How to Make a Handmade Handkerchief

Handmade handkerchiefs make a thoughtful gift.

Handkerchiefs are useful for blowing your nose, wiping off your hands or covering your nose and mouth when you have to sneeze. Although you can purchase commercially produced handkerchiefs at any department store, it can be more rewarding to try your hand at sewing your own handkerchiefs like people used to do decades ago.

Things You'll Need

• Thin linen fabric, 12 inches square
• 1-inch wide lace, 48 inches long
• Protractor
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut the length of lace into four sections that are each 12 inches long.

2. Cut the ends of each piece of lace in a 45-degree angle. You can measure the angle using a protractor.

3. Lay the pieces of lace onto a table top, lining them up so that they make a perfect square.

4. Sew each of the angled corners together. This will secure the lace square into place.

5. Pin the lace square to the perimeter of the linen square.

6. Stitch around the perimeter of the square, using small stitches. This will secure the lace to the linen square.

7. Cut off any excess thread or jagged edges.

8. Repeat this process to make as many handkerchiefs as you require.

References

• Chest of Books: Handmade Handkerchief