Vintage Handkerchief Aprons

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those vintage hankys you find at flea markets and estate sales? I have bunches of them......and decided to make aprons! What a perfect way to display all of the sweet and cute patterns.

I chose a strip piecing method used in quilting to design my fabric. First, lay out the hankys side by side matching like sizes, this will make sewing easier. Next, sew them together overlapping sides to reveal scallop or lace edges. Sew 6 or 8 in a row, then onto the next 6 or 8, continue until you have enough for the number of aprons you would like. Now, depending on the size of the hankies, cut this row of sewn hankies into strips. My strips are 2 3/4" wide, they can certainly vary though, it will just add more interest! So, now the fun part! Repiece these strips, mix it up.....lots of movement going on now! The seams were finished with a feather stitch and the scallop and lace edges on the sides. So dang CUTE! I used the leftover strips to finish off some of the bottom edges and some to make the waistband. Insert bias tape ribbon through the waistband and voila!