise — thanks Lora!
Omg, I didn’t know there were 18 napkin folds possible! Your clover napkin fold looks fantastic!
There’s actually lots more Allyson, those are just the ones I’ve tried and used! But, I think I’ve run the gambit of new ones as I now like to reuse some but with different fabric napkins. My family and friends get a big kick out of them.
You always come up with the best napkin fold ideas! I’m definitely going to try my hand at making these and I just bought the perfect napkins too.
Gee, thanks Marie! Delighted you are going to give it a try! Looking forward to seeing how they turn out with your new napkins.
Debbee this is so cute for a St Patrick’s tablesetting! Thank you for linking up at my party, I’m happy to be featuring you this week!
Nicolle, thanks so much for the party invitation, and particularly the feature! I’m feeling lucky lol!
Debbee, I am thinking you are queen of napkin folds! Every time I see one of your tablescape’s there is a new napkin fold to try. I cannot say I have patience to get through one, let alone six for our table, but I sure do enjoy seeing them so fabulously folded on your table.
Thank thee Cara for bestowing me with such an illustrious title lol! I’m pretty much out of new folds to try, having incorporated about 24 different ones into table settings. This one is my own adaption of the 4-leaf fold. Although it’s probably not the first fold to try, it only takes a few minutes to knock out 4-8 folds when you do them in assembly mode.