How to make a fabric flower like my mom taught me + 10 ideas for using fabric flowers

Making fabric flowers is a quick and easy craft. My mom taught me how to make them when I was younger and they are a fun way to dress up headbands, presents, and decorations. They are also a great way to use up old fabric scraps!

• Fabric (scraps are fine)
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Cut the fabric into a rectangle. The length of the rectangle will determine how many "petals" the flower will have.

Thread your needle and start threading a straight stitch along the side of one edge of the fabric. When you reach the end, stitch along the adjacent end about an inch. Then, turn the fabric and do a straight stitch back. Once you reach the side you started from, make one stitch in the opposing direction and start the process over. You will make a U shape with the stitches (see picture).

As you complete your U- shapes, start pulling at the thread to bunch up the fabric. The U's are pulling together to create the petals. It is easiest to pull up the thread as you go as opposed to waiting until all of your U's are complete.

Once you've finished creating and pulling your U's your flower will have taken shape. Sometimes it is helpful to make a stitch to connect the starting end and finishing end of your fabric together to close any gaps.

The shape of your flower will change depending on the length of fabric, texture of fabric, and length of your stitches. Try some variations out and have fun!

Not sure where to put your new fabric flowers? Here are some ideas for items to dress up with your flowers.

• Flip Flops: See Tutorial
• Headbands- Include a fabric flower or two on an existing headband. Or, create your own headband by cutting some stretchy fabric or elastic to the size of your head and gluing or sewing the ends together.
• Bags/Purses- Add a couple of fabric flowers to your purse or handbag to dress it up.
• Belts- Fabric and elastic belts are a great place to include fabric flowers for an updated look.
• Necklaces- Create a new necklace by adding fabric flowers to a beaded strand. Or, use a ribbon cut the length of your desired necklace and tie the ends at your neck. Attach fabric flowers for a fun look!
• Shirts- Fabric flowers make great embellishments on plain t-shirts and tank tops. Designer versions can cost $40+ dollars in stores. Save big by making them at home!
• Baby Shower Gifts- Dress up and personalize any baby shower gifts with cute fabric flowers.
• Hair clips- Glue fabric flowers to an old, plain hair clip for an updated look.
• Presents/Gifts- Add some fabric flowers to your wrapped presents for a dramatic effect.
• Centerpieces- Create beautiful centerpieces by arranging fabric flowers in your color palette.