I’m 82 years old. I used to hemstitch by hand handkerchiefs for my beloved husband. Using handkerchief linen. Here’s what I learned: Linen is brittle. That’s why a century or so ago we read about “linen presses”. Which were heavy fabric covered pieces of lightboard; sized to the product size(s). These were for smaller pieces-napkins and handkerchiefs laid flat. Larger linens were beautifully ironed(with starch??) were put away rolled; if not directly placed on the bed. However, large homes of the landed gentry had special ways of handling their linens. I learned all this after my husband’s carefully ironed and folded 100% linen handkerchiefs began to break along the fold lines. Also, I was a weaver and studied fibers. Don’t know why I was so surprised when my husband.’s hankies fell apart. I’m 😊 -
I’m 82 years old. I used to hemstitch by hand handkerchiefs for my beloved husband.
Using handkerchief linen.
Here’s what I learned:
Linen is brittle. That’s why a century or so ago we read about “linen presses”. Which were heavy fabric covered pieces of lightboard; sized to the product size(s). These were for smaller pieces-napkins and handkerchiefs laid flat.
Larger linens were beautifully ironed(with starch??) were put away rolled; if not directly placed on the bed. However, large homes of the landed gentry had special ways of handling their linens.
I learned all this after my husband’s carefully ironed and folded 100% linen handkerchiefs began to break along the fold lines.
Also, I was a weaver and studied fibers. Don’t know why I was so surprised when my husband.’s hankies fell apart.
I’m 😊
-
I have not seen this done before! I want to make some napkins with this technique! Thank you very much!
This is beautiful and you made it easy.
Thank you!! Off to the sewing machine I go!!
Thanks!
Great instructional video! Thanks much for sharing your techniques!
Thank you so much ❤
no stabiliser?