Wednesday, September 14, 2011

DIY Handkerchief Invitations

While antiquing I always seem to come across the most beautiful vintage handkerchiefs.  Being the shopaholic that I am, I always have a strong urge to purchase the lot but walk away telling myself; what in the world would you ever need 300 mismatched handkerchiefs for?! Well I just found my answer, DIY vintage handkerchief wedding invitations! Hello, amazing! 

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What you will need:
  • Vintage Handkerchiefs
    • They can be any color or pattern. Don't worry about using only blank center handkerchiefs.
  • Lint Roller
  • Iron on Transfers
  • Iron
  • Ironing Board 
  • Scissors or Paper Cutter 

Step 1: Create an invitation template. There are many online sources that you can use, I recommend The Wedding Chicks.

Step 2 :  Print your template onto the iron on transfers. To do this, use the instructions that come with your transfers as a guide. Keep in mind that you may have to invert the image.

Tip: Take into account the size, pattern, and thickness of your handkerchiefs.  A certain iron on transfer may be best suited your handkerchiefs.
  • Avery Brand For Dark Fabric 4x6 has a white background so it can be used on any pattern design and does not bleed. Also, there is no need to invert the template with this brand. 
 Step 3: Prepare your handkerchiefs by washing, ironing/steaming, and lint rolling each one. Next, using a  paper cutter or scissors, trim down your iron on transfers to desired size. 

Tip: If not lint rolled, lint will show up encased in the iron on transfers.

Step 4: Making sure to follow the instructions provided by your iron on transfers, iron transfers onto each handkerchief. 

Step 5: Let cool.

Viola, beautiful and unique wedding invitations that your guests are sure to love!

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Compliments:
Source: Bird and Banner
Source: Cozy Rustic

7 comments:

  1. Thank you so much for posting this. I am planning on doing this for my daughter's first birthday invitations!

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  2. These will make amazing first birthday invites!! I'd LOVE to see how they turn out for you! Have fun, sending birthday wishes to your little girl! :)

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  3. question: are these washable? could they be used to soak up tears during a wedding without leaving black all over peoples faces?

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  4. Hi i wondered where i could go to get the pattern and wording of transfers made for wedding invitations so that i can do them myself? I asked Amy from The Wedding Chicks unfortunately they don't do them. Can you please help as i just love these and have my heart set on them. I'm interested in the first picture you have displayed on your page, the invite which is pegged to the clothesline.
    Thank you very much

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  5. Hi,

    When I iron on the transfer, it leaves a box around the wording and it is not a seamless transfer from the transfer paper to the fabric. Is there a way ti eliminate that waxey looking box from the fabric?

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  6. If the Avery Dark Fabric transfers have a white background, won't they leave an opaque white box on anything that was ironed? Or does the white background turn transparent when ironed?

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  7. Love the wedding handkerchief invite. I love all things wedding, especially custom hankies for such a momentous occasion.

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