Handkerchiefs can come in solid colors without any bells and whistles, but many others are ornate pieces of fabric. Patterns may include flowers, monograms, stripes or a stamped image. Older handkerchiefs, from a time when people used them regularly, often include lace or embroidery.
This project takes a handkerchief and turns it into a beautiful adornment for a plain cardigan. When choosing a handkerchief, use one that's washable if the cardigan is washable, and don't choose dark colors if the cardigan is light-colored — when washed, the dye might bleed. You will need a little skill with sewing to complete this project.
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Materials
- Iron
- Handkerchief
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Straight pins
- Embroidery floss and needle (optional)
- Handkerchief
- Scissors
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Straight pins
- Embroidery floss and needle (optional)
DIY Everywhere
Instructions
1. Iron the handkerchief so it has no wrinkles and place it on the work surface.
2. Bring the top right corner to the bottom left corner to fold it in half diagonally. Cut along the fold.
3. Smooth out the cardigan on the work surface, and unbutton it. Pull open the front until the sides of the collar are almost vertical.
4. Align one piece of the cut handkerchief so the uncut corner meets the center of the front right shoulder (your left). The handkerchief should extend a couple of inches above the top of the collar back.
5. Cut the handkerchief from the bottom up, following the edge of the cardigan's collar and leaving a 1-inch overlap.
6. Fold the overlap under the collar, and pin it in place. Sew a straight stitch along the top of the folded portion, removing the pins as you go.
7. Sew a zigzag stitch through the cardigan and the back side of the handkerchief.
8. Flip over the part you just sewed to reveal the back of the collar and handkerchief. Trim off any excess fabric.
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9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for the other side of the cardigan, aligning the uncut corner of the remaining fabric half so it meets the center of the front left shoulder (your right).
10. Embroider or cross-stitch additional embellishment if desired.