Felted Brooch Tutorial

Here's a quick little project that is great for using up scraps of felted wool. If you're a regular visitor here, you know that I felt a lot of recycled sweaters for my work. Atleast 80% wool. Wash it. Shrink it. Cut it up.

This brooch has the look of a peony or maybe a mum. Perfect for spiffing up a hat, sweater, winter coat, tote bag...you name it.

Materials:
Felted wool scraps
Pin back
Felt ball, bead, or button
Fabric glue
Needle and thread

Start with 2 rectangles, measuring about 3" x 5". Fold lengthwise and stitch. Next snip the fold every 3/8" about 1/4" from your stitch line.

Start rolling it up, basting near the raw edge as you go.

Now the center is complete.

Take the next rectangle and do the same for the outer petals.

Wrap it around the center and stitch into place, trimming any excess.

Once your flower is complete, it's time to add the leaves. Make sure to cut the leaf shapes big enough to cover the base of the flower. Baste the first leaf onto the flower base hiding the raw edges for a finished look. 

Open the pin back. Snip 2 slits in the second leaf. Pass the pin and latch ends through the slits. Close the pin. While holding the "business end" of the pin, apply fabric glue to the back side of the leaf with the flat back of the pin bar. Press firmly onto the first leaf and allow glue to dry. This technique will give a clean finish to the back while firmly securing the pin.

For the first one I added a felt ball to the center with a dab of fabric glue, but stitching a great vintage button in the center is nice too!



You can experiment with different findings as well. These can be stitched on to a hair elastic or barrette. If you make one of these, please send me a photo!