Crafting Wedding Handkerchiefs: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding handkerchiefs are a thoughtful gift for the bride, groom, bridal party, and parents of the couple. They can be personalised with embroidery, making them a meaningful keepsake.

Handkerchiefs are easy to make at home. They are essentially a square of fabric with small hems on the edges. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the hems. The best fabric to use is something soft and natural, like cotton or silk. You can decorate your handkerchief with lace trim or embroidery.

Choosing the fabric

Choosing the right fabric is crucial when making a wedding handkerchief. The fabric should be soft and natural, with cotton being the most popular choice due to its absorbency and breathability. Cotton voile, a lightweight and soft variety of cotton, is an excellent option. Alternatively, you could opt for fine linen, also known as handkerchief linen, which is a more luxurious and elegant choice. These natural fabrics are gentle on the skin and can be easily decorated with embroidery or monograms.

When selecting the fabric for your wedding handkerchief, it is essential to consider its purpose and the desired level of absorbency. Fabrics with a polyester blend tend to be less absorbent, which might defeat the purpose of a handkerchief meant to wipe away tears or blot sweat. Therefore, natural fabrics like cotton and linen are ideal choices.

Another factor to consider is the colour of the fabric. While white handkerchiefs are classic and can be easily whitened with bleach, they also show dirt more easily. If you want to add a creative touch, consider using interesting patterned fabrics or fun colours that match the mood of the wedding. Plain fabrics are best if you plan to add intricate embroidery or monograms.

In addition to the type and colour of the fabric, you should also think about the size of the handkerchief. A standard handkerchief size is 12x12 inches (30.5x30.5 cm), but you can choose any size that suits your preferences. Smaller handkerchiefs may be more convenient for carrying in a pocket or tucking into a bouquet, while larger ones can make a bolder statement.

Remember to pre-wash the fabric before starting your project to remove any stiffening agents or chemicals that could irritate the skin. This step ensures that your handkerchief is soft, comfortable, and safe to use.

Cutting the fabric

The first step to making a wedding handkerchief is to cut the fabric. Handkerchiefs are usually square, so you'll want to cut your fabric into a perfect square. If you have a rectangular piece of fabric, the easiest way to do this is to fold one edge up into a triangle, making sure it is a 45-degree angle. Then, measure the side to ensure it is the correct size. Once you've done this, open up the fabric, and you'll have a perfect square.

The size of your handkerchief is up to you. A standard handkerchief is 12x12 inches (30.5x30.5cm), but you can make it any size you like. Just remember to add a 1/2 inch (12mm) seam allowance all the way around when cutting. Here are some other common handkerchief sizes:

• 8x8 inches (20x20cm)
• 9x9 inches (23x23cm)
• 10x10 inches (25x25cm)
• 11x11 inches (28x28cm)
• 13x13 inches (33x33cm)

When choosing your fabric, opt for something soft and natural like cotton or silk. You'll want to avoid fabrics with a polyester blend, as these are less absorbent. It's also a good idea to pre-wash your fabric to remove any chemicals or stiffening agents that could irritate your skin.

Now that you've cut your fabric to the desired size, you're ready to move on to the next step of making your wedding handkerchief!

Pressing the hems

Start by cutting your chosen fabric into a square, adding a 1/2-inch (12mm) seam allowance all around. For a standard handkerchief, a square of 12x12 inches (30.5x30.5cm) is ideal, but you can adjust the size as needed.

Now, it's time to create the hems. Fold and press each side of the square fabric by 1/4 inch (6mm) twice to form a narrow double fold hem. This technique will give you a neat and sturdy edge. Use an iron to press the folds and create sharp creases. If you're working with a delicate fabric like silk, place a thin cloth, such as a T-shirt or a thin towel, between the iron and the fabric to avoid direct contact and prevent any marks. You can also use a fabric spray to help set stubborn hems made of cotton or linen.

Once you've pressed and folded all four sides, you can proceed to pin the edges to hold the hems in place. Place the pins perpendicular to the fold, making it easier to remove them as you sew. Insert a pin about every 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) along the folded edge. Avoid using pins with delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, or satin, as they may leave holes.

After pressing and pinning the hems, your fabric should have a neat, crisp edge. You are now ready to move on to the next step of sewing the handkerchief. Remember to remove the pins as you sew to avoid any accidents.

Pinning the edges

Once you have pressed the raw edges of your handkerchief, it's time to pin them in place. Use pins to secure the hems all the way around the handkerchief. This will ensure that the hems stay in place as you stitch them.

When pinning the edges, it is important to use the correct number of pins and to space them evenly. Place the pins perpendicular to the edge of the fabric, with the heads of the pins facing towards you. This will make it easier to remove them as you sew. The pins should be close enough together to hold the fabric securely, but not so close that they create bumps or puckers in the fabric.

If you are working with a slippery fabric, such as silk, you may need to use more pins to prevent the fabric from shifting. It is also helpful to use a pressing cloth when working with delicate fabrics, as direct contact with an iron can leave marks.

Once you have pinned all the way around the handkerchief, you are ready to start stitching. If you are using a sewing machine, start by threading the needle with double cotton and knotting the end. Bring the needle up in the fold so that the knot will be hidden. Use small running stitches, stitching up and down along the inner fold of the hem.

For hand stitching, you can use a simple running stitch or a backstitch. The running stitch is the easiest hand stitch, using a simple up and down motion. The smaller your stitches are, the stronger your hem will be. Start by threading the needle with double cotton and knotting the end. Bring the needle up through the fabric a small distance from the edge of the hem. Then, take small stitches along the edge of the hem, keeping them evenly spaced.

Stitching the fabric

Once you have chosen your fabric, you will want to cut it into your desired size and shape. A typical handkerchief is 12" x 12", but you can make yours smaller or larger depending on your preference.

After cutting your fabric, you will need to hem the edges to prevent fraying. Fold over and iron each edge about 1/4 inch towards the wrong side of the fabric, then fold and iron again. This will create a neat, double-folded edge. Pin the folds in place if desired to hold them securely.

Using a needle and thread, stitch along the inner edge of the fold, as close to the inner fold as possible. Stitch all the way around the handkerchief, securing the thread at the beginning and end by taking a few small stitches in the same place.

For an extra decorative touch, you can add lace trim to the edges. Choose a lace that complements your fabric and cut it to the same length as each side of your handkerchief. Pin the lace in place along the edges, then stitch it in place by hand or with a sewing machine.

Finally, you can add any desired embroidery or monogramming to the handkerchief. This could be a sweet message, an inside joke, the couple's initials, or their wedding date. Choose an embroidery thread that matches the wedding colour palette or the recipient's favourite colour.

Frequently asked questions