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Felt BroochesTHESE LITTLE BROOCHES ARE FUN TO MAKE AND ADD A BURST OF COLOUR TO AN OUTFIT. USE YOUR SCRAPS OF COLOURED FELT, A FEW EMBROIDERY STITCHES AND PERHAPS SOME BEADS TO EMBELLISH THEM. USE THESE IDEAS AS A STARTING POINT FOR YOUR OWN DESIGNS. THEY’D MAKE A SWEET GIFT FOR MOTHER’S DAY. by Judy Newman Materials
For cutting shapes either freehand cut or use a die cutting system. For the flower shapes we used Sizzix 657690 Flower Layers & Leaves. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: For all brooches, simply cut out shapes in different colours of felt and layer them as you like using the images for reference. Large flowers and the round brooch have two layers for the base which have a small amount of filling inserted for padding. Stitch the layers together using one or two strands of thread and embroidery stitches. Add seed beads to highlight the embroidery. Stitch a brooch pin on the back. FLOWER BROOCHES: Either cut out a large flower petal shape freehand or using a die cutting machine such as Big Shot and Sizzix dies. We used Sizzix 657690 Flower Layers & Leaves. Stitch two large shapes together using either blanket stitch or whipstitch leaving a small opening. Stuff filling into the opening to pad the shape then complete the stitching. Add another petal layer and stitch in place using a straight stitch on each petal. Add the final petal and flower centre together, stitching it in place using a few straight stitches in the centre and other stitches as desired such as running stitch around the centre. Use the photograph for ideas. Add seed beads if desired. LARGE ROUND BROOCH: Cut two 7cm-diameter circles for the back, cutting freehand to get a slightly wonky shape. Stitch the pieces together using blanket stitch and two strands of thread leaving a small opening. Stuff with a little fibre filling then stitch the opening closed. Cut a contrasting colour circle 6cm-diameter, stitch onto the large circle using running stitch. Cut another 4cm-diameter circle and stitch onto the medium one using running stitch. Complete with a few straight stitches from the centre. Stitch seed beads to highlight the stitches. Add a few colonial knot stitches in the centre. RECTANGULAR BROOCH WITH FLOWERS: Cut felt rectangles: 5.5 x 4cm, 4.5 x 3.5cm and 4 x 3cm. Layer them small to large and stitch together with small stitches. Embellish the top layer as follows: Using two strands of thread work chain stitch around it to create a frame. Stitch five lazy daisy stitches inside the ‘frame’ and add a colonial knot in the centre of each. RECTANGULAR BROOCH WITH COUCHING: Cut felt rectangles: 6 x 5cm, 5 x 4cm and 4.5 x 3.5cm. Layer them small to large and stitch together with a few invisible stitches. Embellish the top layer as follows: Cut four 4cm lengths of suede cord and stitch over the cord (couching) using different contrasting colours of thread as in the photograph. |
For embroidery stitch instructions, click here.
AND when you have made your own original creations, bring them along to the Sydney Craft & Quilt Fair on June 17 to 21 where the Embroiderer’s Guild will be conducting a handmade brooch competition.