Has someone in your family handed down a beautiful handkerchief to you? Or maybe you've found a lovely, vintage hankie in a thrift store. You might even have a hole drawer full of those charming mementos of an older time. Whatever the case, you probably have at least one pretty handkerchief with an original design that's simply collecting dust in your drawer.
That's because handkerchiefs, though practical in the past, don't get much use now. Still, this doesn't mean you can't find a way to utilize them today. Plenty of crafts and upcycles are available to let your treasured handkerchief with a one-of-a-kind design thrive again in a way that's both elegant and useful. Try one or more of the DIYs below, and create something unique from one of these lovely pieces of vintage fabric.
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Hanging organizer
Turn a fetching handkerchief into a practical hanging organizer. The only skill required is straight stitching. We used a burlap type fabric for the backing and a natural-looking yarn. You could double this pretty with a patterned backing and ribbon instead of yarn. Get the full tutorial here.
Turn a fetching handkerchief into a practical hanging organizer. The only skill required is straight stitching. We used a burlap type fabric for the backing and a natural-looking yarn. You could double this pretty with a patterned backing and ribbon instead of yarn. Get the full tutorial here.
Lantern
Do you have an old lantern that looks a bit blah? Perhaps the glass has seen better days, and no amount of cleaning will make it shine again. Simply use a couple of handkerchiefs to spruce it up by by gluing them to the glass itself. This craft is beautiful and can make any outdoor get-together that much more memorable. Get the tutorial here.
Do you have an old lantern that looks a bit blah? Perhaps the glass has seen better days, and no amount of cleaning will make it shine again. Simply use a couple of handkerchiefs to spruce it up by by gluing them to the glass itself. This craft is beautiful and can make any outdoor get-together that much more memorable. Get the tutorial here.
Blanket
This craft allows you to use vintage handkerchiefs in a trendy way by turning them into patches for an otherwise dull throw. The patches are easy to make and sew — even if you haven't done any sewing before in your life — and the next time you want to get cozy watching a movie, you'll be excited to bring out your simple yet elegant blanket. Get the tutorial here.
This craft allows you to use vintage handkerchiefs in a trendy way by turning them into patches for an otherwise dull throw. The patches are easy to make and sew — even if you haven't done any sewing before in your life — and the next time you want to get cozy watching a movie, you'll be excited to bring out your simple yet elegant blanket. Get the tutorial here.
Tissue holder
Ready for a bit of playful irony? Use an old handkerchief to make this sophisticated and inexpensive tissue holder. Though it may seem a bit strange to make a container for the throwaway substitutes that replaced the venerable hankie, people often pay quite a bit for designer tissue holders. This way, you can avoid the high price tag while also giving the handkerchief a a noble purpose again. Get the tutorial here.
Ready for a bit of playful irony? Use an old handkerchief to make this sophisticated and inexpensive tissue holder. Though it may seem a bit strange to make a container for the throwaway substitutes that replaced the venerable hankie, people often pay quite a bit for designer tissue holders. This way, you can avoid the high price tag while also giving the handkerchief a a noble purpose again. Get the tutorial here.
Patchwork sweater
As you've seen already, handkerchiefs can make lovely patches for an item like a blanket, and it's helpful to know that otherwise boring clothing isn't an exception. Finding a beautiful old sweater at a vintage store along with your handkerchiefs can give you everything you need for this outstanding project, especially during the winter months. Get the tutorial here.
As you've seen already, handkerchiefs can make lovely patches for an item like a blanket, and it's helpful to know that otherwise boring clothing isn't an exception. Finding a beautiful old sweater at a vintage store along with your handkerchiefs can give you everything you need for this outstanding project, especially during the winter months. Get the tutorial here.
Wall art with handkerchiefs
Handkerchiefs often have designs on them, which in the past allowed people to express themselves. You can do the same by stitching words important to you into a vintage handkerchief using embroidery floss and a hoop. Hang your alluring creation in a frame on your living room wall to let everyone know something extra special about you. Get the tutorial here.
Handkerchiefs often have designs on them, which in the past allowed people to express themselves. You can do the same by stitching words important to you into a vintage handkerchief using embroidery floss and a hoop. Hang your alluring creation in a frame on your living room wall to let everyone know something extra special about you. Get the tutorial here.
Patchwork denim shorts
The design of most handkerchiefs, with their floral or checked patterns, are perfect for making patchwork clothing, including denim shorts. If you're looking for a way to express yourself with a sewing craft that's as easy as it is pretty, dress up a tired pair of shorts with the lovely designs from an old handkerchief. Wear your eye-catching shorts on a sunny, summer day. Get the tutorial here.
The design of most handkerchiefs, with their floral or checked patterns, are perfect for making patchwork clothing, including denim shorts. If you're looking for a way to express yourself with a sewing craft that's as easy as it is pretty, dress up a tired pair of shorts with the lovely designs from an old handkerchief. Wear your eye-catching shorts on a sunny, summer day. Get the tutorial here.
Valance curtain
No kitchen window is complete without a valance. This decorative drapery softens the space above a sink or adds warmth to windows around the breakfast nook. It’s a shabby chic staple, but you don’t need to rush to the store to buy one. Get the full tutorial here.
No kitchen window is complete without a valance. This decorative drapery softens the space above a sink or adds warmth to windows around the breakfast nook. It’s a shabby chic staple, but you don’t need to rush to the store to buy one. Get the full tutorial here.
Jewelry pouch
Handkerchiefs are essentially fabric swatches with beautiful patterns, and this next DIY can turn them into another adorable yet useful item. This jewelry pouch contains pockets for your individual pieces and is tied together with a ribbon, making it an ideal gift for a loved one or a handy way to keep your own jewelry from getting lost on your vanity. Get the tutorial here.
Handkerchiefs are essentially fabric swatches with beautiful patterns, and this next DIY can turn them into another adorable yet useful item. This jewelry pouch contains pockets for your individual pieces and is tied together with a ribbon, making it an ideal gift for a loved one or a handy way to keep your own jewelry from getting lost on your vanity. Get the tutorial here.
Handkerchief hair bow
Remember the popularity of hair bows in the 1950s and '80s? Update that fun, retro look with a bow made from a handkerchief. A handkerchief hair bow is an effortless way to sweeten any outfit and accentuate a half-up hairdo. Don’t be surprised if you start wearing one every day of the week. Get the full tutorial here.
Remember the popularity of hair bows in the 1950s and '80s? Update that fun, retro look with a bow made from a handkerchief. A handkerchief hair bow is an effortless way to sweeten any outfit and accentuate a half-up hairdo. Don’t be surprised if you start wearing one every day of the week. Get the full tutorial here.
Coasters
Coasters are an appealing way to add touches of decorative style to your home while also maintaining the integrity of your furniture. Happily, you don't have to break the bank buying new coasters for your home after your old ones have gotten stained or gone missing. Instead, opt for creating your own with old handkerchiefs. Get the full tutorial here.
Coasters are an appealing way to add touches of decorative style to your home while also maintaining the integrity of your furniture. Happily, you don't have to break the bank buying new coasters for your home after your old ones have gotten stained or gone missing. Instead, opt for creating your own with old handkerchiefs. Get the full tutorial here.
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