Add a floral touch to almost anything. Fabric flowers are easy to adhere to most surfaces, plus they won't wilt and you can make them in any color or pattern.
Fold the strip of fabric halfway the long way, pretty side out. If you want the finished edge of the fabric to be the top of the flower, gather it so that the bottom is the raw edge. If you want a thready cut at the top (which will give you a nice carnation look), gather the fabric so that the bottom is the finished edge.
Start sewing near the fold or raw edge. Start making long, chunky stitches at the bottom. Put a bunch of stitches on the needle at a time before pulling the thread all the way through, this way the fabric bunches up as you go and keeps it bunched.
When you get to the end, everything should be about a third of the length you started with.
Starting from the end where your needle is, roll the fabric onto itself, stitching as you go. Make a few stitches at the bottom with each roll to hold the fabric in place, and make sure to pull the thread tight. The flatter you keep the fabric, the wider the flower will be and the more petals it will have. When you get to the end, tie a double knot in the thread and cut it.
Pull on the petals to fluff them up. If you like, sew or glue pins, buttons, or jewelry crystals to the middle.
Harlem Logan
Wear and display your beautiful creations. To see more of Ariel's projects, check out Custom Catastrophes.
