There are so many ways to make flowers with fabric!
I am going to show you 3 different looks using the same basic technique.
–Supplies–
Needle and Thread
Fabric
Button
Hot Glue Gun
For the first flower cut a strip 1 – 1 1/2″ wide and the length of the fabric long (about 44″ long)
I cut the edge of one side with pinking shears. This will help the edges not fray and also give the flower a unique look.
On the edge that is not cut with pinking shears take the needle in and out of the fabric. Stitch along the entire edge.
Here is a close up of the stitching.
When you get to the end of the fabric, pull your thread tight. This will gather the fabric.
You can overlap the flower or have it be a single layer.
I overlapped it one time.
When the flower is shaped the way you want it, stitch it in place by taking the needle through the flower and then back through again. Do this as many times as you need to until it feels secure. Then tie your thread in a knot.
With the extra thread I sewed on a matching button. From my Paradise Button Jar. You have GOT to get yourself a few button jars! They are so amazing to have around!
I love the way the pinking shears made this flower look. This flower reminds me of a carnation.
For this flower I cut a piece of fabric to 3″ wide by 24″ long. I did not overlap this flower if you want to do so just use a longer strip of fabric.
Fold the fabric strip in half and stitch along the edge as shown in the first flower. Make sure you always stitch through both layers of the fabric.
Pull your thread tight gathering you fabric. Put the ends together and tuck them in the back.
Stitch the flower together the same as the first flower and sew on a button.
This third flower is the same as the last one except you cut the fabric into “petals” after the fabric strip is folded.
Fold your fabric strip in half as shown above. Cut the strip about every inch or so.
You cut through the fold of the fabric. Leave about 1/4″ so you have room for your stitching.
(I had a picture of this, but it didn’t turn out. Sorry.)
Stitch along the edge and gather as usual.
This flower can have a couple different looks.
If you gather it and over lap it, you can fluff up the petals and give the flower a fuller look.
Spray some Stiffen Stuff over the flower to help it keep its shape. You’ll be surprised how well it stays!
I decided not to fluff up my flower. I glued a rolled rosette to the center instead of a button this time.
For the back of each flower I glued a Felt Circle, a lined Single Prong Clip, and a bar pin.
With 10 Felt Circles for only $1.00, get a pack in every color!
Now I can pin the flower to a bag or shirt or wear it in my hair. You gotta love versatility!
There you have it!
3 different looks with one very easy technique!
If you made it to the end of this post, you get to see another way to give this flower a different look!
This is the same flower as #2, but I sewed along the edge with my sewing machine.
This flattens the flower and also adds detail.
I used a red Bottle Cap for the center. So cute! Bottle Caps also come in a pack of 10 for only 95 cents!! A very inexpensive way to add a lot of character!
11 Comments
I love how the petals look on that green one! All of them are so fun!
I thought the idea of making the slashes in one of the ribbon was great, although I think I would snip it with pinking shears so it wouldn’t shred so much. Thanks for the demo, all good, easy ideas.
Way to go Cherie! I love the cut petal one so clever…
Thanks so much for this tutorial on hair bow flowers. My daughter is expecting twin girls and we hadn’t found any that we wanted to make yet. I was so excited when I saw your post. Your flowers are just what we were looking for and we are going to be making some of your flowers for their first photo shoot. Thanks!
Very very cute! Love these flowers!
Can’t wait to try!
These are so cute!!! You are so amazing! I love all the stuff you teach me to make
I am new to bow making. In reading the directions for fabric flowers you say you can overlap. Does this mean that you cut another strip and place it over the first flower, making layers?
Your directions are great, it’s my brain that is confusing!
Thanks,
Debby
I am new to this site and I have already fallen in love with it. Thank you for your creative ideas and sharing the same with us.
All the best!
Hello, I am not sure what pinking shears is, can you explain that please. Susanne xx
Hi Susanne! This is a great question. Pinking Shears are scissors. Their blades are sawtoothed instead of straight. They leave a zigzag pattern instead of a straight edge. Pinking shears help to decrease the amount of fraying on cloth edges that are unfinished. I hope this helps.