Miss Beagle's DIY Ribbon Flower Tutorial

Supplies:

-Ribbon (I used 1 1/2" width w/ the wire-lined edges- it stays in place better) OR 44"/45" fabric (I used special occasion fabric).

-coordinating thread -needle -buttons, beads, (or you can just use thread), to use as embellishment

How To:

Thread your needle and tie a knot at one end. Put aside to be used for later.

For Ribbon:

Cut about 22"-24" of ribbon from your spool.

For Fabric:

Fold fabric in half, selvage to selvage. After squaring up your fabric , cut a 1 1/2" wide strip.

Start by folding over the ribbon/fabric on one end to make a pleat like this:

Continue holding the pleat against the edge of the ribbon/fabric with one hand. This will be the center of the flower. Continuing making new pleats towards the center while holding the existing pleats together:

Continue this process until you reach the starting point:

Begin a new row on top of the first row, while continuing to hold the ribbon/fabric together at the center. Pleat until you can pleat no more!...um, or until you have reached the end of the ribbon/fabric:

Collect the threaded ribbon and sew through the middle of the flower, making close, small stitches:

Make sure the flower stays together without having to hold it.

Petals:

To make petals (as I did with my shoe flowers), I just used a small pair of scissors to cut petal shapes into the fabric.  I also sewed a glass-like button to the middle of the flower.

Embellishments:

Add anything else as you see fit :)

Yes this method is very similar to the shoe flowers. I just used fabric strips instead of ribbon for the shoe flowers (which are also going to be used in the bouquets & maybe some of the corsages).  You could also cut the petal shapes out of the fabric before you begin shaping the flower if it makes it easier.

Thanks for posting this. My flowers came out perfect! :D