Fabric Sunflower Tutorial

Several years ago, when I was a Longaberger consultant, my friend and upline advisor Jeanie S. taught me how to make fabric sunflowers like the ones shown in the photo above. They are so quick and simple to whip up using scraps of fabric that you probably already have in your stash. These cuties are the perfect touch to add to a basket, gift bag or box, wreath, hair band or jar of jam. Since sunflowers are in season now, I'd thought I would show you how to make them...

Begin by cutting one piece of green fabric, three pieces of yellow fabric, and one piece  of gingham fabric as shown here:

Now the beauty of this project is that it is by no means an exact science!! You don't need a pattern to cut the jagged circle shapes, or the sorta-round center piece, just remember that the green part of the flower is a little bit larger than the yellow ones and your set! Next layer the pieces as shown here:

You'll need a piece of batting about the size of a walnut, give or take a little. (As I said...not an exact science - ha! ha! If you don't have batting on hand, cotton balls can be substituted.) Place the batting under the gingham center and pin it all together to hold it in place:

Using a simple running stitch, stitch around the outside of the gingham center, gently gathering as you go:

Once you've finished stitching/gathering the center, knot and tie it off on the back. Cut a piece of jute twine, about 12" long; knot the ends of the jute and stitch it to the center of the back of the flower:

Here is what your finished sunflower will look like...all ready to be tied on to something cute!

Have a "sunny" day!!