Hobbies And Interests
Sunday Toy
Crafted from soft cloth, the handkerchief doll was a quiet "Sunday toy" that made no sound if dropped during church services. Cotton padding placed inside the handkerchief formed the doll's head. However, a resourceful mother or her children's nanny sometimes used a cube of sugar in place of the cotton, according to Historical Folk Toys. A restless child could then suck on the head of the "sugar baby" throughout a long church ceremony and therefore not disturb the congregation.
Construction
A diagonally folded, man's white handkerchief was the basis for the handkerchief doll. Cotton stuffed inside of the center of the fold formed the doll's head, and a colored ribbon tied beneath was the neck. Knotted handkerchief corners, when adjusted to resemble puffed sleeves, simulated the doll's arms.
Face Variations
Some handkerchief dolls were faceless, while others contained prayer faces--closed eyes that were hand stitched onto the fabric. In later versions, colored French knots--decorative stitches looped twice or more around the needle and inserted through the fabric--created eyes and a nose, adding personality to the handkerchief doll.
Updates
The plain look of a handkerchief doll has been somewhat updated over the years. A tea dyed white handkerchief presents an antique look. Two circles of colored lace sewn around the back of the doll's head create a fancy bonnet, says The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' Gospel Library magazine. Bows and lace trim stitched along the bottom of the skirt add elegant detail to the finished handkerchief doll.
Modern Handkerchief Dolls
Handkerchief dolls are still popular with collectors today. Doll enthusiasts sometimes hang small versions of handkerchief dolls on their Christmas tree. What began long ago as a means to quiet children in church now serves as a charming hostess gift and provides a touch of nostalgia to a special occasion, such as a bridal shower, according to Bumblebee Linens.