Two Ways to Make Fabric Flowers

I recently posted about a baby shower I planned where we made fabric flowers for both mama and baby to wear on headbands, hair clips, clothes or accessories. I prepped various colors of fabric for two styles of flowers. We mixed and matched colors, sizes and adornments for the centers. Now she has several color options and styles to match to different outfits!

I was surprised at how quick and easy they are to make! Below are the tutorials for each type of flower in case you want to make your own.

Tip: To have a variety of fabric options and make it cheap, shop thrift stores! I found several clothing items at $1.00 or less (mostly 25 cents) so I could have a lot of colors without spending a ton of money. Just be sure to wash everything before you start crafting!

T-Shirt Flower

Supplies:
T-shirt material
Cardstock (optional)
Sticky Felt
Matching thread
A button or pearl
Scissors

Instructions:
1. Determine the final size of the flower you wish to create. Usually 2-3 inches wide is a good size.

2. Make yourself a flower-shaped template out of cardstock (optional). The diameter of the flower should be the size you picked in step one. Make it easy and cut a simple flower shape with five or six petals.

3. Use this template to trace flower shapes onto your t-shirt material (or you can hold the two together and cut around the template).

4. Cut at least 6 flowers out of your material. (You can add more if you'd like!)

5. Lay one of these flowers flat on the table.

6. Pick another one and fold it in half. Then lay it on top of the first flower. Align the outer edges of the flower.

7. Do this three more times around the flower, placing each layer over half of the layer below it. Your layers should look like a pinwheel, or box fold. (See photos.)

8. Starting back to front, sew a single stitch in each layer, as close to the center as possible. Do not cut your thread.

9. Fold the last flower shape in quarters (in half and then in half again).

10. At the folded corner, sew a stitch to attach it to the center of your flower. At this point, you may choose to add one or two other quarter-folded petals.

11. Choose a button or a pearl and sew it into the center of the flower. You may need to play with your petals and folds to find the center and make it look the way you want.

12. Tie a knot in the back of the flower and cut your thread.

13. Cut a small circle of sticky felt and attach it to the back of the flower.

14. Glue your flower to a barrette, or attach it to a safety pin.
 
(Note: I glued a piece of felt onto the sticky felt in a way to make a "pocket" for a plastic headband or hair-clip to slide through. This option makes the flower more versatile.)


Satin Flower

Supplies:
Satin material
Cardstock (optional)
Sticky Felt
Matching thread
A button or pearl
Scissors
Candle
Cup of water

Instructions:

1. Determine the final size of the flower you wish to create. Usually 2-3 inches wide is a good size.

2. Make yourself circle templates out of cardstock (optional). The diameter of the largest circle should be the size you picked in step one. Make five or six circles of decreasing size.

3. Trace circles onto your chosen satin material and cut them out.

4. In each circle, cut 4 or 5 slits about half-way to the center of the circle. (See photo.)

5. Using a candle (with a cup of water next to you), carefully and slowly "burn" the edges of the circles. Do not put the fabric into the flame - just hold it above until the heat causes it to melt and curl slightly. This will prevent fraying and create a pretty flower petal shape.

6. Layer each of your flowers on top of each other.

7. Starting back to front, sew a few stitches in the center.

8. Choose a button or a pearl and sew it into the center of the flower. You may need to play with your petals and folds to find the center and make it look the way you want.

9. Tie a knot in the back of the flower and cut your thread.

10. Cut a small circle of sticky felt and attach it to the back of the flower.

11. Glue your flower to a barrette, or attach it to a safety pin.

Sorry I don't have a final photo of the satin flower! For more tutorials, visit Skip to My Lou (where I got my inspiration)!

Enjoy your flowers!