Handkerchief Pillow
Making a handkerchief pillow is a straightforward and elegant project, suitable for both beginners and those with more sewing experience. Using lace-edged handkerchiefs means much of the decorative detail is already present, so the main focus is on assembling and finishing the pillow. The result is a vintage-inspired piece that can be completed in a short amount of time.
The following materials are needed for this project:
- Four lace-edged handkerchiefs, either matching or with complementary designs.
- Half a yard of plain white cotton lawn or cotton fabric for the backing.
- Half a yard of muslin to make the inner pillow insert.
- Coordinating thread, a sewing needle, and a sewing machine if available.
- Sachet mix for filling, such as a Victorian flowers blend.
- Optional: Ribbon for decorative bows.
To begin, arrange the four handkerchiefs in a square, with the lace edges facing outward. The handkerchiefs can be joined by oversewing the edges with small, neat stitches, or by using a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine for extra strength. Taking care with alignment at this stage helps the finished pillow look polished.
Once the handkerchiefs are joined, measure the size of the square. Cut a piece of cotton lawn or plain cotton fabric to match these dimensions. To keep the lace visible and uncompressed, turn in the edges of the cotton backing by the depth of the lace. This adjustment allows the backing to fit neatly inside the lace border, preserving its delicate appearance.
Next, place the cotton backing and the handkerchief square together, with the right sides facing out. Stitch around three sides, leaving the lace edges free and one side open. The open side will be used to insert the inner pillow.
For the inner pillow, cut two squares of muslin to fit just inside the finished cover. Sew around three sides, fill with your chosen sachet mix—Victorian flowers are a gentle, soothing option—and then close the fourth side securely.
Insert the filled muslin pad into the handkerchief pillow cover. The open side can be closed with small slip stitches, keeping the stitches as hidden as possible for a refined finish.
As a final step, adding ribbon bows or other embellishments to the top of the pillow can enhance its appearance and personalize the project.
(pause) By following these clear steps and paying attention to detail, it is possible to create a beautiful handkerchief pillow that combines practicality with timeless charm.
