Vintage handkerchiefs are one of those things that I have a weakness for when I see them at thrift stores and vintage shops. With their pretty colors and gossamer fabric, they’re just too lovely to hide in drawers. And since most of us prefer using tissues instead these days, hankies can get lost in vintage limbo. Thankfully, though, there are lots of craft and upcycling ideas for them- let me show you my favorite projects with them.
Vintage Handkerchief Wreath
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
With their floral prints and gorgeous watercolor hues, vintage handkerchiefs really are pretty enough to display. And if you inherit (or find) a collection of them, here’s a great way to put several of them to good reuse. Plus, this lovely little wreath incorporates a few vintage brooches for added pizzazz, as well.
Floral Friendship Bracelets
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Why should kids and teens have all the fun with friendship bracelets? These chic and romantic versions are made from vintage handkerchiefs– but any lightweight vintage fabric with a delicate print would be perfect! Plus, they’re super easy to create- which comes in handy if you want to make them for a bunch of your friends.
Scented Sachets
Image credit: Running with Sisters.
The delicateness of handkerchiefs lends itself perfectly to this upcycle idea: DIY sachets! Dried potpourri like lavender and cedar are perfect for filling little hankie sachets like this. The thin fabric keeps all the dried bits tidy and together, but allows all that luscious fragrance to gently scent your dresser drawers.
Handkerchief Apron
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
How’s this for a lovely idea that repurposes several hankies in your stash? A waist apron like this is truly as pretty as it gets- even if you only wear it for show!
Pillow Embellishments
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Changing out your throw pillows for each season and holiday can be surprisingly expensive. Which makes this thrifty upcycling idea even more appealing. Clean thrift store pillows are ideal for embellishing with vintage handkerchiefs and doilies for all sorts of holidays and seasons. These Valentine’s Day pillows were completed with handmade felt flowers for an extra special touch.
Hankie Quilt
Image credit: Polka Dot Chair.
Since so many handkerchiefs are the exact same size and shape, upcycling them into a baby quilt like this makes perfect sense. Plus, it’s such a lovely way to turn your own heirlooms into a new heirloom piece for to be passed down for generations to come.
Christmas Ornaments
Image credit: My Thrift Store Addiction.
Here’s a great idea for handkerchiefs that you can’t bear to take scissors to. Inserting them into clear glass ornament balls from the craft store is an easy way to create colorful, no-mess ornaments that take no time at all.
Handkerchief Pendant
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
This hankie craft project is definitely ideal for the ones that are absolutely destined for scissor use. Salvaging a pretty section and turning it into a pendant like this is such a lovely way to give one a second life. Especially if it’s a linen handkerchief with delicate embroidery and stitching!
Bunting with Handkerchiefs
Image credit: Sweet Songs.
Here’s a remarkably simple way to create a vintage-style bunting with handkerchiefs. And believe it or not, but there’s not a stitch of sewing involved, either. Of course, experienced sewists may opt to secure with needle and thread, as well.
Jewelry Pouch
Image credit: Sum of Their Stories.
Speaking of sewing, here’s a quick and easy craft idea that jewelry lovers may appreciate. These little jewelry pouches are a sweet way to upcycle your handkerchiefs AND help keep earring pairs together and chains from getting all tangled up.
Hidden Pin Cushion
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Any avid sewist will adore this handmade gift idea! A hidden pin cushion in a vintage teapot is a darling idea, especially in a home filled with curious kids or pets. The pin cushion itself is covered in vintage fabric (such as a linen handkerchief) for added charm. Plus, you can add a few small sewing notions to the teapot as well.
Handkerchiefs in Hoops
Image credit: My Thrift Store Addiction.
Embroidery hoops are such a simple but effective way to display any number of fabrics, including vintage handkerchiefs. And painting the hoops in a coordinating color just adds to the cottage-style charm of these.
Christmas Tree
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods; Display created by That Vintage Vibe.
How’s this for a delightful way to display your collection of Christmas hankies? AND this Christmas tree was created by upcycling several different sizes of wire lampshades, too!
Vintage Handkerchief Valance
Image credit: Flamingo Toes.
Vintage handkerchiefs are known for their darling, sweet designs- and this upcycle idea is a wonderful way to show them off! Perfect for a vintage kitchen, sewing room, or other sweet space, these vintage handkerchief valances couldn’t be more charming.
Patchwork Scarf
Image credit: Skip to My Lou.
Since vintage hankies are so delightfully pretty, that really makes them lovely enough to wear as an accessory. And this patchwork scarf is a great way to show off and wear the loveliest hankies in your collection.
Holiday Decor
Image credit: Lora Bloomquist.
Here’s a fun way to upcycle several hankies in a single project- especially during the holidays! Turn several of them into a charger or placemat for your holiday table. Wouldn’t this look lovely under a clear glass vase of roses?
Tissue Holder
Image credit: Beach Vintage.
Unfortunately, the website and tutorial for this fabric tissue holder no longer exists. But I think it just involves folding over two hankie ends by a quarter and stitching along the edges. But let me know if you think there’s more to it than that!
Either way, what a great way to upcycle a handkerchief for those little personal packs of tissues. And the irony of this project is NOT lost of me, either…
Fabric Crafts with Handkerchiefs
Image credit: Little Vintage Cottage.
Sometimes, you just need a whimsical craft project to take your mind off of things. And this little fabric bird– festooned with a pretty hankie snippet on its wing- is the perfect creative outlet when you need it.
Craft Ideas for Handkerchiefs
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope this collection of craft ideas has you mentally going through your stash of handkerchiefs. There are so many ways to upcycle them, and don’t let the naysayers tell you not to cut them up, either. I just hope you find some inspiration from this post- and are eyeballing your hankie collection with a whole slew of ideas.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Fun roundup, Sarah! Thanks for including a couple of my projects:) Pinned!