How to Make a Kerchief Hat

A pretty kerchief can send baby home from the hospital or be part of a christening outfit.

This kerchief hat is made from a woman's handkerchief. Once fashioned into a bonnet, a baby can wear it when coming home from the hospital, for a christening or another special occasion. The kerchief then becomes a keepsake. Select a decorative kerchief that will make a good baby bonnet. Lace edging makes a lovely bonnet for a girl, or choose bright colors and patterns for a more modern look.

Things You'll Need

• Square handkerchief
• Iron and ironing board
• Needle and thread
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Place the handkerchief face down on the ironing board and iron flat. Fold both sides to the center. Iron.

2. Leave one side folded but unfold the other side. Sew a running stitch down the middle of the crease. Leave two inches of extra thread on either side of the handkerchief.

3. Hold one thread taut while pulling the opposite thread. Begins gathering the kerchief into a ruffle. About halfway through, tie a knot in the first thread to secure it. Continue gathering the ruffle using the loose thread on the other side. When the ruffle is tight as it can become, tie a knot in that thread. Flip the ruffle over the top of the kerchief. The ruffle will become the back of the bonnet.

4. Turn the kerchief around so the folded side is facing you. This is the front of the bonnet. The fold will go over baby's head and down the sides of the face.

5. Cut two lengths of ribbon and sew one on each side of the folded section at the bottom. These will be used to tie a bow beneath the baby's chin.

Tips & Warnings

• Transform the bonnet back into a handkerchief by simply cutting the thread on the ruffle and removing the ribbons. The handkerchief could become the "something old" for that child's wedding someday.

References

• Adventures of an Artisan: Keepsake Handkerchief Bonnet
• Bumblebee Linens: Making a Hankie Bonnet