Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed a makeshift pillow, a quick-dry towel, or even a way to carry your shoes while hiking? A folded jacket handkerchief can be your secret weapon in such situations. This simple yet versatile piece of cloth, when folded correctly, can offer a myriad of uses. Let's delve into the world of origami-like fabric folding with a step-by-step guide on how to fold a jacket handkerchief.
Before we start, ensure you have a square or rectangular piece of cloth measuring approximately 20" x 20" or 20" x 36". If you're starting with a rectangle, it's best to square it off by folding it in half lengthwise first and then chopping off the excess width. Now, let's dive into the two primary ways of folding a jacket handkerchief - the origami fold and the pocket fold.
The Origami Fold
This fold results in a triangular pouch that's perfect for carrying small items or even as a makeshift headrest.
First, fold the handkerchief in half diagonally to form a triangle. Then, fold it again into a smaller triangle by bringing the two points of the base together. You should now have a thin triangular shape.
The pouch
Bring the two sides of the triangle together, creating a narrow strip of cloth. The base of the original triangle should now be visible as the top of your pouch.
You can stop here if you just need a pouch for small items. If you want to create a larger pouch, continue to the next step. Fold the top layer of the pouch outward, creating a larger triangular opening. This will give you a wider and deeper pouch for bigger items.
The headrest
For a headrest, tuck the corners of the larger triangle into each other, creating a square or rectangular shape. Gently mold it into a pillow shape for support.
You can adjust the size and thickness of your pillow by playing around with how much you tuck into each other and how you mold the fabric.
The Pocket Fold
This fold turns your handkerchief into a handy pocket, perfect for keeping your essentials within reach during hikes or adventures.
Start by folding the handkerchief in half horizontally to create a strip. Fold it again lengthwise to create an even narrower strip. You should now have a long, thin piece of cloth.
The base fold
Fold the strip in half vertically to create a loop. You'll use this as the base of your pocket.
Next, fold each side of the loop inward, creating a small pocket. Ensure the edges of the cloth are aligned to create a clean, neat pocket.
The top fold
Fold the top of the handkerchief downward to create a flap that will keep your belongings secure in the pocket. You can adjust the size of the pocket and the flap to suit your needs.
Ensure that the top of your pocket is secured with a simple knot or tuck the excess fabric into the pocket for better stability.
Now that you've mastered these two basic folds, you can experiment with incorporating others into your routine. Whether you use them for quick MacGyver-like solutions on trips or as part of your daily carry, folded handkerchiefs are a fantastic way to maximize the use of a simple piece of cloth. So go ahead, try out these folds, and enjoy the versatility of your jacket handkerchief!