Fabric Floral Accents {DIY Tutorial}

Don’t we all have those random things in our house that could use a little something extra? Maybe some sparkle, maybe some ribbon or maybe a cute, fabric flower to make it feel “new” again.

That was the case with a pillow I had on hand from an estate sale. I bought this pillow for about $1 because I loved the fall colors/look to it, but it still felt dated and boring to me. So, I added a floral accent to it, as you can see above. And I’m going to show you how you can make one, too.

I got the idea and the template after coming upon this tutorial over at Jones Design Company. It is simple, quick and could be totally free since you likely have the materials on hand.

Supplies

-Fabric (I would say about 1/4 yard should be more than enough) A heavier weight fabric might be good- I used a silk-ish material and it makes for a floppy flower, but I like it that way.

-Scissors

-Template

-Needle & thread

-Decorative accent for the middle (button, pin, crystals, etc.)

First step: print the template and cut out your petals. I cut 4 of the larger petals and 3 of the smaller ones.

Then you stitch the center of each petal so it looks pinched. I have no idea how to sew, at all, and it still looks good.

Once all 7 of your petals are cinched/pinched/sewed in the center, you stack them. All the large ones go on the bottom and then the smaller 3 go on top.

Then you sew them all together in the center of the flower. If it looks like a hot mess (mine did!), do not worry because your center accent will cover it up.

Then you just attach it to your pillow and you’re done!

I love the frayed edges. I didn’t worry about it being perfect.

Now my pillow doesn’t look so frumpy anymore, and it looks great in any room of my house this fall. Next time you see a pillow that looks like it has some potential, just think about this easy, DIY flower project. In less than 20 minutes you’ll have yourself a chic, handmade piece. There is also a smaller template that would be great for headbands, brooches, etc. (which also make great, inexpensive gifts!)

If I can do this, you can, too.

What do you think? Is there a pillow in your house that could use a fancy flower?

Don’t forget to tell me about your design woes to enter for a chance to win a box full of my BlogHer 11 swag! There’s some awesome stuff in it.

I’ll be back tomorrow with another crafty tutorials and later on this week I’ll have some more Harry Potter cocktail party ideas. You don’t want to miss it!