Magic tricks with a handkerchief: crowd-pleasing tricks for parties and performances
Many of you have probably wanted to perform magic at some point, right?
However, card and coin magic require technique, and even if you know the secret, many tricks can’t be mastered right away.
That’s why I recommend handkerchief magic—many tricks can be done as soon as you know the secret!
Since you can carry a handkerchief anywhere, it’s great because you can perform anytime, anywhere.
In this article, we’ll introduce magic tricks using a handkerchief, so be sure to give them a try yourself.
Magic tricks using a handkerchief: 10 crowd-pleasing tricks for parties and performances (1–10)
It can be tied in an instant with one hand.
It’s an amazing magic trick where you tie a handkerchief using only one hand, without using both hands.
The quick, sweeping motion when forming the knot gives it a dynamic feel and really grabs attention.
It’s simple and great for beginners, so give it a try!
Magic where money comes out of a handkerchief
This is a magic trick where you place a handkerchief on your hand, cast a spell, and money—such as coins or bills—appears from a spot where there was nothing.
There are many possible variations, like hiding coins in the shadow of your hand or in your sleeve.
Since having a coin appear just once can feel a bit underwhelming, it’s recommended to also produce a bill for a greater sense of payoff.
Focus on making the appearance smooth so the audience doesn’t realize it’s coming from your hand.
A magic trick where a handkerchief passes through the hand
Here’s a clever magic trick that makes it look like a handkerchief passes through your hand.
First, use a hanger and pliers to create a clamp for the handkerchief, then wrap the hanger with tape that matches the handkerchief’s color to complete the gimmick.
Place the handkerchief into the gimmick, hold the fabric down with your index and middle fingers, and use your thumb and index finger to pinch the protruding end—this makes it look like you’re holding the handkerchief normally.
When you bring the hand that’s holding the handkerchief toward your other hand, release your thumb and wedge the gimmick into your palm—this is the key move.
Slowly let go and gently pull the handkerchief with your other hand, and it will appear as if the handkerchief is passing through your hand.
Finally, have someone place their hand under the handkerchief to block the view as you discreetly remove the gimmick—success!
A magic trick where chopsticks pierce through a handkerchief
I’m going to show you a fun magic trick where you press and stab a pair of disposable chopsticks through the center of a handkerchief.
The chopsticks come out the other side as if they’ve pierced through, but there isn’t any hole in the handkerchief.
It’s a simple trick you can do with just a handkerchief and chopsticks! The key is to use your fingertips to move the chopsticks behind the handkerchief, and to pay attention to your angles so that the audience can’t see the movement as the chopsticks shift around the edges.
This is sure to be a hit at parties or performances, so give it a try.
A larger handkerchief is recommended because it hides the chopsticks more easily.
A coin passing through a handkerchief
It’s a magic trick that’s easy to perform—everything you need is just a handkerchief and a 500‑yen coin.
First, drape a large handkerchief over your right hand and hold the 500‑yen coin in your left hand.
Next, place the coin so your right hand can grab it from under the handkerchief.
Finally, when you pull the handkerchief with your left hand, the coin is firmly grasped in your right hand—like magic.
You’ll wonder, “When did the coin pass through the handkerchief?” but once you learn the secret, you’ll see it’s a simple trick that makes perfect sense.
Practice well and show it off to everyone!
The knot comes undone when you pull it.
This is a popular, beginner-friendly magic trick where a tied handkerchief instantly comes undone.
It may not be very flashy, but if you borrow a scarf from a woman who has one, it’ll likely draw more attention.
The key is in how you tie the knot, so be careful not to tie it incorrectly.
A handkerchief that makes a coin disappear
Wrap a coin in a handkerchief, cast a little spell, and when you unfold it, the coin has vanished.
This trick works by sliding the hollow part created when you wrap the handkerchief, secretly palming the coin in your hand.
As you wrap it, tap the coin to reinforce the impression that it’s still inside the handkerchief.