Hanky Angels

Handmade Comfort from Handkerchiefs and Angels

Jul 30, 2007 Melissa Howard

Hanky Angels are a great way to use vintage hankies to decorate your home. They are also a great way to preserve the memory of a grandparent or parent after their death.

Materials

vintage hanky
fiberfill
26 gauge wire
E beads
ribbon (or other similar trim)
gold thread
scissors
wire snips
pliers
needle

Instructions

1. Make the bead wings.

Take a piece of wire approximately 24” or longer and thread the beads on it. Use 35-40 beads per wing.
Crease the wire at the mid-point, take the wire ends, and bring towards middle to create the wings (they will resemble a bow, see figure 3)
Wrap the loose wire ends around the middle to help the wings hold their shape.

2. Set aside.

3. Take a small piece of fiberfill and place in the center of the hanky.

4. Fold hanky in half to make a triangle (see figure 1)

5. The bottom point of the triangle will make the skirt of the angel and the two sides will make the wings (see figure 2).

6. Hold the angel just under the head and cross the side points behind the head to make the wings.

Take the point from the right side of the head and move it behind the neck to make the left-hand wing.
Take the point from left side of the head and cross it under and behind the existing wing to make the right-hand wing.

9. Place the bead wings on the chest of the angel in front of the hanky wings (see figure 3).

10. Split the wire.

11. Pull the left hand wire behind the angel and over the angels right wing shoulder and bring to the front. Pull the right hand wire behind the angel and over the angel’s left wing shoulder and bring to front. There should be crossed wires in the back (see figure 4).

12. Cross the wires in the front and then pull them to the back around the angel’s waist. Twist them together. Snip them close to angel and press into the angel’s back.

13. Cut ribbon approximately 24’ long. Start with ribbon at front at the angel’s waist. Wrap to the back, cross over the middle, and bring over wings similar to how you wrapped the wire (The ribbon not only makes the bodice but also covers the wire). Cross the ribbon in the front and wrap around waist so that it meats in front again.

14. Tie into a bow. Cut ends to desired length.

15. Cut a length of gold thread and thread through needle.

16. Run thread through the top of the angels head and tie to create a hanging thread.

Helpful Hints

While the construction of the angels is simple, it does take a little practice to get the knack of making them. Expect to spend a little time on the first angel or two before you are able to start cranking them out.

Angels made with larger hankies or finer weave hankies will have flimsier wings.

More No Cutting and No Sewing Ideas for Handkerchiefs

Make a Handkerchief Bunny to celebrate Easter or the return of spring.

Make a Handkerchief Pocket.

The copyright of the article Hanky Angels in Crafts is owned by Melissa Howard. Permission to republish Hanky Angels in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.