Flower embellishments - Fabric flowers

Today let's make some no-sew fabric flowers!

These are an even easier kind of flower to make, and one with endless variations!  This is a great project for using up some of that scrap stash, and can be a little addicting.  I've had a few "flower parties" where I've gotten together with friends to cut and glue and visit for awhile, and they're so much fun! 


Ready to try?  Let's get started!

1) Gather your materials.  You'll need:
Fabric scraps
Felt
A circle to trace
Marking pen
Scissors (I used pinking shears for   the example, but you can use regular scissors too)
Bar pin
Glue gun
Button (optional)









2) Trace circles onto the fabric and cut them out.   You will need 12 circles of your fabric and 1 smaller circle of the felt.  For this flower I used a cotton print with an overlay of green tulle, so I cut 12 of each.

 3) Fold each circle in half, and then in half again.  If you're using an overlay fabric, like I am, put the 2 circles together before you fold it.

4)  Place a small dot of glue in the middle of the felt circle and place the tip of your folded circle in it.  Repeat that with 3 more folded circles.

5) Start a second layer of 4 folded circles, overlapping the first layer.

6) Take the last 4 circles and fold them the same way.  Now, cut off the tips.  Use 3 to create a third layer, inset from the first 2 (the cut off tip will allow you to to put them closer together.) 

7) Glue the last folded and snipped circle in the very center, then open it up a little and glue your button right in the center.

8) Put a line of glue along the back of the felt circle, and glue on the bar pin.

Step back and admire.   Then go make some more!

Try some variations: 

 Knit doesn't fray, and the edges tend to curl up interestingly.

After you've fold each circle into quarters, round the top corners to give it more of a petal look. 

 

Or, after you've rounded the corners, unfold the quarters and refold them along slightly different lines, to get a little different look.

Use pinking shears to cut the circles, giving the edges a decorative look.

And the list goes on and on - try larger circles, smaller circles, use more to get a fluffier flower, or less to get a flatter one.  What about rhinestones, beads, or old jewelry in the center - whatever you want to try!