How to Make Fabric Ribbon Flowers

If you are looking for a way to decorate your home, consider making outdoor ribbon flowers. Ribbon flowers give the appearance of being real outdoor flowers from far away, but once you examine the flowers close up, they are intricate pieces of artisanship. Since there are such a wide variety of real flowers, there are many ways and techniques to make your own ribbon flowers. The most common technique is sewing the ribbon into place to make a secure flower shape.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 yard, 1/8-inch ribbon
• 1 1/4 yard, 2-inch ribbon
• Needle
• Thread
• 12 inches heavy floral wire
• Floral tape
• Velvet leaves
• Hot glue

Instructions

1. Begin cutting the ribbon for the center of your ribbon flower. Cut a 3/4 yard of 1/8-inch ribbon into 6 equal pieces that measure 4 inches a piece in length.

2. Tie a knot in the middle of each ribbon. Fold the pieces of ribbon in half to place each knot on top. Group all the pieces of ribbon together with the knots facing up toward you.

3. Use a needle and thread to sew the ribbon pieces together. Sew them together 1/2 inch from the end of the ribbon.

4. Cut the ribbon for the petals. The petal ribbon needs to be cut into 6 equal pieces that are 7 inches in length.

5. Fold the petal ribbon in half. Sew a stitch that is 1/2 inch from both ends, which will attach the ends together. Tie the stitch when you finish by creating a knot.

6. Add the 6 petals to the center that you created earlier. Sew the petals on by stitching them 1/2 inch from their ends.

7. Glue the flower to the wire stem. Place the glue on the end of the wire, and glue on the flower.

8. Wrap the wire stem with floral tape. Start at the bottom of the flower, and warp the tape in a spiral all the way down your flower stem. While you are adding the floral tape, place the velvet leaves with their stems. Place the leaves wherever you want to create a natural looking flower. The floral tape will hold the stems in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Create additional petals for the flower to make it larger.

• Group the ribbon flowers together in a vase to create a floral arrangement.