There are many modern-day uses for vintage handkerchiefs other than their original use as cloths to blow your nose! Basically, any way you use fabric, you can use a lady's handkerchief.
Some decorating and crafting ideas are found here. Just think outside the box and use your imagination! You can search the internet for instructions on how to make some of these items.
Here are some creative ways to use vintage hankies:
- Baby's handkerchief bonnet that can be used as a christening bonnet and then one day be used as a wedding handkerchief
- Decoration on clothing - a pocket or collar on a vest, jacket, apron, or blouse
- Sachets filled with lavender or other potpourri
- Gift wrap or bag for a small gift
- Gift wrap a hand-made soap
- Bow on a gift package - gather the edges of a pretty hanky and tie with a ribbon - use instead of a gift bow
- Fabric shade on a small lamp
- Display a collection on a metal ornament tree
- Display a special handkerchief under a piece of glass on a tabletop
- Night light
- Guest books for the new bride or for a new baby
- Cocktail napkins
- Dining napkins
- Placemats
- Basket liners - use colorful hankies in a basket for the bath or bedroom
- Backing on a shadow box
- Doily - use instead of a crocheted or tatted doily
- Party favor around a candle
- Handkerchief dolls
- Handkerchief puppets
- Angel ornaments
- Christmas ornaments
- Curtain valance - lay several at an angle over a rod or clip to a curtain rod - some like to clip with old wooden clothes pins
- Sew them together and use as a fabric to make curtains, valances, shower curtains, tablecloths, table toppers, quilts, skirts, vests, dresses, or halter tops
- Drape on a diagonal over the edge of a shelf
- Tuck in a beaded bag for an elegant addition to your dresser
- Small hat as part of a child's costume
- Decoration on children's clothing - jacket, shirt, or pants
- Padded picture frame
- Small book cover
- Bulletin board cover
- Frame several together for a dramatic effect
- Tuck several floral decorated handkerchiefs into a ball vase for an arrangement that's always in bloom
- Pillow cover - use two hankies to cover the front and back of a pillow
- Pillow overlay - just tack to the front of a solid-color throw pillow
- Dream pillows filled with herbs
