One of my students gave me 4 dozens of blue and brown cotton gentleman's hankerchiefs.I need your input for ideas, what can I do with them? I want to show something to her when she comes back to school. Thanks

I recently saw an idea on the internet for using antique handkerchiefs to make a table runner-much like a small quilt. Could your class use them to do a charity project ?

1 comment

by enchantedstitches 23 Jul 2012

Maybe for Thanksgiving Baskets.In my school the students and staff collect cans and money (to buy a turkey)and per Homeroom we make a basket with everything for that day dinner, to be donate to students in need. Great idea, THANKS

If these are not going to be used as hankerchiefs I do believe you have enough for a quilt! If they are large enough, maybe hair scarves and pockets to put them in. They can be anything the density of fabric could be used for. A gathered skirt. a halter top (those were the days), a clutch. I look forward to seeing it in projects. Live Laugh Download Stitch!

What kind of students? Is it something to pass out in class? You could do a very generic embroidery on each of them, all the same or all different, depending on what they are to be for. What a neat idea.
If they are for you to design and then give away, perhaps you could do something for a men's shelter or some such thing. Or something for Grandparent's Day, or...?? Since men don't necessarily have the same interests, you could stitch an inspirational word or words on each one. That would make them very versatile.

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by enchantedstitches 23 Jul 2012

Middle School student, she is 13 years old, and somebody donated boxes of hankerchiefs to her, Melba sales all kind of things in the Flea Market,but looks nobody is buying them and I told her we will find a way to use the hankerchiefs.I want to show her my appreciation for this gift. I suggested a tablecloth,but they do not have table. Well I am getting emotional. Thanks for your interest.

If you have a fathers day stall you could monogram them in the corner with 'DAD' or a golf club or ball, soccer ball etc

The 'reply' button will only accept limited words,


A handkerchief is a square thin cloth used for wiping. It can be made from various types of fabric. Some handkerchiefs are made of cotton, linen, silk, satin, polyester or a combination of these materials. The handkerchief is only about 400 years old. Its origin started in Italy by a venetian lady where it was made from pure flax and decorated with lace. The handkerchief then made its way to France. Those associated with Henry II were quite curious of this new clothing accessory and was a huge success with the Lords and Ladies. The handkerchief was made with expensive fabrics, adorned with embroidery and were looked upon as objects of great luxury.

I didn't know they made hankerchiefs in colors, I'm sure you'll come up with something but off hand I can't think of anything. Remember the parachutes from our youth, maybe?

4 comments

by dollygk 23 Jul 2012

great as gifts for the kids!

by dollygk 23 Jul 2012

I had to Google this word because I know these as handkerchief, I found this:

History of the Handkerchief

There were all types of handkerchiefs dating back as far as 35,000 years ago. The historical information of the handkerchief we have here is based on the type of handkerchief we know today.

A handkerchief is a square thin cloth used for wiping. It can be made from various types of fabric. Some handkerchiefs are made of cotton, linen, silk, satin, polyester or a combination of these materials. The handkerchief is only about 400 years old. Its origin started in Italy by a venetian lady where it was made from pure flax and decorated with lace. The handkerchief then made its way to France. Those associated with Henry II were quite curious of this new clothing accessory and was a huge success with the Lords and Ladies. The handkerchief was made with expensive fabrics, adorned with embroidery and were looked upon as objects of great luxury.

by biddysews 23 Jul 2012

For a laugh do the aussie thing tie a knot in each corner and wear as a hat to keep the sun off and the fly's off great for baldies or bald patches.

by enchantedstitches 23 Jul 2012

The same thing in my country, Colombia.But not only the baldies (calvos),the boys use the hankerchiefs wet to play soccer (futbol).