Replies

1. 
   jatman | May 14, 2007 05:53pm | #1

   I Charlietuna (love your login name!) - give this website a try.  I'm not sure how a pocket square differs for a tuxedo but this might help you get started anyway:

   http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Tutorials/HOBERHowToMakeAPocketSquare.htm

   Good luck and let us know how it goes, maybe even post a picture?!

   JT

   ETA: I just looked at this website again - he's incredibly detailed with the tie tutorial but doesn't get nearly as detailed with the pocket square, specifically, the size of it - another part of the website indicates that they are 15 inches square but that just seems giant to me for a pocket square.  But I don't want to delete my message to you because the site is pretty interesting and the info about sewing the edges is really good.  Sorry if this is less than helpful!

   Edited 5/14/2007 11:01 am ET by jatman

2. 
   Teaf5 | May 15, 2007 12:12am | #2

   If you are in a town that has a tuxedo rental shop or menswear store, you can check out the samples they have on the mannequins. Last week, while renting my son's tux, the clerks were very helpful and kept pointing out samples of what was available; I'm sure that if you called a tuxedo shop, they could tell you the dimensions for the handkerchief.

3. 
   krichmond | May 18, 2007 07:35am | #3

   Hi Charlietuna:

   I used to work in a tailor shop which also rented tuxedos.  The pocket squares that came with the rentals were simply 8 or 9 inch squares of fabric with serged edges.  We would fold them for the customers and then safety-pin the shape before tucking them into the pocket.  Sometimes the serged edges weren't all that neat, so the little 'triangles' that poked out didn't give the desired effect.  There is a simple alternate method of folding the pocket square that looks quite nice and doesn't rely on the edges of the fabric square to even be finished.  It looks best with fabrics that are softer.  Don't be put off by the length of the following instructions -- it's actually very easy.

   Fold your square of fabric into a rectangle (folded edge at top).  Place one (L) finger at center of folded edge and keep it there thru all steps.  With other hand (R), pinch one corner of (R) lower ege and draw it over to opposite side (L) (this makes a large triangle sitting on top of a small square).  Pinch remaining (R) corner and draw it over to other side (L).  Now bring both corners back to the other (R) side.  Pinch one corner of (L) side and draw it over to the other (R) side (you'll have a large triangle).  Pinch remaining ((L) corner and draw it over to other side (R).  You should have a small triangle now.  Release (L) finger from folded edge.  Grasp top 2 corners of lower edge and bring back to (L) side.  You should have a large symmetrical triangle.  Grasp one corner from (L) side and one corner from (R) side and 'Fluff' them out slightly as you draw them together to overlap in the center.  Grasp the remaining outer corners and draw towards center, fluffing them out slightly also.  The top 2 inches (or so) are the bits that will stick out out the pocket. Experiment a bit to create a pleasing 'pouf' shape - not too flat, not too fluffy - and wide enough to look good in the jacket pocket.  When you are happy with the way it looks, insert a safety pin thru the layers of fabric (about 4 - 5 inches down from top) to hold  the shape.  Insert into pocket to desired depth.  As you can see, the edges don't show at all and don't even have to be serged. 

   Hope this helps.  If you've any questions, please just e-mail me.

   Regards,

   K