Monogrammed Handmade Handkerchief How To

October 13, 2008

monogrammed handkerchiefWith Christmas approaching I've been making my lists. I have two versions. My store bought list and my homemade list. I try to give my friends and family a few of both. So I'm always looking for new ideas for homemade gifts. I'll be posting the finished versions of the sewing related special occasion gifts periodically. This is my first.

Last week we celebrated Brian's mother's birthday. I didn't have much money to spend so I sat trying to figure out something I could make. A scarf? Been done. Gloves? No time. I finally came up with this: Monogrammed handkerchiefs and a monogrammed linen case to boot! It also happens to be a great use for your extra fabric scraps! I figured, if she doesn't use handkerchiefs she could at least use them as quick clean ups on the go.

If you too are looking for a quick holiday handmade surprise, here's a quick how to. Bear with me as this is my first attempt at a tutorial.

The Handkerchiefs:


1. Cut a 12x12 piece of fabric. I like to use soft material. If making several handkerchiefs choose several different prints that look good together. Perhaps a vintage floral, gingham and swiss dot.


2. Finish the edges using your choice of a zigzag stitch. I've found that using a thicker thread is best. Also use a thread that has a similar color to one in the fabric but also contrasts with it.

3. Then use a disappearing fabric marker and write the initial that you will be embroidering. Use embroidery floss and an embroidery needle to stitch along the lines. I like to use a split stitch. It's the easiest. To make a split stitch come up through the middle of your first stitch, splitting it in half. Make the rest of your stitches the same length as your first to get a nice even line. Start your stitches in the middle of the stitch before. Tie a knot at the end on the underside of the fabric.



T
he Carrying Case:

1. Cut three pieces of fabric. One 4 x 7, two more 2 x 7.

2. Sew contrasting double folded bias tape to the edges of the 2 x 7 pieces.

3. Embroider initials on either side of each 2 x 7 piece.

3. Sew the two 2 x 7 pieces to the 4 x 7 piece around the three edges without bias tape. Use a 3/8 allowance.

4. Turn inside out. Voila! Done.

I made the case above a bit thicker to fit all four handkerchiefs. But the instructions I included in this post are much simpler and more suited for a case that holds two or three handkerchiefs. If you have any questions just send me an email. I'll try to answer it as best I can!


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29 {comments}:

FriĆ°rikssonS (and Parents) said... Best Blogger Tips

Lovely! So clever!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said... Best Blogger Tips

These are so sweet! I'll be linking to this project.

MammaDucky said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, I love it! I may try my hand at this. Embroidery will be a new thing for me, but these look wonderful!

Rebecca Ramsey said... Best Blogger Tips

I haven't done any embroidery for years, but you've inspired me! I'm going to make some of these for Christmas presents!
Thanks!

Artfulife said... Best Blogger Tips

Sew cute! What a fun and unique gift to make and give to a friend or loved one.

Rose and Ivy said... Best Blogger Tips

That's a great idea....something I may end up using for Christmas this year!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great idea! We definitely have some relatives who hang on to their hankies and I can't wait to try this out and give them as gifts this holiday!

Thanks!

Tiffany Winters said... Best Blogger Tips

I always like the fabrics you use. I am so bad at picking out fabrics.

Becky said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow. These are precious. I wish I could sew!

nathalie bearden said... Best Blogger Tips

anything you can't do?????? you rock my world!

gillar girl said... Best Blogger Tips

This is such a great gift idea. I love the happy colorful fabrics you chose--so much better than the stuffy white ones! Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

Cami said... Best Blogger Tips

I love it! Thanks for the tutorial. I will have to try it soon.

Monique said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the hankies, I would love to have a set, so pretty! Your family and friends are lucky for such wonderful gifts.

mo said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this! I am all about the useful beautifully handmade gift and this is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

These are so pretty! What a brilliant gift idea - and a nice, simple project, too. I've put a piece up on my blog www.shabby-chick.com Hope that's okay! x

Denise Felton said... Best Blogger Tips

Whoa! This idea rocks! I've scheduled a link to this post to go live on my blog tomorrow morning (Central USA time). I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.

Denise

http://needlework.craftgossip.com

Geek+Nerd said... Best Blogger Tips

Very cute -thanks for sharing!

Amy aka: ropergirl3 said... Best Blogger Tips

oh I adore hankies and with my initial and all!!! Lovely!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

this is EXACTLY what I've been looking for! you are simply amazing. I've linked you on my blog.

Threeundertwo said... Best Blogger Tips

This is a perfect gift for several people I know! Thank you so much for creating the tutorial!

Crunchy Green Mom - Suzanne said... Best Blogger Tips

I blogged about you hon. I love your tutorials!! Thanks for taking the time

Nuts To You! said... Best Blogger Tips

I really like these and will be making some for Christmas most definitely. I have to tell you, this is my favorite blog to read. I check all the time to see if you have posted anything new!

Jessie said... Best Blogger Tips

Beautiful! I am really enjoying your blog very much!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I love this idea so much, I linked to it here:
http://cannedlaffs.com/wfmw-in-defense-of-handkerchiefs/

Robyn Pearson said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi, I love your stuff! I am looking for a sewing company to make my products in Utah. My sight is www.mycoverme.com. Who will be doing your sewing? I would love to find a good company! Thanks, Robyn Pearson

Lynn Wright said... Best Blogger Tips

Love the hankerchiefs . . . and also that lovely white dress! You made that too, I assume? Is there a pattern number that you don't mind sending my way? Thanks!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

These are so pretty and delicate and a perfect project for a beginner like me!

Sunfire said... Best Blogger Tips

Made larger these would make perfect cloth napkins. I love the simple way you did your monogramming.

Joanna said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh thank you so much for posting this! They are so pretty! I made one only added a bit of lacy trimming to it instead of embroidering around the edges. And it turned out wonderfully!
*hugs*

 
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