Crafting A Wedding Hankerchief: Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners

Wedding handkerchiefs are a timeless tradition that has evolved over time. They are believed to preserve the precious tears of the bride, carrying a personal attachment as they are often gifted by a close friend or family member. These handkerchiefs can be personalised with embroidery, featuring the bride's name, initials, wedding date, a poem, or even their wedding vows. Making your own wedding handkerchief is a simple process that only requires a few materials and crafting know-how. You can also get creative and turn them into unique wedding favours, such as miniature wedding dress hankies or bonnets, which can be passed down as family heirlooms.

Choosing the type of hanky

Choosing the right type of hanky is an important step in making a wedding handkerchief. The type of hanky you choose will depend on the purpose of the handkerchief, the preferences of the recipient, and your crafting abilities. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the type of hanky for your wedding handkerchief project:

• Fabric: The fabric you choose for your wedding handkerchief is important, as it will affect the softness, absorbency, and overall quality of the hanky. The best fabrics for handkerchiefs are typically soft and natural, such as cotton or silk. Cotton voile, a lightweight and soft type of cotton, is a popular choice. Fine linen, which may be labelled as "handkerchief linen" in fabric stores, is also a traditional and elegant option. If you want to add embroidery or monograms to your handkerchief, plain fabrics are usually the best choice.
• Size: Standard handkerchiefs are typically 12x12 inches (30.5x30.5 cm), but you can make your handkerchief any size you prefer. If you're making a handkerchief for a wedding, consider the purpose and recipient. For example, if you're making a handkerchief to be used as a "something old & something blue" token, you might want to make it smaller so it can be easily tucked into a bouquet or pocket. On the other hand, if you're making a handkerchief to be used by the bridal party to wipe away happy tears, a larger size might be more practical.
• Colour: White handkerchiefs are classic and elegant, but they do show dirt more easily. Coloured handkerchiefs, on the other hand, can add a fun or personal touch, especially if you choose a colour that matches the wedding colour palette or the recipient's favourite colour. If you plan to add embroidery or decorations to your handkerchief, consider choosing a colour that will complement your design.
• Decorations: Embellishments like lace trim or embroidery can add a touch of elegance or sentimentality to your wedding handkerchief. Lace edging, especially cotton lace, is a popular option for wedding handkerchiefs as it is soft and washable. Embroidery is also a great way to personalise your handkerchief with monograms, names, phrases, or decorative motifs like roses. If you plan to add decorations, choose a fabric that will complement your design and be easy to work with.

Remember, the type of hanky you choose should ultimately reflect the purpose of the handkerchief and the preferences of the recipient. Whether you opt for a classic white linen handkerchief or a colourful cotton hanky with lace trim, the thoughtful gesture of a handmade wedding handkerchief is sure to be appreciated.

Adding embroidery

Choosing the Fabric and Design

First, decide on the fabric for your handkerchief. Linen or cotton in white or cream colours are ideal. You can also use satin for a wedding handkerchief. If you want to embroider on a printed fabric, choose one with vacant spaces to embroider on. Cut your fabric with an extra 1/2 inch for the hem.

Next, decide on the embroidery design. You can embroider simple floral patterns, initials, or a monogram. If embroidering a monogram, traditionally, monograms on a man's handkerchief are smaller than 1 inch, while those on a woman's handkerchief are bigger. You can also embroider a meaningful poem or message.

Preparing the Handkerchief for Embroidery

Before embroidering, it is recommended to prewash the fabric. You can also square up the fabric by drawing a thread from the sides, especially for large-weave fabrics like linen. Cut the square a little larger, about 2 inches bigger all around. Then, pull out a thread from the side of one corner and cut along this line to create a straight edge. Repeat this for all four sides.

Embroidering the Handkerchief

Thread your sewing needle with 2 strands of embroidery floss and start embroidering your design. If embroidering a monogram or initials, use stitches such as the stem stitch, outline stitch, or padded satin stitch. If you are embroidering small letters, reduce the density and increase the boldness of the stitches to prevent puckering.

Finishing the Handkerchief

After embroidering, soak the handkerchief in water and air dry it. Use tape to remove any remaining thread clippings from the back. Iron the handkerchief from the back, using a thick piece of wool felt as a pressing surface to protect the embroidery.

You can also add a shell edge or a pin stitch hem to finish the edges of the handkerchief. For a shell edge, use a zig-zag stitch or a straight stitch on your sewing machine. For a pin stitch hem, use a thick needle and the same colour thread as the fabric to create visible holes that add a decorative touch.

Care Instructions for Embroidered Handkerchiefs

Embroidered wedding handkerchiefs can be washed by hand in cold water with mild detergent and air-dried. Avoid using a dryer as it can damage the embroidery. When pressing the handkerchief, iron it from the back, avoiding the embroidered areas. If necessary, use a medium heat setting and a light mist of water or spray starch for stubborn wrinkles.

Folding the hanky

Firstly, iron the handkerchief flat to remove any creases. This will ensure that you have a smooth surface to work with and that the final product looks neat and tidy. Next, fold the handkerchief diagonally in half, creating a triangle shape, and press the fold with an iron to create a crisp edge. Then, take the two corners at the longest side of the triangle and fold them towards the bottom corner, forming a diamond shape. Again, press this new fold with an iron to create a sharp crease.

Now, you will have a diamond-shaped handkerchief with two layers. Take the left and right corners of this shape and fold them towards the middle, one at a time, creating a long, narrow kite shape. Press these folds with an iron as well. At this point, you should have a well-pressed, long, narrow shape. Finally, fold the handkerchief in half towards yourself, bringing the two long raw edges together, and press this final fold. You should now have a neat, rectangular-shaped package.

If you wish to add further decoration, you can tie the folded handkerchief with a ribbon or a bow. Alternatively, you can transform the handkerchief into a unique wedding dress shape by following these steps: cut out a dress shape from card stock using a template or your own design; fold the template in half and cut out the neckline; slip the card dress into the folded handkerchief, and tape it in place; and finally, tie a ribbon around the waist of the dress to finish the look.

Using stamps

To stamp a fabric, you will need a rubber stamp or a clear stamp, fabric ink or fabric paint, and of course, a handkerchief. You can use any type of fabric, but lightly coloured fabrics will show off your ink colours best. Cotton handkerchiefs work well and you can choose vintage patterns or a simple white handkerchief.

Before you start stamping, prepare your fabric by washing and ironing it to get rid of any dirt or wrinkles. This will ensure your stamp design looks its best. You can then choose to apply fabric ink or fabric paint to your stamp. If using ink, evenly coat your stamp with ink and stamp the fabric. Repeat this process for each impression. Once you are done, heat set your impressions with a heat gun or iron to ensure the ink is permanent. If using paint, use a foam applicator or brush to evenly apply the paint to your stamp, and then stamp the fabric.

You can also add a decorative stamp to your handkerchief. For example, you could use a skeleton key stamp, or create a custom stamp to add a personal touch.

Adding decorative touches

Embroidered Details

Embroidered designs, monograms, messages, and logos can add a delicate and personalised touch to your wedding handkerchiefs. Consider including the bride's name, initials, wedding date, a meaningful poem, or even a portion of the wedding vows. These embroidered details can turn a simple handkerchief into a cherished keepsake.

Stamps and Ink

For a unique and custom look, try using alphabet stamps and permanent ink to personalise the handkerchiefs. You can stamp names, wedding roles (like bridesmaid or groomsman), or even decorative designs. A decorative stamp, such as a skeleton key, can also add a whimsical touch. Just be sure to allow adequate drying time before handling or packaging the handkerchiefs.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons are a versatile addition to wedding handkerchiefs. They can be used to create a functional and reusable gift wrap for jewellery or other small presents. Simply wrap the handkerchief around the gift and secure it with a ribbon. Ribbons can also be used to create decorative bows, adding a touch of elegance to the handkerchief itself or to the packaging.

Folding Techniques

Creative folding techniques can transform a simple handkerchief into a work of art. You can fold the handkerchief into a miniature wedding dress, creating a unique and memorable keepsake. Alternatively, try folding it into a bonnet shape, which can be used for a baby's christening and then again as "something old" for the wedding day. These folded creations make wonderful family heirlooms.

Colour and Fabric Choices

The colour and fabric of the handkerchief itself can also add to the decorative appeal. White handkerchiefs are classic and elegant, but you could also choose vintage patterned handkerchiefs or coloured embroidered designs. For a traditional touch, incorporate something blue, such as a blue handkerchief or blue embroidery.

Frequently asked questions