Crafts with vintage ladies handkerchief?

Question

I have a large pile of old handkerchiefs - what can I do with them?

Jill Feigelman · Answer

What about making a pretty unique window treatment like @Trent-Tonya Sharp did! http://www.hometalk.com/diy/vintage-window-treatment-2689937

Cynthia H · Answer

At different times I've framed them, made a pillow out of one, made a doll dress - they are so pretty, and it's sad to leave them in a drawer! Here are a couple of my favorites from Hometalk: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/vintage-hankies-have-found-new-life-as-a-handmade-baby-quilt-3586504 This one actually looks like a doily, but, same principal: http://www.hometalk.com/diy/-2068092

Carole L. May · Answer

Why not make a quilt or quilted table runner..? There are lots of free patterns, here is one: http://www.ehow.com/how_8376939_make-hanky-panky-quilt.html

Valerie · Answer

I would frame the best, and make a quilt out of the rest. Please don't forget to post a photograph once you have used it!

Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor · Answer

Make a curtain for the bathroom, 4 squares for a small window.

Bonnie Crawford · Answer

I made a banner with 10 of them.  I cut a 13' piece of jute, and then draped the handkerchiefs half over the jute, like on a clothesline.  I pinned them on, and then did a long row of stitching to hold them.on the jute.  It made an adorable banner, and we have used it for decorating weddings, parties, and even the awning on our vintage trailer!   You can do the same with vintage dailies.... They come out great, and it's a wonderful way to use those pretty vintage linens that no longer have a purpose!

Jeanene · Answer

I used my Mom's heirloom hankies for a queen-sized quilt and a matching wall hanger. I folded each one into a butterfly shape that spotlighted the vintage embroidery and lace, then finebasted appliqued onto pastel squares. After embroidering antennae and eyes, the squares were laid out to 'fly' toward a large center floral garden designed with appliqued/embroidered details. Both pieces were handquilted on a large wooden quilting frame. The results were amazing and enjoyed because the quilt became a bedspread unlike anything else!

Deb Titus · Answer

I bought potpourri sachets from a crafts woman who used vintage hankies and filled them with lavender. They make wonderful gifts!

Jennifer Benson Benton · Answer

If you are computer literate, go on Pinterest. There are wonderful crafts that can be made with these. One of the prettiest I saw was angels. Please don't get rid of them they are a treasure.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I like Deb Titus' idea. I use one of my assortment in a bedroom. Drape it over the edge of a footed crystal dish with some marbles or whatever suits me on top of the part that is in the dish. Just switch one out for another once in awhile.

Carol · Answer

I recently saw a quilt using handkerchiefs.  The hankies were folded in half diagonally and then folded from the middle again to form a butterfly.  I think you can google handkerchief butterfly patchwork quilt.

Marcy, Professional Designer, Artist and Arts and Crafts Instructor · Answer

Bonnie, sounds great.  @ Jeanene, pretty idea.

Providence Hill · Answer

A while back I sewed a few into an envelope which was the perfect size to hold the travel size tissue packets! :)

Judith Delaney · Answer

I make Magic Hankies for baby gifts!

Peggy Comer · Answer

what are those?

Peggy Comer · Answer

I used fabric stiffener & mod podge and made a 'plastic bowl'.. I would love some more projects to use the ones I have as well.

Suellen Hintz · Answer

I recently bought a clock (for the 'frame' and glass). I removed the clock mechanism. I glued cream burlap over the interior circle of cardboar. After this dried I placed hankies, lace and ribbon, as well as other decorative items, them put this back into the old clock...instant decor using sentimental items.

Trudy · Answer

make hanky angels

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=hanky+angels&tbm=shop&spd=13774809186874410312

Virginia · Answer

They can be lightly stitched together and put them over a curtain rod....in a powder room bath or in a kitchen window - depends on how many you have. Also, enclose a pressed handkerchief into an Easter card for a friend and tell your friend what the handkerchief means to you - she will save it hopefully. If you keep your Christmas tree up all year (as I do), you can 'theme' a season for the tree using your handkerchiefs tied to make a fluffy little gathering and hook it to a tree branch. Then add some strings of beads or pearls which you can obtain from the craft store or fabric store - all around the tree - like a garland approach. If you have some old tea cups, wire the handle and hang those on a few tree branches and VOILA - you have a pretty, vintage, ladies 'tea tree'.

Sal3170064 · Answer

My daughter made them into small cushions. And added buttons and ribbon to the front, then backed with contrasting material. Make nice ring cushion for weddings. I made bunting for an vintage tea party.

You can also cut them up to make unique covered buttons.

Trexi · Answer

I used some to make memory boxes for relatives. Get some small sentimental items from the person you are making it for. Use the Hankie for the background and then add the items to your box. (a train ticket, a small makeup container...) You can get nice glass front boxes at Michaels. A friend used them to make a valance for the bathroom window by hanging them with safety pins pinned to the corner and strung across a wire.

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