Try choosing cotton fabric in seasonal or holiday prints to make festive handkerchiefs to use throughout the year, such as 4 leaf clover fabric for St. Patrick’s day, leaf print fabric for fall, or red and green fabric for Christmas. Pick cotton fabrics that will coordinate with your clothing, such as pink fabric to match a pink dress, or yellow fabric to complement a purple suit.
Silk Chiffon Light muslin Satin
Wool, tweed, flannel, and cashmere are traditional fabrics for winter pocket squares. [3] X Research source You could even use an old pair of flannel pajamas or an old linen tablecloth as your fabric. Cut it into squares and use them to make your handkerchiefs.
Place a T-shirt or towel over the fabric if you are concerned about damaging it. This is especially important for delicate fabrics, such as silk, chiffon, and lace. Set your iron to the lowest possible setting for the fabric you are using. This will also help to prevent damage to the fabric.
12 by 12 in (30 by 30 cm) is the standard size for a pocket square. If you are making a handkerchief to wear in the pocket of a suit, then cut your fabric to 13 by 13 in (33 by 33 cm). [6] X Research source If you want the folded edges to be wider or narrower or if you want to fold the fabric more than 1 time, then make sure to account for this with extra fabric. For example, if you want to make 2 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm) folds on each edge of the handkerchief, then add a total of 2 in (5. 1 cm) of fabric to each side.
If you want a smaller or wider folded edge, then fold the fabric to the desired width. For example, if you want 0. 75 in (1. 9 cm) folds on each edge of the handkerchief, then fold over the fabric by 0. 75 in (1. 9 cm) on all 4 sides.
Avoid using pins with delicate fabrics, such as silk, chiffon, and satin.
Keep in mind that this is optional, but it will result in much neater edges on your handkerchiefs.
For example, if you are making light blue handkerchiefs and want the thread to blend in then the opt for a light blue thread. If you are making red print napkins and want the thread to contrast with your fabric, then opt for white or black thread.
For example, if you are making simple cotton handkerchiefs, then you might opt for a straight stitch to keep the design simple and clean.
For example, if you are making yellow handkerchiefs with blue thread and want the stitching to stand out, the zigzag stitch would be a great option.
If you want to ensure that the stitches won’t be visible at all, then you may want to sew it by hand. This is also a great option for delicate fabrics, which are more likely to get damaged by a sewing machine.
Try embroidering initials onto the corner or center of the handkerchief for a personal touch. Add an embroidered flower to a corner or the center of the handkerchief for a pretty touch. Include an embroidered edge for a decorative finish.
