How to Use a Handkerchief

Not so many years ago, no well dressed person would leave home without a handkerchief. Handkerchiefs were used not only to deal with coughs and sneezes, but also as an important fashion accessory. They are coming back into style, and many people are foregoing paper tissues in favor of handkerchiefs, for both fashionable and environmental reasons. Handkerchiefs are available in several fabrics, styles and colors, and have many practical and creative uses.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create a sachet from embroidered handkerchiefs. Put some potpourri, lavender, or rosebuds in the center of the handkerchief. Draw up the edges into a small bundle and tie it with a matching ribbon.

2. Display a vintage handkerchief under glass in a frame or place it under a piece of glass and display it on a flat surface. For a more dramatic look, frame several handkerchiefs.

3. Use an embroidered handkerchief as gift wrapping for a fragrant bar of soap. Wrap the handkerchief around the soap and secure it with a ribbon.

4. Use a colorful cotton handkerchief to line a small basket for a bedroom or bathroom. Fill it with potpourri or small soaps.

5. Clip several embroidered handkerchiefs onto a rod for an original valance. Attach them to the rod with clothespins for a kitchen valance.

6. Tie several linen or embroidered handkerchiefs together to make a fashionable belt or sash.

7. Sew embroidered handkerchiefs together to create a unique quilt topping. Add batting and a backing, stitch together and quilt.

8. Consider the cotton handkerchief's many uses while traveling, including an emergency water filter or impromptu sun visor.

Tips & Warnings

• If you use handkerchiefs to wipe your nose, keep them exclusively for that purpose. Use clean, unused handkerchiefs for other purposes.