Upcycled Vintage Handkerchief Charger
Ever ask, “What can I do with old vintage handkerchiefs?” Here’s a fun, no-sew upcycle to enjoy many Seasonal Hankies at once
Do you have a stash of a relative’s old, seasonal hankies packed away in a box somewhere? They’re so cute, but are you asking, “What can I do with old vintage handkerchiefs?” Modern tissue has made these old nose blowers obsolete. Time for an upcycle! This Upcycled Vintage Handkerchief Charger is an easy no-sew DIY project that you can make for any season.
My grandma had hankies for every season. She must have been a coordinated dresser, because she had jewelry for all the seasons, too. This handkerchief repurpose is a fun way to enjoy grandma’s hankies in a completely different way. It was hard to cut them, but I’d rather enjoy them then have them hiding in a box somewhere.
I pictured these vintage handkerchiefs, pieced together in a snowflake-type pattern, since February is still very much winter, here in MN. I also like the idea of seeing all these pretty patterns together, like a quilt. Similar to when I made the “Vintage Fabric Wreath” last spring. When it comes to vintage patterns, the more the merrier!
Here’s the easy how to:
Upcycled Vintage Handkerchief Charger
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Materials Needed:
old handkerchiefs-4
white fleece fabric
large paper-packing paper or grocery bag
plastic sewing ruler
cutting mat
rotary blade
Spray Starch
Spray Adhesive for Fabrics
- To start, experiment with your design options. Trace around 4 hankies on some paper. With a ruler, draw lines to divide the square. Each hankie is different. Hopefully seeing my pattern idea will give you possibilities.
- Then cut out the pieces and mix the different hankie pieces together to resemble a flower or snowflake.
- Time to cut! Using a rotary cutter, mat and hard plastic ruler, cut the handkerchiefs like you did the paper.
- Iron your hankie pieces and lay out your design on white fleece fabric. The thick fleece fabric will give the flimsy handkerchiefs some body. Make sure to line up the outside edges where the patterns meet and slightly overlap the edges.
- Depending on your hankies edges, some of the designs may look funny. I didn’t like the look of this one as well as the first one.
- To adhere the hankie pieces to the fleece, spray each segment (on the back side) individually with Spray Adhesive. Use a scrap piece of paper for overspray.
- Trim the excess white fleece, cutting about 1/4″ under the cute hankie edging.
- Finish off the project by sewing a vintage button in the middle, to cover where all the seams come together.
Perfect with Clear Plates for a Seasonal Table Setting
These upcycled chargers or placemats would be perfect at each place setting, or individually for the centerpiece. If you have clear glass plates, you can enjoy seeing the design.
Such an easy, no-sew project! And a great way to enjoy some treasured family linens! If you have springtime or Christmas handkerchiefs, they would be adorable, too!
If you’ve been wondering what to do with those old hankies, I hope this No Sew Vintage Upcycled Handkerchief Charger will be a way to enjoy them!
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Adorable 🥰
Thanks!
Thanks for the inspiration for old hankies. I just got three old valentine hankies out. I will look through my collection for more. I may even just fold them, no sewing and display them under a clear plate for a centerpiece. I love my old hankies, many were my Grandmother’s. I use them too.
So glad you’re inspired to get them out and enjoy!
Your Valentine charger came out so well. I have a note in my linen drawers in my vintage booth saying that these are NOT your grandmother’s linens and it is OK to cut them up for projects. I’m so glad you found a way to display your Grandmother’s hankies as they are usually just relegated to the back of a drawer unseen! I love finding ways to use the “wounded” (holey, torn, stained) ones–dollclothes, sachets, etc.
Yes, love finding a new way to appreciate these old treasures!
Wow! Such a sweet project! I love to see new ways of using old things. Thank you.
Glad you liked it, Anne! There’s plenty old to new projects here!
I’m just wild about this idea Lora–SO creative and unique. And so very special too, a beautiful remembrance of your grandma.
Thanks, Diana! I’m so glad you liked it! Don’t think I would have even tried it if it weren’t for our theme this month!
Another winner! I’ll be digging in my stash of linen – hope I haven’t donated all the vintage hankies I had! I did a major purge about a year ago & now wish I hadn’t been quite so hasty. Sigh-
Oh well, if all the good ones are gone it’ll be something fun to search for! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thanks, Shelly! Even I’ve given things away that I regretted later:( Good news is…there’s always more to find! Spring church sales are right around the corner;)
How charming, Lora! It’s so wonderful you have the hankies! I love your project!
Thanks, Linda:) I do treasure all the items I still have from my grandma’s, but I love to figure out a new way I can enjoy them!
Be still my hanky loving heart–this is gorgeous! Absolutely love it! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
I’m glad you liked it, Cecilia! And now I can set a pretty Valentine’s table with my other love-dishes;)
Your charger is absolutely gorgeous Lora! I love that you were brave and cut up those hankies so you could enjoy them as something both usable and beautiful. Great project!
Thanks, Tuula! I guess if they’re not going to be used to wipe noses anymore, they can change into something entirely different!
Oh my goodness Lora, this is so beautiful! I bet it was hard to cut up your grandmother’s hankies but isn’t it so much better to be able to enjoy them?!
Tania
Thanks, Tania! I still have quite a few of her hankies left with flowers, etc.
Really enjoyed your tutorial: I have never used a rotary cutter. I immediately started to problem solve for the one that you didn’t like as well. Pomander with potpourri, doll overskirt or umbrella, pillowtop with a button in the middle? I’m sure that after you look at it for a while, a good usage will present itself!
I’ m so glad you liked it , Kathy! I think if I swap out those 2 wavy edge pieces & replace them, I could be happy. Need to have more than one charger!
Your Grandma’s collection of hankies are so pretty! I felt nervous for you reading the party about cutting them. I’m with you in preferring round or unique shapes for placemats rather than traditional rectangles. Your handkerchief charger for Valentine’s Day is darling!
Thanks, Marie! I get scared every time I use the rotary cutter, because it’s so sharp & there’s no going back once you’ve cut it wrong! Luckily I only biffed once this time;)
Thanks, Debra! I’m so happy to get them out of the cupboard!
How lovely. I am really into chargers and this is a great idea. I really like the idea of using Grandma’s hankies in a way that you will enjoy. But yes so scary cutting them.