You might have seen this project a few weeks ago at Skip to My Lou – but in case you missed it I’m reposting it here!
I love sewing all sorts of projects – but I have a special love for all things vintage. I think I was born in the wrong time period. :)
It is pretty much my favorite thing to take something old and maybe sitting on thrift store shelf, and turn it into something pretty and fun! That is just what I have for you today! This Colorful Vintage Handkerchief Apron is soooo easy and quick to make and it would be a great gift or just something fun to wear for your Christmas baking.
It’s made up with a few bright vintage handkerchiefs – you can use some family linens if you have them or check out Etsy, eBay or thrift and antique stores. I find them all the time.
I’ve finished the waistband on this apron in one of the easiest ways ever – with some satin blanket binding! No cutting out a bunch of fabric – just a little sewing and you’re done!
How to make a Colorful Vintage Handkerchief Apron
Here’s your materials list:
- 6 vintage handkerchiefs – each at least 11″ x 11″
- lining fabric – 15″ x 33″ – I recommend something light
- satin blanket binding – 2 1/2 yards
- Sewing machine, scissors, pins, etc.
Start by laying out your handkerchiefs to see what order you’d like them in. You’ll need two rows of three. I would choose handkerchiefs that are in good condition and not super thin.
Cut out your lining piece. Hem the two short sides and the bottom.
Sew together the handkerchief rows. Overlap the handkerchiefs so the prettiest edges are on top, and sew them together to make two strips of three. Sew an easing stitch along the top edge – which is just basically a gathering stitch that is only very lightly gathered.
Lay out the lining and lay the bottom ruffle of your apron over the lining so it hangs over the bottom of the lining about 1″. It should measure from the top of the lining to the bottom of the handkerchief row 15″. Pin in place and sew this ruffle down, just inside the top edge of the handkerchiefs. The handkerchiefs should overlap the sides also just a little bit.
Sew the top row of handkerchiefs together and sew your easing stitch along the top. Line the top of the handkerchiefs up with the top of lining and baste together with a gathering stitch. Gather the top edge up to measure 18″.
Cut a length of your blanket binding 2 1/2 yards. Measure out the center 18″ of the binding and mark with pins. Place the apron skirt between the pins in the opening of the binding. Pin in place well. Sew the binding closed all along the open bottom edge, sewing the apron skirt in place as you go. Fold the ends in if you wish to form an angled end. Isn’t this pink ombre ribbon binding fun??
And that’s really it! So fast right? I think it would make such a sweet hostess gift. If you can bear to give it away that is!
I hope you like it!
SO super cute, Bev!! I love the layering. This would be a great gift!!
This is really nice I am going to use my Mom’s hankies as she called them to make this for my daughter as one of her Christmas gifts, My Mom died 6 months ago. I think this will be delightful for her.
I love this site I wish I could save all of them but it would be impossible to keep all these
Blessings
I love this. I have amassed a ton of vintage hankies and linens. I think I need to make an apron!
Oh I love this so much! It definitely solves the problem of having to choose just one favorite handkerchief for a project, and I think it’s super cute for Spring, too!
Absolutely glorious….love it! I have pinned it on one of my boards http://www.pinterest.com/pin/43065740163212393/
Wow, this method would also make a great summer skirt!
I love vintage hankies & linens & I truly hate to see them used this way. That being said, there are several vendors on EBAY who sell vintage “style” hankies in lots of 10 or more. These are great for crafting. They are the 40s & 50s style floral print hankies that work great for table cloths, quilts & any craft you could dream up. You can even get them in certain color families. They are pretty cheap, too.
I have quite a large collection of hankies. I was going to use them to create a baby quilt. But, still don’t have any grand-babies! I will get going on this cute apron instead.
love this idea, but I don’t have any hankies and the ones I can find on various sites are not 11 X 11. they’re either 15 X 15 or 16X 16. Would those work as well?
Yes Sharon, that shouldn’t be a problem at all! Your apron will just be a little fuller, and just a bit longer. If you don’t want the added length, you could cut a little off the top of the handkerchiefs before adding the ribbon waistband. Hope that helps! :)
I attempted to print this cute pattern that you have for the apron…unfortunately when I used your print option I not only got the pattern but every other darn thing on the page including everyone’s comments…14 pages of mostly things that were not needed…so wasted paper and ink…you really need to fix that!
Bev, I’d love to be able to feature your pretty apron on my weekly Friday Favorites. I sent you an email. Can you get back with me? Thanks!
Kim
Absolutely adorable!
So pretty! I love the vintage handkerchiefs!
Navy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party
I love your apron and especially love your tip for the waistband! Thank you! :)
Absolutely gorg! I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you’ve been bringing your amazing self to Snickerdoodle Sunday! :)
Sarah (Sadie Seasongoods)
This is really beautiful! I would almost hate to wear it for fear of soiling it, but the super cheap cost would make it easier. Pinned! I’m right below you on Mom2Mom.
Your lovely apron immediately caught my eye – you are so talented!
Thanks for brightening my day at Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy!
Love this apron. I have tons of vintage hankies. I just might have to make one of these.
Bev
oohhhhhhhhh love this vintage handkerchief apron!! there is a store down the road called Granny’s Panties and last time I was there they had a stash of these hankies but I was after something else so regrettably left them there. So….road trip!! I can’t wait to try this out for myself and with that super easy waist line, I can do it!! thanks for sharing the tute and loveliness with us at Snickerdoodle! Don’t tell Kristina, I think I can make this as a surprise for her :) woot!
I love aprons. I wear them to cook, sew, craft, paint, garden, clean, etc. I especially love aprons with pockets. I just purchased 4 vintage ones from someone locally. Then need a little mending and now I am thinking they may need some vintage hankies added to them for more pizzazz and prettiness.
This one would have to be special occasion hostessing :) It is beautiful.
I love this so much! What a cute little apron. I also love your blog name–so cute! Stopped by from the SITS Sharefest.
This would be a wonderful way to keep a grandmothers treasured handkerchiefs! I love this idea Bev! Thank you for joining us at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop! Stop by today where I have featured you on my Tuesday Treasures from the hop!
So pretty! I love this. I think I still have some of my Mother’s vintage handkerchiefs. What a great project for them. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
I need to get on the hunt for some more vintage handkerchief s! This is so pretty.Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Pinned & shared. Hope to see you again soon.
I have a huge collection of these hankies I have saved. What a great project.Just as soon as I get back from Florida.
Loved vintage apron pattern so light for postage as i have family overseas
That is the cutest apron! Now I really want to make one. :) I love vintage.
Thanks for your details as I am a beginner with minimal projects completed. I feel confident I could make this!!
This is REALLY pretty, and I think I like your photo better than I would actually like having the apron (it’s eye candy!) I have stacks of these hankies, they usually cost $2-$4 at antique malls and I pick them up now and then. This is a great project, and a clever waistband trick. But if I made this apron, I don’t know what I’d do with it. For cooking, I wear a utility apron and for “hostessing” this isn’t something I’d wear except maybe as a conversation piece (I already have a small collection of real vintage aprons I don’t use.) But this is super cute!
Yes I love it I have many vintage handkerchief that were given to me will do this I love making vintage aprons will try this thanks