Fabulous Felt Flowers

You can create lush tropical foliage, colorful birds of paradise, and exotic ginger blossoms from wool felt. Simple straight stitch sewing creates texture and surface interest on these easy-to-make fabric sculptures that are sure to be a focal point of your decor.

Materials:

Imperial Wool Felt
matching and contrasting sewing thread
1/2" wooden dowels or PVC pipe
22-gauge florist wire
decorative containers
florist foam or pebbles
glue gun
scissors
sewing machine
wire cutters
air-soluble marker

1. Pin together two contrasting layers of felt. Trace or draw patterns for flower pieces onto felt using air-soluble marker (figure A).

2. Stitch along traced lines (figure B).

3. Cut out petals and leaves carefully close to stitching lines (figure C).

4. Apply decorative topstitching lines as indicated on leaves and petals (figure D). Insert florist wires into leaves and petals as necessary (figures E and F).

6. Sew tubes of felt to cover stems (figure G).

7. Use hot glue to attach petals and leaves to stems (figures H and I).

8. Arrange in decorative container using florist foam or pebbles to stabilize.