Perhaps you have a collection of old linens and handkerchiefs that you'd love to display. A handkerchief quilt is a lovely way to display those items and add a soft, antique feel to a bedroom or other room in your home. If you don't have handkerchiefs, you can find some at antique stores and consignment shops. Follow these instructions to make a handkerchief quilt.
Iron your handkerchiefs using a low setting for silk and a higher setting for cotton. The pattern you choose will determine how many you will need. Cindy Brick's pattern (see Resources) calls for 7 to 10 hankies.
2
Purchase a handkerchief quilt pattern. Keep in mind that some patterns call for cutting the handkerchiefs, while others display them intact.
3
Purchase your fabric. You will want a neutral color--like white on white or cream--for the blocks, and a floral pattern for the sashing (between the blocks), binding and borders. Use a complementary color for the backing.
4
Wash your fabric and dry it. Iron it using spray starch, but don't use steam.
5
Cut your fabric based on the instructions on your pattern. Stitch the handkerchiefs to the neutrally colored blocks of fabric, and then sew all pieces together based on the pattern instructions.
6
Place batting between your quilt top and backing. The right sides of the front and back of the quilt should be facing out. Pin or baste the pieces together.
7
Make sure that your quilt is even and that the corners form 90-degree angles. Sew store-bought binding along the outside of the three layers of the quilt to seal your final product together. You can make your own binding using leftover material--just measure the area around the quilt and add 6 inches. Don't forget to sign your quilt before you display it.
Tips & Warnings
Be creative--you can add charms or other embellishments to your handkerchief quilt.
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