Mock Kanzashi Ribbon Flowers

Kanzashi flowers are essentially a type of Japanese fabric flower origami. While there are numerous tutorials on the internet on how to make kanzashi flowers, I personally have never quite been able to get them right. Something about aligning the petals gets me every time.

However, I have had success with these very simple ribbon flowers that somewhat resemble Kanzashi flowers. Hence, why I am referring to them as "Mock Kanzashi Ribbon Flowers"

Check out the tutorial below!

And in case you were wondering, yes, my cat finally did get to come in and see what I was up to.

How to Make Fabric Strip Flowers

Fabric strip flowers are a great way to use any pieces of scrap fabric you have lying around. They're easy to make but have more of an alternative flower look than the gathered fabric flowers. All you need is some fabric scraps (or ribbon, if you want to do less cutting), a needle and thread, and something to put in the center (beads, buttons, etc).

Made of strips of satin fabrics

Made of strips of organza and satin ribbon

And Now For the Tutorial!

How to Make Gathered Fabric Flowers

Gathered fabric flowers are extremely simple and easy to make. All you need is a strip of fabric and a needle and thread. Any size strip of fabric will do, but the final look and feel will differ depending on the width and length of the fabric you use and whether or not you choose to fold it. You can also use beads and buttons for decorating your fabric flowers.

These fabric flowers were created using a 3-inch wide, 30-inch long pieces of fabric with buttons for the centers.

This fabric flower was created using a wide, but shorter strip of fabric cut from an old dress and then sewn on top of another gathered strip to keep it from flopping due to its size. The edges were sealed with clear nail polish to prevent fraying and the center is 3 plastic pearl beads.

These were created from strips of satin materials. The edges have not been sealed.

And Now For the Tutorial!