How to Make Fabric Kanzashi Flowers

Last Updated: June 17, 2022

This article will teach you an easy method to make kanzashi flowers with fabric. Kanzashi flowers are often used as hair ornaments and can also be attached to purses, keychains, or clothing for a decorative touch. You can use any kind of fabric, from cotton to chiffon, depending on your personal preference.

1

Assemble the items needed.

These are listed below under "Things You'll Need". Note that this tutorial uses 3.5" (8.8cm) squares. However, you can use larger or smaller squares to make different sizes of flowers, depending on the end use you're looking for.
- The larger size is easier for the beginner to work with and learn from. The breakdown is basically: one petal for each square and a flower can be 5, 6, 7 or 8 petals. So, if you have 1 yard (0.9 m) 44-45" (91.44cm) fabric and cut to 3" (7.6cm) squares, you can make 24 flowers.

2

Fold the square in half diagonally.

Keep the right side of the fabric out. Press the fold seam with your finger or an iron.

3

Fold the right hand corner up to meet the top corner.

Press the fold with finger.

4

Do the same fold with the left hand corner.

Press the fold with your fingers.

5

Fold the left corner back to meet the center.

Press the fold with your fingers.

6

Repeat with the right corner.

Press the fold with your fingers.

7

Check the back.

Here you can see the back view. The two corners should meet the center but not overlap.

8

Make the back side of the petal.

Start with the position achieved in the previous step. Fold the whole piece in half, toward you, with 2 corners inside the fold. This is the back side of the petal:

9

Flip the petal over.

Your front side should match the image provided.

10

Use an alligator clip to hold the petal in shape.

You'll need to hold the petal together until you're ready to assemble it.

11

Repeat steps 2-10 to finish all of the petals.

You can make as many petals as you'd like.

12

Prepare your petals for assembly.

Trim the base (raw edges) as shown in this set of images.

13

Arrange the petals in a circle.

Get ready to thread them together.

14

Check that all of your petals are arranged properly.

Then, sew the petals together as shown. Don't pull the thread tight yet.

15

Pull the thread tight.

Do so slowly and gently.

16

Flip the accessory over.

See the image for a view of what the front side should look like.

17

Sew all of the petals.

Stay close to the center.

18

Open the top of the petal.

Spray with fabric stiffener if you like.

19

Sew or glue the fabric covered button.

It should look like this.

20

Consider some alternatives

If you want, you can get creative with the following ideas:
- Glue a large rhinestone on top.
- Make five petal flowers.
- Use grosgrain ribbon instead of fabric.

Community Q&A

Question

Where can I get the material to make these?

Beth H.

Community Answer

You can use a variety of material, such as vinyl, leather or just fabric in general. Check at your local thrift, fabric or craft store.