How to Fold a Hanky for a Baby Bonnet
A bonnet is an essential clothing item every mother uses for her baby. It helps protect the delicate head from the cold in the winter or direct sunlight in the summer. Moreover, formal bonnets made of silk are also used for a baby's christening ceremony. Making baby bonnets is a popular pastime of mothers, grandmothers, aunts or older siblings. You can easily make a baby bonnet from a handkerchief yourself, which can then be passed on as a sentimental wedding gift or an heirloom.
Things You'll Need
- Standard size handkerchief
- ¼-inch wide ribbon
- Matching thread
- Scissors
- Needle
- Ironing board
- Iron
- Spray bottle
- Water
Instructions
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1
Gather your supplies and place them on a flat table in front of you. These should include a standard sized 12 ½-by-12 ½ -inch lace or silk handkerchief for a christening bonnet or a patterned or bold-colored cotton for a bonnet that will be used daily. Also purchase ¼-inch wide satin or decorative ribbon or lace that complements the bonnet.
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2
Iron the handkerchief flat to remove any folds or creases. Mist any stubborn creases and iron again to make them flat.
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3
Hold one edge of the handkerchief and fold it an inch inward, toward the center. This folded edge will be the back of the bonnet. Press this fold down with an iron so it sets in place. Fold the opposite edge of the handkerchief 3 inches inward. Iron this new fold as well. Once both your folds are set, unfold the entire handkerchief.
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4
Sew a running stitch along the 1-inch fold. You do not have to knot and cut the end of the thread. Place one hand on the handkerchief and pull the thread with your other hand to collect the folds in the handkerchief together. Adjust the folds, knot and cut the thread once you determine the appropriate size that will fit the baby's head. Reinforce the knot with another knot to prevent the thread from coming loose. Stitch your ribbon or decorative lace at the back of the bonnet.
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5
Refold the 3-inch fold on the opposite side of the handkerchief and fold both the corners towards the inside so they form tiny triangles. Press the triangles down so they stay in place, or stitch them in place in their center so they are secure. Sew a 7-inch piece of ribbon into each triangular corner. Both these ribbons will be used to tie a bow around the head, so the bonnet is snug and stays in place.
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