An easy design for a very pretty handkerchief.


The effective design on this handkerchief is achieved by withdrawing linen threads, then working the lines in hem stitch.

Finished size: approximately 29 x 29cm

Stitches: hem stitch.

You'll need
30cm square of handkerchief linen
DMC stranded embroidery cotton in white
Crewel needle size 9

Here's how
Step 1 To ensure that the handkerchief is square and on true grain, measure each side and withdraw one or two threads from each side as the cutting line. Measure 1.5cm in along each side and withdraw two or three threads for the hem stitch line.

Step 2 Refer to the design.



In one corner measure 2.5cm in from each side and remove three threads from A to B, C to F, A to C, B to E, leaving enough of the thread to enable you to weave the ends back through the material for four or five threads. This will produce a square 3 x 3cm with D to E and D to F extending 1cm beyond the corner.

Step 3 Measure 1.5 cm from each side of the square to find the centre G and remove three threads from G to H and G to I.

Step 4 Complete the corner design by working hem stitch along each of these lines, with one or two strands of cotton. Work the hem stitches around four threads and four threads below where the threads are pulled out.



Bring needle up on upper fold of hem and secure with a back stitch.



Collect number of threads required from right to left.



Wrap thread around bundle of linen threads again.



Pull thread tightly.

Step 5 Carefully press the hem in half. Baste if necessary, making sure the hem is even in width and hem stitch into the hem stitch line.

Source: Beautiful Embroidery (Murdoch Books)