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Monday, April 05, 2010

Fabric Flower Tutorial


When I decided to add a big flower to Emily's dress, I searched online for a tutorial. Yes, a bazillion fabric flower tutorials can be found on the web, but I didn't find one quite like the way I made mine. So, ta-da, here is Fabric Flower Tutorial Bazillion-and-One! Maybe somebody will find it helpful. :)


Step #1: Cut fabric into a 2.5" x 45" strip using a rotary cutter.


Step #2: Turn under both short ends and press.


Step #3: Press fabric lengthwise.


Step #4: With a needle and strong thread sew gathering stitches along
the long, raw edge of fabric strip. I used upholstery thread.


Step #5: Pull up gathering stitches, being careful not to twist the fabric strip.


Step #6: Form the gathered strip into a flower.


Step #7: Secure the layers together with a number of stitches.


Step #8: Sew a button, flower, or some other do-dad on the front.
I decided not to use this ribbon rose but used a button instead (next picture).


Step #9: Last step, and I forgot to take a picture of it, but sew a pin-back or a safety pin onto the back. To prevent the flower from sagging, don't sew the pin at center back, but sew it upwards of center.

This could also be made into a hair clip instead of a brooch.



I am very happy with the way this Miss Madeline pattern came out. For it's simplicity and ease of sewing, I think it turned out quite beautiful. I will definitely be make more dresses from this pattern.

happy sewing,

32 comments:

  1. What a cute dress and outfit! The kids look so cute! Love the flower you added! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  2. Darling dress and your dd looks precious. Thanks for the tutorial.

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  3. The dress is beautiful! Thanks for the tutorial. I think I will try to add it to a hair elastic! I'll let you know how it turns out...

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  4. What a cute dress and the flower add the final touch.
    I have seen likea billion tutorials on the flowers also and always thought they were a wee bit complicated for me. your tutorial is easy to understand and the end result is a beautiful flower. thanks for sharing .

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  5. This is so adorable.

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  6. I really like that and thanks for the tutorial.

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  7. Hi Ruth!

    Very cute dress and flower. Love those tights with it!

    You have a $50 gift certificate for my shop waiting for you. I have it closed right now because I have to catch up on my orders, but as soon as it's open, (friday?) have fun shopping! :)

    congrats!

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  8. Like this, cute kids thanks for sharing!

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  9. This is so pretty! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  10. Absolutely DARLING! I just found your blog today - I am now a follower - would love to have you visit my blog too at http://sewnso.blogspot.com

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  11. Thanks for the tutorial! I just made one for my daughter's dress and it worked out great!

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  12. Thanks for the tutorial. These would make a great embellishment for my bags. Will definately credit you're blog when I make one. If you have time please check out my blog, I'm a newbie. Thanks again.
    Kiki
    itssewkiki-kiki.blogspot.com

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  13. The flowers are amazing! Love the tutorial! Very creative blog!

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  14. Hi Ruth!

    I'm a new reader and just saw this tutorial and thought it was the cutest thing ever! i think this would be a great idea for adding onto a simple T or something like that. I really like this idea!!! What type of fabric do you think you should use to make this flower. Are there certain ones that would work better then others?Thanks !!!

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  15. Super cute flower! I'm with ya, I don't like a lot of the flowers out there, or mine never turn out like how they show. Thanks for such great, clear instructions!

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  16. Hi... I'm Pam. I loved your fabric flowers. I linked to it. I've been looking for any kind of sewing tutorials or really creative crafts to show on my blog. Thanks.

    Follow me.
    kirkskornerathome.blogspot.com

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  17. Hi Jessica and Ruth. Loved your tutorial so much I linked to it.
    Check it out here.

    http://kirkskornerathome.blogspot.com/2010/07/sewchic-bazillion-and-one-fabric-flower.html

    Pam

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  18. I came across your blog the other day and read this tutorial. Last night I was wrapping a wedding gift and needed a bow. I dug out some pretty white glittery fabric in my stash and a button and made one of these for the package. Looks GREAT!

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  19. I love what you have done here, and now that you have shown us, I can also do it too! Thank You. Like the previous person who commented, I'm going to make a flower as a decoration for a present because it will add a 'hand-made' touch and will be quick to do.
    Caroline
    I've been looking for some tutorials for my site and will come back if I may.

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  20. Thanks for the tutorial. Been looking for a flower pattern to add to a bag I've made. This is perfect. Will try tonight. Thanks again ^_^

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  21. Thanks for the little flower tut. Sew cute!

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  22. this is great!My grandma does lots of quilting and shes got tons of strips left over. wanted to do something with them. thank!

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  23. Wow, that looks great! I think I'll try that next! :P (I feel like an old lady because I sew.) -.- I'm only 17. XD

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  24. I'm happy to find this flower!!! I'm making a skirt and wanted a rose to put on it ... and this is just what I was picturing. Thanks!

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  25. so beautifull, thanks for you yur tutorial. i will try it.

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    Replies
    1. can we use normal thread and sew it and after tht gather it

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    2. Yes, you can use normal thread, but you may want to double it for strength.

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  26. awesome tutorial. looked through all the other tutorials, none of them had quite the look that i wanted, but yours did!! i see that yall are Christians--yippeeeeeeeee!!! so am i, as if you couldn't tell. God bless you both. He rocks, doesn't He???!!!!

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