11.05.2008

fabric flower tutorial

Many of you asked me where I got the fabric, pattern & flower for this bag.


Fabric: top edge from denyse schmidt and bottom flower fabric from Walmart.

Pattern: from my head which is just swimming with pictures & patterns that I have seen in the countless books, magazines I have or even from women carrying them in stores, restaurants, church etc....


Fabric Flower: from a book that came from my beautiful Grandma Anna. I don't even remember the name of the book, but I do remember the fabric flower.



Here is the tutorial for




anna's flower


Begin by choosing your fabric. One color, two colors --- doesn't matter.






Trace a circle on your fabrics. This one is approx. 4 1/2 in. in diameter.





I usually cut out 4 circles from one fabric and 4 circles from another fabric.




Find the center by ironing a crease down the middle.




And using ruler & rotary cutter, cut down the center of all the circles.





Your half circles.






Fold each half circle in 1/2, wrong sides together.


Sew approx. 1/4 in. seam down the straight edge. Feed all the 'petals' through your machine w/o cutting the thread.




A petal necklace.....



Clip the threads that join these petals. Turn right side out.



Begin Bottom Layer of Flower


Use upholstery thread and stitch a running stitch on the bottom curve of each 'petal'.



Add your next 'petal' with that same running stitch.



Keep adding 'petals' to this same length of thread, alternating the fabric. I use 9 half circles for this bottom layer of the flower.



Pull tightly on the thread to form the flower. Secure with backstitches. Leave a 8 in. tail when cutting thread.

Top Layer of Flower

Repeat steps for top layer of flower as you did with the bottom flower. I use 6 'petals' for the top layer. Leave a 8 in. tail when cutting thread.



Using the 8 in. tail of thread, stitch the top layer to the bottom layer of fabric flower. Do not cut threads. You will use this thread to secure the button.



Use a button for the center of the flower. Fabric covered, or your choice of button/bead etc.



Using the 8 in. tail of your thread, sew button to the center of the flower.



Bring both threads to back, tie knot to secure.

Trace a circle on felt to cover the back center --messy thread part!-- and using fabric glue, attach circle to back of flower. Add a pinback if you choose.


...and you have a

flower from anna's garden.



94 comments:

Jenna said...

Awesome tutorial Dawn. I love how these flowers look and the new bag is beautiful.

willywagtail said...

It is really sweet of you to share this tremendous tutorial with us. Unfortunately DD2 saw it and won't let me make one for anyone else until I make her one. Cherrie

Sally said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you! What a cool tutorial. I have some DGD's who might like a bag with one of those cute flowers...must get crackin' since I've already got things on the list for them for Christmas! Thanks again, Dawn!

ferne said...

This is a great tutorial. Can't wait to give it a try! I love your choices in fabrics in both the flowers and the bag.

Thanks! Ferne

Knot Garden said...

Great tutorial, thanks for posting :) I will be trying this flower.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the tutorial - this is a keeper. I hope to make some of these lovely flowers soon!

Helen said...

Thanks for sharing. Downloaded your tutorial for future use. Can't wait to give it a try. Looks easy and hopefully it is :)

Anonymous said...

great tutorial- I may have to make myself some of these!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

Thank you! I had a fun Birthday. Now it's on to Christmas!
Lindsey

Cathie said...

Thank you!! How sweet of you to post the tutorial for us! I love those flowers and can't wait to make some! (Especially since the shape reminds me of poinsettias! Green and red, here I come!)

Thank again!
Cath

Katie said...

Thank you so much for posting this!! it's SO good, and i've been looking for an amazing flower tutorial for a while now! =] and this has completely done what i needed.
I know what all my friends are getting for christmas this year =]

thank you again
Katie
xX

Willow Grove - Kez said...

OMG. I was wondering how to make these flowers. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all. I'm cant wait for tomorrow to make some. Thanks again for your tut.

Anonymous said...

Ok, so I was looking all day for a cute flower pattern. I made one to go on the bag I just made and it is ADORABLE!!! Ok so seriously I am as beginning as you get to sewing with a machine and even though it was a straight stitch it is still overwhelming. I made one of these flowers going step by step with your tutorial with no problem! Thank you so much, I am psyched at how the finished product looked. The only thing I did differently was I didn't have any buttons on hand and I improvised with a cotton ball and fabric around it. I am looking forward to making many more of these for years to come! You & your fantastic tutorial rock!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your wonderful tutorial. I was searching for days for a flower I liked to put on a bag I am making. Yours is absolutely marvelous and your instructions so clear that even I understand. You are a gem to share this.

LollyChops said...

These are completely amazing!!!!! Thanks for sharing such fantastic directions!

Nicole said...

Wow! I love this! they're soo pretty!

Anonymous said...

Love this! So simple, I think I can do it!!!

Elisa said...

wow how fab! seems like a great way to use some scraps!

<3E

tootsweethandbags.etsy.com

Anonymous said...

I'm going to make some of the flowers but I'm planning to use magnets on the back so I can use them on my dry-erase board in my classroom. Thanks for the great idea!

skinner studio said...

Darling! So sweet and fresh looking! Thank you for sharing!

midnight hysteria said...

this is one of the most clearly written and pictured tutes i have read ... thank you so much for the instructions; i know i can't fail with your pics and words .... darling flowers ... i'm going to make some for my darling granddaughter's purses and hairbows!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the wonderful flower pattern. I have plans to make a bag for my daughter, this flower will be a sweet addition. I can think of so many places to use this flower pattern can hardly wait to get started. I also plan to try a sheer fabric I am so excited. Thanks again. Judy

Crafty Girls Workshop said...

I think I HAVE to make one of these since my name is Anna! It must be fate. Thanks for the helpful tutorial. I found you from the link at Sew Mama Sew.

Anna

Sara said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. I made some for some brooches: http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/3413272501/

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Sogirly said...

Thank you very much for this great tutorial.

Martha said...

awesome tutorial!
Martha

Sandra said...

Gorgeous flowers. Thanks for the tutorial.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the tut. These are adorable!

Unknown said...

Great tutorial! I used these flowers for a play garden for my daughter. They look stunning. Thanks so much for sharing!

Kat said...

Thanks for sharing this tutorial! I've been searching for new ideas to use at a fundraiser I'm taking part in, and these flowers are perfect!

Anonymous said...

Fold each 1/2 circle in half, RIGHT sides together????

Becky DeVries said...

Awesome and easy - also sent a link to a sewing friend. Mine turned out great! Thanks !

denis said...

Great ...Thanks for sharing this tutorial!

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Jess@craftiness is not optional said...

i used your tutorial and totally love it! flower pins for everyone! check out the one I made for my daughter's dress:

http://theadventuresofroryandjess.blogspot.com/2009/10/fall-dress.html

Thanks!

Jess

Anonymous said...

I just came over from Jess's blog and am loving these flowers and your blog!!! I will be back:)

EMM said...

I have just finished my first flower and I'm delighted with it! Thanks for a great tutorial.

Kim @ Life of a Modern Mom said...

Thank you so much for the great tutorial, it turns out adorable. I posted the one I made on my blog today with a link to your tutorial. Thanks Again!
http://lifeofamodernmom.blogspot.com/2009/10/sew-something-saturday_17.html

Maja said...

Hi! Thank you sooooooo much for this excellent tutorial, it was exactly what my new fall handbag needed. I have just posted it on http://caszakreativnost.blogspot.com/2009/10/crna-je-out-rjava-je-in.html and am already thinkig, where to use iz next;) Love you blog!

Greetings from Slovenia.
Maja

Unknown said...

lovely!
we'll be linking!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing this tutorial. I'm going to enjoy making these in holiday colors with repurposed fabrics for holiday gift packages in place of bows. :)
Thank you so much!

~Rita~

Aarti Badamikar said...

this is lovely!!
thanks for sharing :)

Elle said...

I'm very new at sewing, but I think I may take a stab at this project. Very nice flowers!

Elle said...

I've made a couple of flowers I'd love for you to take a look at: http://ellesbeads.blogspot.com/2009/12/update-on-fabric-flowers-and-shopping.html.

I'd appreciate any comments on the post that you can provide. I also linked to your blog and your tutorial. If that is not okay please let me know ASAP and I'll remove the links. I only mention them in a super positive, promotionary light. (Yes I know that's not really a word :)

Sumo @ Sumo's Sweet Stuff said...

What a great tutorial! I'll be featuring this on my blog on January 21st!

http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com

(You will be linked up to your blog, as well as to the specific post!)

echoquilter said...

So glad I found this website. I had been using written directions which were not working out for me. I needed to see the photos!

Kris said...

I Heart this fabric flower. I am so bad at sewing, but I think I can pull this off. :) I am going to try and make one today and post it to my craft blog. I of course will link it to yours! You are so talented, thanks for the tutorial!

CC said...

I love,love,love this flower. Did I say I love this little flower. *sighs..I really do, and can't wait to make some.You've made such a wonderful tutorial that I know I can make these. Thank you so much for doing the tutorial, I can't wait to begin.
p.s. I became a follower of your blog..can't wait to come bach and see more.

Jenn said...

This is awesome, I just made some for a baby carseat cover and linked to you! www.buddhataxi.blogspot.com

Jenn

Rubalcavas said...

I loved this flower. It was fun and easy to do. I made one for a nursing cover. It perked it right up!

Anonymous said...

I just love these fabric flowers. Your tutorial is really helpful. Thanks.

Elisa said...

Very nice tutorial. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Khris said...

I love your flower...I have put a link to you on my freebies blog if that's okay...thanks, Khris

Cyndi said...

I love fabric flowers, and this one is just too cute! I'll be making some of these for my bags, too.

And...your tutorial is wonderfully written; so clear and easy to understand. Thanks so much for sharing!

Cyndi

P.S. I found it through Khris at Freebies for Crafters!

Donna @ Mudpies & Memories said...

Finally, the perfect flower tutorial! I have been looking for a tutorial like yours for days now. Thank you!!!

Anonymous said...

LOVE it!!! Thank you!

Angie - treasuresfortots@gmail.com said...

Love it! Your little flowers came out so pretty! I linked on my Treasures for Tots blog sidebar!
http://treasuresfortots.blogspot.com/

kimbuckjr@yahoo.com said...

I think this is a craft I can actually make. Thank you SO MUCH for all the detail by using pictures and written description for each step you completed. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
God Bless,
Kim Buck @ kimbuckjr@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

This is an awesome tutorial. It has got me a thinkin'!

Lelia said...

Just fabulous!
thx for sharing : )

Jinny Newlin said...

I had so much fun using your tutorial to make my niece a headband. Thank you so much for sharing... and with such great pictures to boot! I'd love it if you'd come check mine out... http://jinnynewlin.blogspot.com/2010/04/fabric-flower-headbands.html.

Allina said...

Beautiful lovely heart wrenching spring flowers. Bring smile on the face of your loved one with flowers from Fleur De Lis!

G33K GODDESS said...

Thank you SO MUCH for this handy tutorial. I am having so much fun making these and they look great!!

Send flowers said...

Nice effort, very informative, this will help me to complete my task

Wendy said...

I have seen so many cute flowers out there but these are among the most simple to make and the most darling!

Pratima Kapoor said...

Great tutorial. Your flower is so colourful and looks so full. i made these with only six petals.I like your idea of using lots and layers of petals and i am going to try out this.
Many thanks again and looking forward to many more beautiful tutorials from you..
Best wishes.

Kat said...

I had to pop over and thank you for the inspiration...this style of flower, while not 100% the same as what I used (I got lazy with a few steps and omitted the machine-sewing parts, opting for a slightly more wasteful version), this tutorial was the direct inspiration for me making ALL the flowers for my wedding!

I used it for corsages: http://momimadethemaquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/more-wedding-stuff.html (also in my etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/53588298/three-flower-corsage-or-boutonniere http://www.etsy.com/listing/54015078/fabric-flower-wrist-corsage)
I used it for bouquets: http://momimadethemaquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/photo-shoot.html
I used it for my flower girl's basket: http://momimadethemaquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/design-takeover-monday.html (http://www.etsy.com/listing/52930216/flowergirl-basket)
I posted a tutorial for how to make these into "real" flowers here: http://momimadethemaquilt.blogspot.com/2010/08/mini-flower-tutorial.html

Thank you for the inspiration! Because of you, no one will have a wedding like mine (unless they commission them from me after the fact LOL!)

Karen Williams said...

These are so cute! I can't wait to try one out - when I have some extra free time.

lvbagmall said...

Usually I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this article really forced me to do so! Thanks, really nice article.

Jenny said...

Great tutorial! I featured you on my blog for all my readers to link to you! Thanks!
http://aworldofcrafts.blogspot.com/2010/10/fabric-flower.html

Unknown said...

this is sooooo cute! Thanks for the tute! :)

Unknown said...

So adorable!!! I do wish you had a Things You Need: (list). To know how much fabric to buy... Looking forward to seeing your other projects!

Tora´s Vintage Dream said...

These are so awesome, I feel like leving my laptop and make a flower:) your tut is so easy to fallow. Thank you for sharing this. :)

KatrinkaJane said...

Absolutely FANTASTIC flower. Thank you to your Grandma Anna!

Sharon said...

Just made a flower from Anna's garden... thanks for the instructions, they worked well and it looks fabulous!

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Maria said...
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Grace Ann said...

Hello! Just letting you know, this flower tutorial has been featured at my blog: WouldYouLikeYarnWithThat.blogspot.com! Thanks!

Unknown said...

thanks SO much for this tute!

Pempek Kaizen said...

hello there im ur new reader from indonesia. really like what u've done,.i also do the same thing (newbee)

thanks for sharing :D

Graphoniac said...

the author of measuringflower.com sent me to this post, and I'm glad she did! I love these little flowers! I made 2 of my own, but I made the mistake of starting with really small flowers...made it a little harder on myself, but I figured it out. Now I have two adorable little flowers made from my daughter's old swaddling blankets--just gotta decide what to do with them! Headband? Add to her quilt? Hat? So hard to decide! :)

Unknown said...
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Eunice Jackson said...

Loved the tutorial, I made one for my Grandmother for British Mothers Day.

logo design said...

Hello ,I made the mistake of starting with really small flowers , I really love the flowers .

saramarie photography and design said...

Thanks for this tutorial! It is so helpful. I have been looking for a really good fabric flower tutorial and will be using this to make flowers for my puppy's collar :) She will appreciate your tutorial, also. Thanks again!

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Lindevrouwsweb said...

You did a great job to show us to make this beautiful flower in an easy way, to make pictures from it! Thank you very much! I like to make one soon and i remind your blog to everyone! I love your blog! I just started to follow you! I invited you to visit my blog www. lindevrouwsweb.blogspot.com. I'm Dutch, but i also understand english!

Em said...

Thank you so much for taking you time and ideas and sharing them on your blog. I wish I was computer savy to share some ideas I have. I love the details and pictures. Words can not express the gratitude I have for creative people like you to show us craft addict's something new and wonderful to make:)! Thanks, Em

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! im doing a wearable art project and these will look just great for my garden idea!

Thanx!

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