Thursday, October 6, 2011

Patchwork Handkerchief Tablecloth


A few months ago I acquired a fun collection of around 40 handkerchiefs. I wasn't really sure what to do with them, but we were going to have company for Matt's birthday weekend and I didn't want to have a "naked" table.

First, I started with sewing two handkerchiefs together to make a mini runner and then decided to go all the way and make a tablecloth. I've never done a sewing project of this caliber before and I was a little intimidated. After sewing one complete row to another row, I knew it wasn't going to be that hard.

Materials:
24 Handkerchiefs (each measures 14x14 inches)
Sewing Machine
Neutral Thread (I used white)
Iron

1. Start with two (I used coordinating colors) handkerchiefs and place them right side facing each other (their nice side).

2. Place the edges right next to each other and sew them together making sure that the needle goes onto both handkerchiefs with the zigzag stitch.  

3. Continue step 2 by sewing on two more handkerchiefs to make a row of 4 total (you will need 6 sets of 4 handkerchief rows- does that make sense?) 

1 #### 
2 ####
3 ####
4 ####
5 ####
6 ####
  1 2 3 4

4. Start with one finished row of 4 and place it right side facing another finished row. Sew all the way down the lined up handkerchiefs. Continue doing this (by having your finished rows done already, all you need to do is sew them together row by row) until finished! 

5. Once you've completely sewn all 24 handkerchiefs together, you will need to hem them. I folded up the tablecloth edges approximately 3 inches up and stitched the top of the hem and the bottom of the hem to make two lines. 

6. (Optional) I went over the corners again to make a visible square. And you're done!

(Sorry it's so wrinkly! I haven't ironed it yet!)

Hope this tutorial wasn't too hard to follow- I'm not familiar with all the correct sewing jargon!! I just love the uniqueness of this tablecloth and it's almost vintage feel :) I really enjoyed making this patchwork tablecloth and hope you feel inspired to make your own!

 I still have leftover handkerchiefs to make something else with- any suggestions?!








5 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way to repurpose hankies !

    ReplyDelete
  2. Nice idea! I love to see materials used in uncommon ways.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh wow.. nice idea!!! ;) Stopping by to visit and say hi from TT&J party! ;) I am now following you via GFC! ;)

    Looking forward for new posts.. ;)

    Angie
    www.littleinspiration.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great idea! Thanks for sharing it at Weekend Craft Soiree! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Awesome idea! I love projects like this. (And your leaf candle ring is so pretty, too.)

    ReplyDelete

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