Level: Intermediate
Time: 3 hours

Make a cute top from grandma’s vintage handkerchiefs and a purchased tank top. Use diagonally cut vintage handkerchiefs to make sleeves. They may be made layering two handkerchiefs for a double sleeve or use one for a single sleeve. Embellish the top with a bow made from cutting a center strip from the handkerchief or cut small embroidered flowers from the handkerchief and glue or heat fuse to the tank top (stitch to reinforce). The top may also be embellished with sequins, beads, buttons, etc.

Janome Supplies Required
• Any Janome machine
• Straight stitch foot
• Bobbins
• Universal Needle size 14
• Any Janome Serger machine (optional)

Fabric and Notions Required

• 2-4 Vintage Handkerchiefs
• Purchased tank top
• All purpose sewing thread, to match fabric and buttons
• Fabric glue or heat bond material such as wonder under
• Pins
• Fabric Scissors
• Washable marking pencil (optional)
• Iron
• Ironing board

Cutting Instructions
1. Steam press the handkerchief and fold it in half diagonally. Press flat.
2. Lay handkerchief folded on the diagonal out on the cutting table and measure about 1” -1 1/2” and mark a straight line.

3. Cut along the line. You will now have 2 triangular pieces and 1 long strip.

4. Cut the strip in half lengthwise to make 2 long pieces

5. If you are making layered sleeves repeat step 1-4 with another handkerchief.

Sewing Instructions
1. The long strips that were cut from the folded handkerchief will be used to embellish the top. The edges may be finished with a narrow hem, serged or left raw. This is a design choice. Set the strip aside.
2. If you are making a double layer sleeve take the two triangle pieces and stack, placing the top triangle above the bottom layer 1/2”-1” above to show the color and pattern. Sew the two triangles together using a straight stitch or serging along the top edge. Set aside.
3. Take the long strips and layer them on top of each other and place them around the bottom front left strap of the tank top. Leave the tie lengths even and loose. Pin in place.

4. Straight stitch along the edge of the armhole only to attach the tie to the top.

5. If there are small embroidered flowers on the strips, you may want to carefully cut them out with embroidery scissors and use them to embellish the tank top by gluing them or fusing them in various places. Hand stitch the embellishments for a stronger hold.
6. To make the sleeves pin the top edge of the triangular pieces of handkerchiefs around the armhole under the right side edge seam of the tank top’s armhole, lining up the center of the handkerchiefs with the top of the shoulder.

7. Straight stitch around armhole right side edge.
8. Repeat steps 6-7 for the other sleeve.
9. Tie the strips to make a bow.