fabric rosette tutorial extravaganza!

I have been a flower-making fool this summer. Yes, I've been teasing you with them. I've been promising tutorials for months, but honestly, I've been too busy taking special orders for them to actually get something posted! Now that the kids are back in school, I've finally found some time to make good on my word. Over the next few days I'll share tutorials for rosette bracelets, clips, headbands, pin-less corsages, and even a mini class on the very popular bib necklaces using vintage-inspired chains. There I go teasing you again. Today, we start with the basics: How to make a fabric rosette. Warning--you are going to be addicted!

Fabric Rosette Flower Tutorial

Supplies:
*Fabric - I like anything from the special occasion section at the fabric store, but you can also use an old t-shirt, quilting cotton, etc.
*Scissors
*Fabric glue - my fave is Fabri-Tac by Beacon Adhesives. You can find it at JoAnn and other craft/fabric stores
*Optional - beads or buttons, plus needle and thread

1. Cut or tear a strip of fabric 1" wide (tear it for a shabby look). The length of your strip will determine how large or small your flower is. I use about 22" long for smaller flowers, 44" inches (width of fabric) for large, and about 60" for extra large. How loosely or tightly you wrap your fabric will also determine the size.


2. For the center of your rosette, tie a knot in one end of your strip.


3. Dab a little fabric glue on the knot. A little goes a long way.


4. Hold the knot with one hand and twist the strip with the other. As you twist, turn the knot, wrapping the fabric around it. Every 1/4 to 1/2 turn, dab a little more fabric glue to hold it together. (If you're not quite getting the twisting and turning thing, check out my video tutorial of a similar flower here.)




5. Continue twisting, turning, and gluing. Play around with how tightly or loosely you wrap to see what you like best.


6. When you get to the end, leave a short tail.


7. Cover the bottom of the rosette with more fabric glue, then press the tail down on it. This will ensure your rose really stays together.


8. Optional: Using a needle and clear (transparent) thread, sew beads or buttons in the middle.

Okay, raise your hand if you love these! Good. Me too. Now come back the next few days for lots of ways to use these little beauties, like in this gorgeous jewelry below. . .