I’ve always loved all things vintage and vintage hankies are no exception. I have a few and was wondering how I could actually use them instead of having to keep them stored away. It just seems wrong to keep all those pretty patterns in a box! Here are a few ideas I came across that show how to Repurpose Vintage Hankies!
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Most of these ideas require sewing, but are easy enough for sewing beginners. So don’t let your lack of sewing skills get in the way of upcycling your old hankies into something new and beautiful!
10 Super Cute Ways to Repurpose Vintage Hankies
1. Hankie Shower Curtain
This is such a clever idea! Take a look at how some vintage handkerchiefs were made into an adorable one of a kind shower curtain from HGTV.
2. Upcycled Hankie Tissue Holder
What a pretty way to store tissues! Check out this handkerchief made into a tissue holder – full tutorial at Beach Vintage.
3. DIY Vintage Handkerchief Burp Cloths
These vintage hankie burp cloths are so cute! Who wouldn’t love to get these at as a gift! Find out how to make your own DIY hankie burp cloths with Polka Dot Chair’s tutorial!
4. DIY Handkerchief Bracelets
Another great gift would be these bracelets made from vintage handkerchiefs. Head on over to My So Called Crafty Life for the tutorial!
5. Vintage Hankie Valance
I love the idea of using different vintage hankies for a valance like these from Flamingo Toes. Go visit her and see all the windows she did with vintage handkerchiefs – so cute!
6. Upcycled Hankie Pillows
Making pillows out of vintage hankies is another good way to repurpose them. See the how to at Elsie Marley.
7. Cute Vintage Handkerchief Hair Bow Craft
This cute hair bow is made from a vintage handkerchief. What a great way to repurpose vintage hankies! Check out the tutorial at The Mother Huddle.
8. Upcycled Antique Hankie Shirt Collar
I love this idea of using a vintage hankie to make a collar! You can read the tutorial at Black and White and Loved All Over.
9. Framed Vintage Hankies
Of course, you can also frame vintage hankies to make your own unique wall art! Visit Very Fond Of for tips on how to frame your antique handkerchiefs!
10. DIY Hankie Table Runner
Isn’t this table runner made from vintage napkins & doilies just gorgeous! It would make any party or gathering so special. Visit The Brides Cafe for the details!
Aren’t these some great ways to recycle old handkerchiefs? If you use these great ideas, everyone will get to see and enjoy the beautiful antique hankies you’ve collected! That’s so much better than just storing them away in a box!
Do you collect vintage hankies?
You might also be interested in: 12 Gorgeous Projects Made With Towels
Betty says
October 28, 2014 at 7:44 amI love it. I am going to start collecting handerchiefs and make me some curtains for my sewing room. All clever ideas.
Tammy says
October 28, 2014 at 8:15 amI love vintage hankies and have a small collection from my late grandmother. After parceling them out to my siblings and cousins, there are only a few left. Three of them are framed and hanging in the bathroom. After seeing your list of ideas, I know I’m going to make some burp cloths for the new granddaughter due in January. Her mama will love them!
Brenda Nuland says
October 28, 2014 at 10:33 amOkay, I may have to look for inexpensive frames and try out that idea. So cute!
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces says
October 28, 2014 at 11:36 amSo many cute ideas…I especially love the shower curtain!
Kathleen Grace says
October 28, 2014 at 11:44 amI love the shower curtain, and I have always loved them framed. Great ideas!
Lori says
October 28, 2014 at 12:11 pmI love vintage hankies! I stitched my grandmother’s hankie to a pillow I made with some vintage fabric. It sits in her mother’s chair that I have in the corner.
Meadowsweet Cottage says
October 28, 2014 at 11:47 pmNow I’ve gotta haul Nana’s vintage hankies out of storage and see how many there are. I love the valance but framed mementos would be sweet too!
Cindy says
October 29, 2014 at 7:49 amAll cute ideas – except maybe the burp cloths! Thanks for sharing these. I love the curtain valance and framed ones.
[email protected] says
November 2, 2014 at 7:46 pmSuch great ideas! I actually made two curtains with vintage hankies, very similar to the shower curtain.
Manuela Williams says
November 4, 2014 at 3:46 pmDid you? I bet it’s cute! I really want one for my office/craft room. I only have a couple of vintage hankies so I’d have to buy a lot on etsy or ebay.