DIY Napkin Rings with Raffia

Turn paper tubes into simple DIY napkin rings using raffia from the dollar store for budget-friendly table place settings.

Note: This post was originally sponsored by Scott and Dollar General in December 2015. It was updated in 2025 for clarity and formatting.

Home decor can get pricey fast, especially if you’re trying to plan a table setting for a crowd. Whether you need a dozen napkin rings for a party or just want to make fun accessories for your kids’ play kitchen, these DIY raffia napkin rings are inexpensive to make, but look fantastic.

I stopped by Dollar General to stock up before the kids are home for winter break. Running to the store with kids–even with tweens–isn’t easy. While I was there, I grabbed some raffia for this craft.

How to make DIY napkin rings

Supplies

• empty paper tubes
• pencil
• serrated knife
• raffia (4 feet per napkin ring)
• tape

Note: I think these cardboard tubes are clean. If you dislike using toilet paper rolls for crafts, you could use paper towel tubes, a gift wrap tube, or other household items such as the tube from aluminum foil, etc. You may be able to cut cardboard or thick paper strips and roll them into a tube shape, but I haven’t tried.

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the tube.

Start by measuring a paper tube and marking it with a pencil at 1-inch sections. If you’re using a standard US toilet paper tube, they’re 4 inches long and you’ll cut it into 4 pieces. (Paper towel tubes are 11 inches; gift wrap usually around 3 or 4 feet.)

2. Cut the tube into pieces.

Use the serrated knife (craft knife or bread knife) to gently cut along the lines. A serrated knife is easier than scissors and doesn’t squish the tube. It’s okay if there are a few rough edges because they’ll be covered.

3. Begin wrapping the raffia.

Next, take the raffia and unroll it off the card. Each napkin ring uses about 4 feet of raffia. Starting anywhere on the tube, tape one end of the raffia down. Wrap the raffia around the tube in a single, thin layer.

4. Continue to create a thick layer.

After you’ve covered the whole tube once, go back around and cover it solidly. Continue wrapping the tube until it is thoroughly covered, leaving a tail of about 2 or 3 inches. Take the tail and weave it through the inside of the tube so that it holds securely.

5. Repeat to make more napkin rings.

Repeat the steps until you have a set of 4 napkin rings or as many as you need. For each place setting, roll a napkin into a tube shape and slide the napkin ring to the center to hold it.

Depending on your gathering, you may want to wrap the flatware inside the napkin first or lay it out separately.

These DIY napkin rings are a quick craft you can make in bulk or just a few as you need. Choose your raffia colors to match your tableware or make several sets to go with all your home decor. This would be a fun craft for kids to make Thanksgiving napkin rings–or for any holiday.

About Scott

You can find three different types of Scott products at your local Dollar General. Scott 1000 bath tissue is a high-quality and affordable bathroom essential, perfect for busy families who want to stock up. Scott Extra Soft Tissue is soft and thick, perfect for the guest bathroom when everyone is visiting for the holidays or anytime. DG also carries Scott Towels, which are durable and absorb any mess your kids can create.

What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:

• Beautiful DIY Spring Raffia Wreath
• DIY Yarn Wrapped Yule Goat
• Easy DIY Heart Garland Dollar Store Craft