Franklin Dean
Handkerchiefs are a common accessory at weddings, with many people choosing to incorporate them into their wedding dress or bouquet. They are often used as a keepsake or gift, passed down from generation to generation. If you're looking to make a handkerchief for a wedding dress, you can either create it from scratch or transform an existing handkerchief into a dress. You can also repurpose a wedding dress into handkerchiefs, passing them down as heirlooms. This guide will provide a general overview of the process, but for specific instructions, consider seeking dedicated craft websites or forums.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Handkerchief, wedding dress, tissue paper, ribbon, needle, thread, lace, fabric, cotton, cutting mat, fabric marking pen, iron, quilting ruler, rotary cutter, etc. |
| Techniques | Sewing, cutting, pressing, folding, ironing, embroidering, etc. |
| Time | It can take up to 8 weeks for processing, depending on the complexity of the design and the condition of the dress. |
| Purpose | Creating a keepsake, incorporating sentimental value, adding a personal touch to the wedding. |
| Customization | Handkerchiefs can be customized with messages, monograms, or other embellishments. |
| Sourcing | Handkerchiefs can be made from existing wedding dresses or custom-ordered from sites like Etsy and Bumblebee Linens. |
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What You'll Learn
Folding the handkerchief
The first step is to fold the handkerchief diagonally in half, pressing the fold with an iron. Next, you will fold both corners of the handkerchief towards the bottom corner, forming a diamond shape. Press this fold with an iron as well. Then, fold the left and right corners of the handkerchief towards the middle and press with an iron.
You can use a wedding dress template to cut out the dress top from card stock. Fold the template in half along the dotted line. Cut out the neckline from the hankie dress top. Flip the template inside out, ensuring the shoulders are lined up.
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Using a wedding dress template
Materials and Preparation:
First, you will need to gather your materials. Choose a fabric that suits your preferences and the desired look. Cotton fabric in seasonal prints or lightweight, delicate fabrics can be a good choice for a festive and decorative handkerchief. On the other hand, if you want a durable handkerchief, consider using heavier fabrics like flannel or linen. Cut your chosen fabric into a square, approximately 11.5 by 11.5 inches (29 by 29 cm). This will give you a handkerchief that measures about 10.5 by 10.5 inches (27 by 27 cm). You can adjust the size as needed, depending on your desired dimensions.
Before you start folding, iron the fabric to ensure a neat finish. Place the fabric on a flat surface, such as an ironing board, and use a warm iron to remove any wrinkles or bumps. If you're concerned about damaging the fabric, place a T-shirt or towel over it before ironing.
Folding and Creating the Dress Shape:
Now, we'll begin folding the handkerchief to create the dress shape. Start by folding the handkerchief diagonally in half and pressing the fold with an iron. Then, fold both corners of the handkerchief towards the bottom corner, forming a diamond shape, and press the folds again. Next, fold the left and right corners towards the middle and press with the iron once more.
At this point, you can use a wedding dress template to cut out the dress shape. Cut out the template and fold it in half along the dotted line. Cut out the neckline from the dress top, and then flip the template inside out, ensuring the shoulders are aligned. Place the template on the folded handkerchief and cut out the dress shape.
Final Touches:
Once you've cut out the dress shape, unfold both the template and the handkerchief. You should now have a handkerchief in the shape of a wedding dress. If desired, you can add embroidery, monograms, or other decorative elements to personalise the handkerchief further.
Your handkerchief is now ready to be used as a unique and thoughtful addition to your wedding dress or as a special gift for someone else to enjoy.
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Cutting the handkerchief
Firstly, you will need to fold the handkerchief. Begin by folding it diagonally in half and pressing the fold with an iron. Then, fold both corners of the handkerchief towards the bottom corner, forming a diamond shape. Press this fold with the iron as well. Finally, fold the left and right corners towards the middle and secure with the iron once more. This will give you a neatly folded handkerchief ready for the next steps.
Now it's time to cut out the wedding dress top. Using a template, carefully cut along the neckline of the dress top. If you don't have a template, you can design your own or reach out to companies like Bumblebee Linens, which offers a wedding dress template to its customers. Ensure that your template is placed correctly on the folded handkerchief before cutting, as any mistakes could ruin your handkerchief.
When cutting, it is essential to use sharp scissors or a craft knife to ensure clean, precise cuts. Take your time and cut slowly and carefully to avoid any accidental snips to the fabric. If your handkerchief has embellishments like lace or beadwork, consider cutting strategically to include these features in your final design.
After cutting, you may need to retack any embellishments to secure them in place. It is also a good idea to finish the edges of the handkerchief with a rolled hem to create a neat and durable finish. This will ensure your handkerchief lasts for years to come and can even be passed down as a family heirloom.
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Sewing embellishments
When it comes to sewing embellishments for a handkerchief wedding dress, there are numerous options to consider. Embroidered handkerchiefs are a popular choice, offering a range of customisation options. You can embroider floral patterns, such as lazy daisy flowers, or simple bullion roses, French knot sprays, or blanket-stitched flowers. Adding embroidered initials or monograms is another way to personalise the handkerchief.
If you're looking for a simple hand-stitched look, consider hemming the edges with a whip stitch or an overcast stitch. Using a single strand of thread on a hand needle, roll the fabric edges slightly towards the wrong side and carefully stitch along the perimeter of the handkerchief. A shell edge finish is another beautiful option for the hem.
For a unique touch, you can add lace trim or ruffled lace to the handkerchief. Double-sided satin ribbon can also be used for ties and rosettes. If you want to add some sparkle, consider sew-on crystals, which come in various sizes, shapes, and colours. However, keep your budget in mind, as the cost of crystals can add up quickly.
If you're feeling creative, you can even transform a christening bonnet into a wedding handkerchief. This involves using heirloom-quality cotton batiste, lace trim, and ribbon to create a sentimental keepsake.
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Adding a bow
Using a Ribbon
Take a ribbon and tie a bow at waist level. Double-sided satin ribbons work best for this purpose. You can also use a ribbon to tie a bow at the back of your handkerchief, joining the two ends of the gathered edge together. This is a great way to add a bow to a handkerchief that will be used as a bonnet.
Wrapping the Handkerchief
If you want to present your handkerchief as a gift, you can wrap it in a nice box with a poem and tie it with a bow white satin bow. This is a lovely way to add a bow to the packaging of your handkerchief rather than the handkerchief itself.
Sewing the Bow
If you're looking for a more permanent option, you can sew a bow directly onto your handkerchief. This could be done by sewing a small, pre-made bow onto a corner of the handkerchief, or by creating a bow shape with thread. This option is best if you want the bow to be a part of the handkerchief's design.
Using the Handkerchief as a Bow
If you have a larger handkerchief, you can fold and tie it into a bow shape. This is a unique way to incorporate the handkerchief into your wedding outfit, such as by tying it around your bouquet or pinning it to your dress. This method may require some creative folding and securing with pins or ribbon.
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Frequently asked questions
You can repurpose a wedding dress into a handkerchief by cutting out a wedding dress top template from card stock and folding the handkerchief around it. You can also send a picture of your wedding dress to a professional on Etsy, who can make handkerchiefs from the dress material.
You can sew a handkerchief onto the inside of your dress or pin it to the bottom of your dress. If you don't want to damage the handkerchief, you can wrap it around your bouquet or hide it inside the bouquet.
You will need an iron, an ironing board, tissue paper, a cutting mat, fabric, a fabric marking pen, lace, lace trim, pins, a quilting ruler, ribbon, a rotary cutter, thread, and a threaded needle.
