DIY Giant Ankara Fabric Flower | Turn Fabric Scraps Into Stunning Décor #craftyideas, by Funke Oyende on YouTube. 1 min 21 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 21 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Wash and iron your scraps flat so the print sits straight. Pick one Ankara print and cut away torn or frayed edges before you start tracing.
Cut a petal template from cardboard. Make three sizes, roughly 20 cm, 14 cm and 9 cm long, shaped like a wide teardrop with a rounded top.
Trace and cut six large petals, six medium and six small from the fabric. Pinking shears help, but plain sharp scissors are fine if you cut cleanly.
Fold each petal in half lengthwise with the right side out and press it with the iron. This crease gives the petal a natural curve.
Cut a base circle about 8 cm across from felt or cardboard and cover it with a fabric circle. This is the back of the flower and holds everything together.
Run a line of hot glue along the bottom 2 cm of a large petal and press it onto the base. Work around the circle with all six large petals, overlapping the edges slightly.
Glue the six medium petals on top, placing each one between two petals of the first row. Then add the small petals the same way, offset again.
Make the centre by rolling a strip of fabric about 4 cm wide into a tight coil. Glue the loose end, then glue the coil into the middle of the flower.
Cut a fabric circle the same size as the base and glue it over the back to hide the raw edges and glue strings.
Shape the petals with your fingers, bending the tips outward. Glue a brooch pin, hair clip or wire stem to the back if you want to wear or hang it.
Tips and common mistakes
Run a little fabric glue or fray check along cut edges, since Ankara frays quickly.
Hot glue sets fast, so press each petal down within a second or two before it hardens.
Keep all petals from the same print for a clean look, or use a darker print for the centre row.
Make the flower flatter for wall décor and cupped for a brooch or headpiece.
Questions
How much fabric do I need for one giant flower?
About a quarter metre, or roughly six to eight scraps each at least 20 cm long. You need enough for eighteen petals plus the centre strip and base cover.
How do I attach the flower to a wall or backdrop?
Glue a loop of ribbon or a paper clip to the back and hang it on a hook, or use removable adhesive strips. Keep the glue off the fabric face so the print stays clean.
Can I sew it instead of gluing?
Yes. Sew a running stitch along the base of each petal, pull it to gather, then stitch the rows to the base circle. Sewing takes longer but holds up better outdoors.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
