Handmade Fabric Corsage

Create a custom corsage for a bride.

Just as a florist arranges flowers with other floral supplies to make a beautiful live corsage, you can put fabric flowers together with an assortment of craft materials to create a handmade fabric corsage. Make your design simple or formal, to suit the occasion. Make corsages for Mother’s Day, proms or any special occasion. Combine all the elements and techniques used by florists for a unique accessory that will last through many seasons.

Flower Types

Use a single flower or odd numbers of flowers when planning your design. One large flower as the focal point of the corsage, along with a few smaller flowers will provide a balanced design. Use flowers that are similar in style. For example, use a large formal rose made from velvet with smaller roses and buds of damask or satin. Alternatively, use calico yo-yo flowers with simple gathered ribbon flowers. Make flowers that coordinate with each other in style and color. Coordinate them with the garment they will be worn with as well.

Decorative Fabric Trims

Add bits of lace, such as a gathered circle, as a background for the arrangement. Place crocheted doilies, flat or gathered into a fan shape, behind the flowers as a frame. Gather small pieces of tulle and tuck between flowers, gluing or stitching in place on the corsage backing. Cut strands of coordinating ribbon and position so they trail gracefully from between the flowers, or wrap them into loops and tuck in between. Use metallic ribbons for sparkle or sheer ribbons for a softer look.

Filler Flowers

Fill in between the larger flowers with fillers. Use small amounts so as not to eclipse the flowers, which are the focal point of the corsage. Select one type of filler as opposed to a variety of fillers to keep the design focused. Use silk baby’s breath in small clusters for a delicate appearance. Add seasonal berry picks for a festive, casual style or feathers for dramatic impact. Glue the ends of the fillers to the backing after the main flowers and fabric trims have been attached.

Assembling

Once you decide on the arrangement for the corsage, create a backing with a piece of felt in an inconspicuous color. Make it large enough to glue or stitch each flower to, according to your layout. Arrange the layout, checking overlapping petals and large bare spots. Add your decorative fabric trims and fillers to fill gaps and create a pleasing arrangement. String some beads or pearls on wire, if desired, and weave between the flowers or in the center of a flower, tacking in place with a few stitches or gluing. Add some silk leaves, if desired. Attach a pin backing to the felt or provide a corsage pin.

References

• Save on Crafts: DIY: How to Make a Corsage