Handmade Monday . . .

How To Make A Rosette In Six Easy Steps

I don't claim to be a sewer. In fact, I proudly label myself to be a "fauxer". But in my secret little soul of souls, the talent I most long for is to really know how to sew. And sing. And play an instrument. And tap dance. And watercolor. I could go on and on.

I laughed when my friend Sue left a comment asking how to make the little fabric rosette that I put on one of the headbands as if I were some kind of expert seamstress with the secrets of the sewing universe tucked away in my brain. Here, for her {and any of you who want to try it} is a quick tutorial which proves once again, that I am NOT a sewer . . . because it's just that easy!

Step 1: Find a strip of scrap fabric. Mine was 15 inches long and 3 inches wide. You can vary the length and width depending on what size flower and fullness you want.

Step 2: Iron the fabric strip in half.

Step 3: Thread a needle, doubling the thread over and tying it off at the end. Thread color doesn't matter. You won't even see it when you're done.

Step 4: Beginning at the very edge of one end of the strip, sew a wide running stitch the length of the strip.

The fabric will begin to bunch up all by itself as you do you running stitch.

Step 5: When your stitches reach the end, gather the fabric up in a flower by gently tugging on the thread.

Step 6: Cut your needle off and tie off your thread in several knots to secure the rosette.

Hot glue the two ends together, tucking the raw edge to the underside. I suppose you could sew it, but remember, I'm not a sewer, so glue away! When you're done it should look like this:

I glued a button onto this rosette to hide the raw edges.

Then I turned it over and hot glued a barrette on the back so Hannie B. would have another fun hair accessory.

See, it was too simple for an actual sewer, but just perfect for a fauxer! Let me know how your projects turn out!