DIY Fabric Rosette

Experimenting, one day-  I made these sweet Fabric Rosettes from the Fuchsia colorway of  my studio’s Enchanted Damask fabric. The effort proved worthy as they became embellishments for Coquette Bags that were awaiting the right touch!
Here is a quick  “How-To” :

(Please Read Through All Steps Before Beginning)

Supplies Needed:

one narrow strip of fabric, 1  3/4″ x 42″
liquid seam sealant such as FrayCheck
long needle 
 60″ length of thread (double to 30″L. on needle)
hot iron for pressing

1.  Cut an entire WOF (width of fabric- 42″)  x 1  3/4″  in a desired fabric. (I liked the randomness of the damask print for this particular project.) It will seem like too much length, but trust me…it will probably be used! Press fabric well.

2.  Seal the raw cut edges of the 42″ x 1 3/4″ strip of fabric with a liquid seam sealant such as FrayCheck, to keep edges from unraveling. When dry, finger fold the strip in half (Right Side showing out). Note: Press with an iron if you wish a harder edged look to your finished fleur, but I opted for finger pressing to keep a softer edge.

Begin your Rosette by folding under one end at a 45 degree angle (as shown in the photo above.) This folded end will become the center of your Rosette. You will create the petals from the center outward.

  3.  I don’t think there is any “right” or “wrong” way to go about making the body of the Rosette, so don’t worry if you find this method cumbersome, and opt for your own version mid-construction! I fully recommend a bit of fabric play as you work.  Each one will have it’s own little personality even if you try to make two exactly the same~

I held the needle in my right hand, while using my left to gather small tufts of fabric, then pinch them flat against the center of the growing flower. Secure the tufts  in place by using the long needle and doubled thread, pushing all the way through the  base of the rosette, and out the opposite side. (See photo.)  Some were tufts were tight, and some were loose. I just kept at it, and eventually petal-like shapes emerged in the process.  If I missed tacking it,  I would just go back and catch it. Don’t worry what the back of the flower looks like during the construction process~ after all, it will be hidden.

                                                                                                                      4.  Once you reach the fullness you desire, cut the fabric strip (if not all used), and seal the raw edge with FrayCheck. Fold the cut end down to the back base or your rosette, and tack in place. End tacking with several knots of the thread. Dot the knotted thread with FrayCheck or similar for peace of mind!   Now you have a gorgeous and unique embellishment! I used FabriTac,  a strong clear drying fabric glue,  to permanently adhere it to the Coquette Bag’s upper left corner.

Thanks for viewing my Tutorial, and please be sure to show us what fun Fabric Rosette embellishments YOU create!!

~ ellen

Copyright 2010, ellen medlock, llc.