A Pocketful of Hanky Upcycles for All Your Op Shop Finds

The humble handkerchief is well and truly due a comeback: it’s reusable, peak #DadCore and so much prettier than a boring old box of tissues. So! If you find yourself inspired by these nifty makes, we suggest you get thrifting and stitching (or adding these beauties to cart) before the handkerchief revival comes for us all… 

above LULU FLUX

HANDKERCHIEF CURTAINS 

Oregon maker and grower Hannah (@SleepingWillowFarm) might lay claim to the world’s prettiest bathroom drapery. As for kitchen curtains, we’ll call it a draw: we’re rather taken with this floral gem by Florida’s @JStepura and this all-white wonder, created by English smockmaker (@LuluFlux). If you like what you see, head on over to Janome’s website for a free handkerchief curtain tutorial. 

HANDKERCHIEF QUILTS  

What could be hand-ier than a glove-embellished handkerchief quilt? This clever piece is the work of Californian stitcher Kerri Anderson (@LittlePrairieSparrow). We also love this hand-stitched make by Washington quilter @WyldwoodCreative (if you love it too, head on over to her Instagram Stories for details on the process). For another great hanky blankie tutorial, take a look at Kentucky quilter Melissa Mortenson’s website, Polkadot Chair.

HANDKERCHIEF TOPS

“Hankie tops are my absolute favorite thing to wear right now. The lightweight cotton drapes so beautifully and gathers so nicely,” writes Seattle sewist Katie (@PlaydateVintage), who wears a self-drafted design. 

Next, we have halter tops by Californian store @3WomenCo, made with hankies from the 1940s and ’50s, plus flour bags from the ’30s and deadstock shoelaces from the ’50s. We’re also rather taken with the simple style created by Oregon sewist Laura Harper Jaffe (@GeminiDressed), which was crafted with just four hankies – including straps!

HANDKERCHIEF DRESSES

Proving yet again she’s the queen of make-do, Brisbane’s Sue-Ching Lascelles wears another of her upcycled frocks, this one created from 90 vintage hankies (to see her incredible tea towel make, head on over here). There is no pattern, Sue says, “it was more of a calculation of squares, adding a few more for each layer”. 

In other dreamy confections, we have the Ruthie dress by New York’s @Proche_Studios, which the label customised with a sentimental hanky, plus this summery number by LA label @Caro_Uccellino, featuring pretty straps made with pillow case lace. Thrifty! 

SIMPLE HANDKERCHIEF UPCYCLES 

First up, we have bunting. That’s because bunting is ALWAYS a good idea. Not only does it produce instant cheer and merriment, bunting (like the fine example by @Emily.Retro) is simple to sew – especially when you use hankies (hello, ready-made seams!). In other simple makes, we’re getting festive feels from this lovely wreath by @BuyTheSeaDesigns, a purveyor of vintage hankies in Massachusetts, US. Source a frame and some ribbon and you’ll be decking those halls in no time. 

Last but not least, we have the sweetest needle book by Dutch sewist Hannie (@Hartelijks). Granted, the embroidery on this one is no simple sew, but the case itself is a nifty (and portable!) project that will have you busting scraps and boosting your hand-sewing skills. 

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