Fabric Flowers

By Linda Permann

Growing up, I was the youngest of four sisters, and my grandmother sewed us each a dress for every holiday and special occasion. I looked forward to our trips to the fabric store, the multiple fittings, and of course, wearing the end product. As the little sister who often got stuck with hand-me-downs, having my own new dress to wear—made from fabric that I chose—was a special treat. I like to think we would have worn a set of hats like these to go with our dresses if my grandmother had crocheted. 

Make the Flower

Step 1
Fold the fabric strip in a zig zag consisting of nine 2"-wide folds, making sure that folded edges stack on top of each other. You may have about ½" of extra fabric after making the folds—this extra length was for wiggle room. Cut off the extra length of fabric (if any).

Step 2
Beginning at one folded edge, about ½" from straight edge, cut a rounded "m" shape from the fabric—each hump of the M will form a petal. If you don't feel comfortable winging it, draw a template of your "m" shape on a 2"-wide strip of paper, then place it over the fabric as a guide.

Step 3
Unfold the strip. Thread your needle and baste straight stitches all the way up the long, straight edge of the strip. Pull thread very tight to gather the center of the flower.

Step 4
Overlap the short ends of the fabric slightly to form the flower shape, then turn the flower over and tack the center gathers in place.

Step 5
Layer a button on top of the flower and sew the button and flower to your hat!