Vintage Valentine Puzzle Handkerchiefs 4

Three Vintage Valentine Puzzle Handkerchiefs

A popular item among vintage handkerchief collectors is something called a Secret Message or Puzzle Handkerchief. Your first impression when seeing one of these hankies might be that the design is a tad askew or just plain strange. When folded, they reveal a hidden message or surprise picture. Unless you know what you are looking at you would likely pass one of these treasures by. I have seven different Valentine puzzle handkerchiefs in my personal collection. Following are examples of three.

With Love Vintage Valentine Puzzle Handkerchief

See what I mean about your first impression? Yes, you have some pretty flowers. However, that edging and white ribbon work seems a bit off. Only when folded properly does it reveal its message of love.

Kissing Teddy Bears Vintage Valentine Puzzle Handkerchief

Same thing in this second example…it seems like the artist just couldn’t quite get it together. Click on the picture to zoom in closer and see what is going on inside that little heart.  There are two sweet kissing teddy bears. This artist really was very clever to hide those teddy bears in the flowers!

Bouquet of Flowers Hidden Inside a Valentine Heart Puzzle Handkerchief

This last example could be very easy to miss. One might just see a bouquet of roses and leave it at that. On closer examination you can see the two points that form the point at the bottom of the heart. 

Now  I will show you how to do the fold. They are all similar. Just look for the points you need to match up.

Puzzle Handkerchief Folding Instructions

No 1 – Examine the design and determine the top. Lay handkerchief face up.

No 2 – Fold this one in half (bottom up to top) with right sides together.

No 3 – Fold top half back down on itself at the halfway point.

No 4 – Notice the dips in the hearts. These are the points you will eventually match up.

No 5 – Fold the handkerchief in half again (left to right) toward the inside and back out on itself one-quarter of the way while lining up the center points of the heart. All Done!