Chinese Handkerchief Tricks

Hypnotized Handkerchief

• The Hypnotized Handkerchief trick appears to be a handkerchief standing up without any support. In reality, the handkerchief actually stands on its own, but the magic is in the mystery. The key is for the magician to have a stiff, ironed handkerchief handy. Spread out on the table, and then hold the center and stand it up. When you move your hand away with a magical wave, the handkerchief will stay standing on its four corners due to the rigid material.

Make it Fly

• The Make it Fly trick requires the most practice. Hold the handkerchief in both hands to the left side of your body, and with one, quick, fluid motion, flick both wrists so the handkerchief "flies" across your body to the right. Swoop your right hand over the cloth and catch mid-flight. If you get the toss just right, the handkerchief appears to dart across the room like an arrow.

The Disappearing Knot

• To do a disappearing knot trick, using two silk handkerchiefs, take the corner of one and twist it. This will look like the first knot. Then, make a single knot using the corner of the second handkerchief, around the twisted corner of the first. The twist prevents the knot from coming undone when you hold just one of the handkerchiefs, but a toss in the air or shake brings the handkerchiefs apart easily.

The Houdini

• To escape from having your wrists tied together, try the Houdini. Wrap a handkerchief around your left wrist, putting your right wrist on top of it. Then take the two dangling ends and have a volunteer tie a knot on top of your stacked wrists. While you quickly turn around, push your right hand to the right and your left hand in the opposite direction. This will easily free your hands.