Special Occasions

• Use vintage hankies to wrap favors for bridal party luncheons or baby showers. Use a variety of hankies trimmed with lace or ribbon, rather than using all matching hankies. Place small wrapped candies or a single votive or tea light candle into the center of the hankie, wrap the corners up and tie with a coordinating ribbon. Add a tag or note to the ribbon thanking your guests for their attendance.
  
  Create holiday ornaments from vintage hankies. Wrap one around some scented potpourri, secure with a ribbon and hang on the tree. Wrap the center of the hanky around a small foam ball to create the head and gown of an angel. Add purchased wings and a halo or create your own from the lace of a second hanky.
  
  Dress your holiday table using vintage hankies sewn into a runner. Layer the hankies in a diamond pattern side by side, overlapping slightly and stitch together. Back the runner with batting or thicker fabric to protect the table from hot dishes, or remove the runner and replace with trivets when dinner is served.
  
  

Gift Ideas

• Create a quilt top using hankies instead of patchwork scraps. Sew hankies together, or mount each one on another piece of fabric to preserve the edges. Once the quilt top is finished, layer the quilt as usual using batting and backing, then hand or machine quilt. Give the finished piece as a one-of-a-kind housewarming or wedding gift.
  
  Sew doll clothes from vintage hankies. Sew several together to create a nightgown or dress for an 18-inch doll, or use one handkerchief to make a wedding dress for an 11-inch fashion doll. Use a vintage hanky as a baby blanket prop for a collectible porcelain doll. If the doll clothes will be used by a child under three, use a handkerchief without removable trim like buttons or bows.
  
  

Home Decor

• Use vintage handkerchiefs to create a window valance. Sew vintage hankies together in the desired pattern, then create a rod pocket by folding over the top in the desired width and stitch in place. Gather the handkerchief valance over the curtain rod and hang in conjunction with blinds or a shade.
  
  Line decorative baskets with vintage hankies. Place one or two in the bottom of the basket, good side up, and fold the corners outside the basket edge. Use hankies in baskets that do not contain items that are frequently used, because removing and replacing such items often increases the chance of harming the delicate fabric and trim on the hankies.