How to Fold a Linen Handkerchief

Basic handkerchief folds include square, fluted and pointed.

There are many different ways that you can fold a linen handkerchief. The three most common would include the squared, fluted and pointed folds. A linen handkerchief is a functional item, but it is also an accessory, so you don't want to carry it crumpled in a wad, or shoved haphazardly in your pocket. The idea is to display the handkerchief like you would a belt, scarf or piece of jewelry.

Instructions

Square Fold

1. Fold the handkerchief width-wise. Rotate the handkerchief so the fold is at the bottom.

2. Fold the handkerchief again so it is in quarters. The edges of the handkerchief should be facing up.

3. 

   Square-folded handkerchief

   Fold the handkerchief once more. This last fold will be lengthwise so that the handkerchief is half the width of its length.

Fluted Fold

1. Lay the handkerchief on a flat surface. Grab it from the middle, and hold it with the ends hanging down.

2. Hold the edges of the handkerchief by forming a ring around them while still holding the middle pinch firmly with one hand. This will make a gather that looks like a flute or flower.

3. 

   Fluted fold is pointed at the middle with gathered ends.

   Turn the handkerchief so the middle point is down and the fluted edges are facing up. To finish, fold the handkerchief in half so the pointed end is now bunched with the fluted gather.

Pointed Fold

1. Lay your handkerchief in front of you. Fold it in half and again in quarters so you have a square. Sit it in front of you, but turn it so the square is now diamond shaped.

2. Fold the right and left sides of the diamond in toward the center, so the tow points meet.

3. Fold the bottom point of the diamond upward to the center so it meets the two sides you already folded in.

4. 

   Pointed fold has a flat bottom with multiple points.

   Adjust the pointed top of the handkerchief so the layers of the folded handkerchief overlap and you have multiple points.

References

• A Tailored Suit: Men's Pocket Square Folding
• "The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day"; Mindy Weiss, Lisbeth Levine; 2008