Sew Special “Hankie Babies” Pattern for 5 Adorable styles [Jan 01, 1990] Judiann. The tradition of “Hankie Dolls” was quite possibly started by Mothers trying to entertain their children in church. Coins were placed in the hankie and tied with ribbon forming a head. Sometimes this Hankie just hung loose – other times ribbon was tied around corners forming little arms. The ribbons were easily removed when the collection plate was passed.