DIY Fabric Flowers Shabby Chic style
Learn how to make Shabby Chic Fabric flowers without the boutique price! These easy DIY Fabric Flowers can be used for a dress, as hair bow accessories for girls and women, jewelry, brooch pins, or even a bag accessory! Easy to make in under 30 minutes, and can be customized based on your fabric choice!
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Fabric flowers are an incredibly easy sewing craft that is great for any beginner. They are sewn by hand, not a clunky machine. And only require a few basic stitches. Basically, if you can sew on a button, you can make these fabric flowers!
They make stunning fashion accessories that can be used for dress embellishments, brooch pins, headbands, hair clip accessories for little girls and babies, fabric flower necklaces, hat accessories, and even for totes, bags and purses. There are so many fun and creative fashionable ways to use a shabby chic fabric flower.
These are also very popular with teenage girls who want a hand in creating their fashion style. Let them mix and match fabrics and buttons and create something that is completely and uniquely them.
These DIY fabric flower fashion accessories also make amazing gifts for little girls, easter basket fillers, stocking stuffers, gifts for new moms of baby girls, your daughter’s girlfriends, and even teachers.
Before I began Busy Creating Memories, I was known for creating boutique fashion hair accessories. I used to make them for my daughter and sell extras on my Etsy page under the name JadeLouise Designs.
After I developed carpel tunnel I found I wasn’t able to keep up with the demand and could no longer sell boutique style hair bows and crochet items. Now I can only sell my crochet patterns, Mug Designs, and some art on Etsy.
But I still love creating boutique styles when my hands allow. And my girls LOVE to wear them. So I wanted to share with you some of the tricks of the trade so you can make them for your own family! Your daughters may not realize it just yet, but give them a few years and they will be so proud to say “My MOM made it for me! Isn’t she awesome?!”
Fabric Flower Cloth Choices
The biggest challenge of these DIY Fabric Flowers is simply selecting your fabrics. You can have all one fabric pattern, or you can mix and match different fabrics.
These shabby chic fabric posy flowers are also great for using up scraps of fabric. If you sew and have left over cloth scraps you can make these to match any outfit you sew!
In our Patriotic flower hairclip, I used all the same US Flag patterned fabric to make it patriotic.
I have also mixed and matched satin with lace. Or burlap with lace. I even use lace with cotton and netting.
You can use any fabric of your choice and make it fit any holiday, wardrobe, or even a special occasion like a wedding (think lots of chic lace and satin)!
This time I’m using three different green St. Patrick’s Day fabrics so my girls have something green to wear on St Patrick’s Day.
Supplies Needed to Make Fabric Flowers
- 6 squares of fabric ( 4X4 inch squares) We will be cutting these up into different sizes.
- Clover Small and Medium Flower Frill Templates
- Needle
- Spool of thread in a matching color to your fabric when possible.
- Cover Button tools set
- Extra small strips of fabric for Cover Button
- Backing of choice- lined alligator hair clip or brooch pin, etc. (Optional)
Note: The flower frill templates package allows you to make both 3″ and 4″ flowers and these turn out great for hair accessories. They also have a large template for 5-6″ flowers and a small template for 2-2.5″ flowers.
How to Make Fabric Flowers
You can make these shabby chic posy flowers in many different sizes, but I love the 3-4″ style so that’s what I’ll be showing you today.
Cut the Fabric
Cut out 6 squares of fabric that are 4X4 inch squares in your choice of fabric.
Use the Medium sized Clover Flower Frill templates to cut each fabric square into a fabric flower shape.
To use the template: fold the square of fabric in half and fold the template over it as well. Then follow the dotted line marks on the template and keep folding as the template illustrates. Always make sure the fabric stays tight against the creases and even. Cut slightly above the curve of the template and trim off the excess fabric. Be careful not to cut the template.
Unfold and withdraw the fabric and continue cutting your squares until you have 6 cut out flower fabrics. You can mix and match patterns all you want. I did two of each of my three fabrics.
Create the Fabric Petals
There are multiple ways you can fold and lay the fabric flower cutouts when building your shabby Chic fabric flowers. It all depends on how fluffy you want it and on the texture of the fabric.
Fabric Petal Folding method #1:
Start with two fabric cutouts and lay them flat, one on top of the other.
Fold the remaining fabric cutouts in half, with the pattern on the outside. Then layer them as you would fold a cardboard box; overlapping them with one end under and the other on top of the next layer.
Then hand stitch in the center to connect each petal to the base petals.
Tie off on the backside and trim the thread.
Fabric Petal Folding method #2:
Start with two fabric cutouts and lay them flat, one on top of the other.
Working one at a time, fold all the remaining fabric petals in half. Then fold in half again. This will leave you with a heart-shaped fabric petal. This is one less foldover from when you were cutting the pattern out. So that might help you picture how it should be folded.
Center the tip of the fabric petal heart in the center of the 2 base petals. Hand stitch a very simple up/down stitch, connecting each end of one petal to the next, while also connecting them to the base petals. It doesn’t take much.
Stitching Tips: You want to keep the stitching as close to the center as possible. This will make it really simple to cover up the stitching with the embellishments. It will also allow your flower petals to fluff more and have more dimension.
I usually use Folding method #2 the most because it is easy, yet also results in a nice fluff of the petals. However, if the fabric doesn’t give enough fluff or lay right, I will use folding method #3.
Fabric Petal Folding method #3:
Lay out two fabric cutouts one on top of the other for the base.
Fold the petals in half just like the other methods. But now with the crescent shape, you take the two outside edges and fold them in towards the center of the inside of the first fold, as though you are tucking the tip up under the center “heart shape” of the petal.
You don’t end up with a perfect tip in the center like the other methods, but they will still line up well together.
With this 3rd folding method, I have to stitch each petal on, one at a time, instead of folding them all and then doing all the stitching at once. Simply because they don’t stay folded on their own.
So I fold one up, place it onto the base, and hold it in place while I quickly stitch the corner into place on the base flower petals. Then I fold the next petal, place it, and stitch it in place, then add the next petal and stitch; slowly working my way around the circle. By the time I’m around to the beginning you have to refold in the unstitched half of the first petal to finish off the last petal stitch.
This method takes a little more effort, but it gives a bit more dimension and fluff to the petals when you have a more flimsy fabric that doesn’t like to give a 3D effect.
Make the Button Center
If you have a good cover button tools pack it gives step-by-step instructions on how to cover the button with the fabric. You can use the same fabric as the petals or pick a completely different fabric to make it stand out more.
I recommend using two layers of fabric if your fabric is light. I found lighter fabrics can sometimes show the silver button underneath after very light use. But it all just depends on the fabric.
Once you have a button center; sew it onto the center of the fabric flower just as you would sew on any regular button.
If you happen to get a flat back cover button, use hot glue to glue it into the center of the Fabric Flowers.
Finishing Touches
The finishing step depends completely on how you plan to use your fabric flowers. You can attach them to a lined alligator clip for a hair clip. Or attach a brooch pin clip. Or you can sew or glue them onto a headband, bag, tote, purse, or dress. You can even attach them to a handmade necklace.
A brooch pin allows you to wear them on a shirt, or attach it to a purse, diaper bag or other decors. You can also attach them to paper crafts!
Fabric Flower Alterations:
Want something a little more your style? Change up the centers and get a completely different look! You don’t HAVE to use a fabric-covered button.
Use different jeweled buttons, mini faux silk flowers, or even earing and necklace charms! Trim up the wires a bit and add a little silk flower for diversity!
Really, you can be as creative as you want. That’s what makes these DIY Fabric Flowers so much fun. Once you have the basic pattern for the flower base, you can jazz up the Shabby Chic Fabric flower to fit your personal style.
Can I Sell it?
Let’s talk about sharing the love of handmade creations! This tutorial is meant to inspire you to craft beautiful fabric flowers. You’re welcome to sell your own unique creations you make using these instructions at craft fairs, fundraisers, or even your own Etsy shop. That’s the beauty of handmade businesses!
Here’s the key thing to remember: Copyright protects the original design and instructions. So, while you can sell your finished flowers, please don’t copy and sell the tutorial itself. Also, it would be fantastic if you could mention where you learned this technique, by giving credit back to this website. Every visitor helps keep this platform running and inspires more creativity!
How would you use these Shabby Chic DIY Fabric Flowers?
Remember to pin this Easy DIY Fabric Flowers to Pinterest!
Use the share buttons on the side or bottom of this page.
I love this! I think even I might be able to make this and would be a great addition to a St. Patrick day wreath.
I love these! You make it look so easy!
I would definitely wear one of these myself and give one to my Mom for her to wear–she could probably make one of these (or could have when she was younger)–me–well lets just say I am the biggest klutz you will ever meet when it comes to crafts!! I will definitely be checking out your Etsy store!
Those are SO cute! And pretty simple to make. I’ll have to try them out!
Wow, are those ever adorable!
Super cute, love it!
Those are so pretty. However, I doubt I could make them even with your great tutorial. I am just not crafty at all.
These ar so cute!! I’m thinking of making some for Day of the Dead with little button skulls in the middle. Thank you!
These are so cute! Thanks for the step by step tutorial! I have been wanting to find some cute crafts to try!
Love these! What a great accessory for St. Patrick’s Day. Too cute!
These are absolutely adorable, but I’m horrible at crafts. Don’t let me have a pair of scissors, because I’ll be missing a few fingers…Yes, it’s really that bad! lol
I’d wear it for the whimsy of it. It’s sooooo cute!!!!
I have never seen fabric like that, it’s really cute. I think that I would wear something like that. Very unique.
Your bows are always so beautiful! I really need to play with some my fabric and make some for my niece. My mother used to make so many when I was a girl and bows are just so hard to find – especially seasonal ones!
These are super cool and easy! I am going to show my girls!
How stinkin cute!!!!!! They really don’t look hard to do at all! I wish I had a girl so I could get into all these adorable little fashion trends!
How cute are these?? I could totally see them as a wreath embellishment.
I’ve used them in wreaths, and hair bow holders too! They are fantastic for embellishing other things.
I’ve never seen that type of fabric before. Do they sell it in places like Jo-Ann’s or is it an online thing through Amazon or somewhere like that.
That is what I forgot! Shoot! I got these three fabrics at Walmart. They were around $4/yard, but I got 1/4 yard of each and have made 4 and still have plenty fabric left for a lot more. This is the first year I saw fabric like this at Walmart.
So cute- you are very talented!
Oh I just got home and I can’t wait to check it out this weekend! So excited for you!!! xo
Oh my!!! These are super cute!! Love em! I want one for myself!!! lol 😉 Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day!
Those are soooo cute. Definitely something I would wear with pride.
Those my dear are precious and look fairly easy to make. I just wished I had the time and patience. This is something my mom would love to make for her great grand daughters. You did an awesome job explaining the instructions!!
SUPER cute! Found you through the Pinteresting Weekly Hop and wondered if you’d like to be a contributor on a Pinterest Recipe Board Swap I have?
This is really cute, I’d put one on my purse strap!
These are absolutely adorable! I wish I had any crafting talent and was able to do something like this. Looks great in the red hair btw.
thank you for sharing, this would be awesome as a flower hairclip too. I so am going to try to make one, thank you for the template!
What an adorable craft idea for the upcoming holiday! I am so happy to say I just got myself a button covering kit and now have another reason to use it. Did you buy a quilting pack of holiday fabrics? Thanks for the inspiration.
These are lovely. I really need to get into more crafting. I’m going to check out your store too. Pinned these onto my craft board.
Those are absolutely gorgeous!
Dawn
Ohh wow what a cool idea! I will try this one day.
these are so pretty! I would love to make some, great job!
I pinned this in another group but I wanted let you know how Sweet I think It is!!
They are adorable! My girls would love them!
These are adorable. My granddaughter isn’t quite ready for hair barrettes and the like. She’s two so as soon as I get something in her hair she pulls it out. I can’t wait until I can fix her hair =D
This is such a cute idea! I’d really like to try to make one in time for St. Patrick’s Day! It’d be fun to add that little touch of green in such a stylish way. Thanks for the easy-to-follow tutorial on how to make one.
I would wear it definitely! I also think this would be a great craft for any holiday with a little modification and a great use for the fabric scraps that I always seem to have piling up!
I would absolutely wear one and make matching one’s for my daughters! What a fun activity we could all do together. I’ll have to get the Cover Button tool set but they look pretty affordable 🙂
How fun, thanks for sharing and walking us through. Looks a lot easier then I imagined it would be!!
These are so appealing and this tutorial makes it less intimidating to try!
This looks so easy and I love St. Pattys Day! Perfect craft!
Your tutorial makes it looks fairly simple. I think my Mom would wear that either as a broach or in her hair.
Those are just adorable and seem pretty easy to make. My daughter would absolutely wear thees although I would not.
I would totally wear one! They are SO cute. If I had daughters, we would have matching ones! I love them. Seriously – they are really cute.
I love this! You are so creative.
i wish a I had a talent to this kinds of projects so cute and fun.
You are seriously inspiring me to want to get out all of my craft boxes down from the attic and start creating fabric flowers like I use to when I had an Etsy shop. Great St. Patty’s pattern. Thanks for sharing.
I have never seen these before. I think they are adorable. If I had a daughter I would definitely get one for her. I am not sure I would have the patience to try to make one myself, although it looks fairly straightforward.
Those are really pretty! I wish I was more crafty.
This is adorable! I love the St Patty’s fabric and think it would be fun to use all kinds of fabric for other occasions! Thanks so much!
Oh my goodness! These are so awesome, and you are so very talented. I’m going to pin ASAP.
I wouldn’t wear one, but I definitely would put a couple in my daughters hair. These would be so cute on her for St. Patrick’s Day!
That is an easy craft and looks like it hard. I like those. 🙂 These are great!
Great St. Patrick’s Day craft. The more green you can wear the better 🙂
These are so stinkin cute! Times like this I wish I had a daughter. I guess I could bribe one of my boys into wearing it. Although Daddy might protest.
Ooh, these are so cute! Not my style but they are cute nonetheless.
These are wicked cute! I really want to make a few of these – and switching out the fabrics I could make them for other holidays as well. Thank you for the great tutorial – off to Amazon I go!
Those are such a cute way to wear green for St. Patrick’s day!
These are SO cute!! You are so talented, Jade. I am so untalented!! I wish I could do stuff like this!!
Those look so adorable. I wish I was more crafty.
very cute, those would be adorable on a headband too!
These are just too cute! I love using hair accessories but have never made them seasonal before!
Ah, this is so cute! I need to make a headband for my girls. Thanks for the great tutorial.
Love Love Love this! You did such a great job on the tutorial. Might just have to try this!
Yes, I would definitely wear one. Those are so super cute.
I LOVE THIS!!! What a fun and awesome tutorial.. thanks for sharing, sooo gonna make these for my daughter
Those are gorgeous!! Bookmarking to make some for my grand daughter. Your clear instructions will make it so easy to follow, thank you!!
I don’t have boys but my nieces would love these. Awesome tutorial.
Oh my goodness… how cute are those and they look so easy to make. Thank you so much, I just may have to try to make these for my girls.
Are those the cutest little things ever?!?!? OMG you made it look so easy, too! What an excellent tutorial.
Super adorable! I have a 12 month old daughter who won’t wear bows or headbands for anything, but that doesn’t stop mama from trying 😉
I absolutely love these! I wish I was crafty like that so I could make some too! I pinned this to my DIY board!
This is awesome. My 9 year old daughter wanted to buy a cheesy looking headband she saw at the store and I said no because she could easily make one. Great tutorial!
These look so nice and easy to make. What a festive way to celebrate St. Patty’s Day.
How cute! I wish I was crafty enough to make these ! They would be perfect to sew on my daughters St. Patty’s day shirt!
Those are so cute!! I wish I had your talent for crafting. I try and do okay with VERY simple things. Eventually I’ll be brave and try some harder crafts.
These are seriously super cute. I’d attach them to a bag or pin it to my LOs hair. LOVE.
These are really cute i love them,Thank you for sharing this is something i am going to bookmark. 🙂
I would totally wear something like this! Too cute! Happy St. Patty’s 🙂
I would definitely wear one of these. It’s a beautiful way to protect against St. Paddy pinches!! lol
These are super cute! And I love that they are easy to make!
That’s so pretty! I love how it looks – I wonder if I could make mini sized ones? They would look very cute.
Actually, yes you can make a mini sized one. You just need to get a smaller Clover Flower Frill templates , then you can make them as small as I believe 2″
How sweet are they! I would never have thought they would be made so simply 🙂 x
Those are really cute. I just don’t have the patience or talent for that sort of thing.
These are adorable Amber!!! Pinning!!!
I make hair accessories but only for my girls. I like your step by step tutorial. It is easy to understand. I have tons of scrap fabric. I think I will make some of these fabric flowers.
I’ve seen these flowers before but they are very very cute with the St.Patrick’s Day fabric you’ve chosen. Adorable!
I like the fabrics she chose as well. It looks great with her hair too!
Oh my gosh those are way cool! I totally want one!
I love how you combined the different prints! That turned out so pretty!
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know I am sharing your wonderful post in my 100 Something Green St. Patricks Day RoundUp http://wp.me/p466oG-11f with a link back to your original post plus pinned to my St. Patricks Day Board! Have a terrific weekend!
Cathy from APeekIntoMyParadise.com
Oh Thank you Cathy! What a great collection! 🙂
these would make cute hair bows for my toddlers
They really do! I have multiple ones that I have made as hair bows for my daughters.