Needle-Works Butterfly: Fabric Layered Corsage

THIS DELICATE CORSAGE IS MADE BY LAYERING AND then cutting back fine silk fabrics. Fabrics with differing textures, such as chiffons, organzas, habotai, and dupioni silks, are all appropriate.

The center features a round tassel and a jewel, but you could use a single gorgeous button instead if you prefer.

MATERIALS

• 20 approximately 5 in. (13 cm) square pieces of fine silk and organza in your chosen colors

• Polyester sewing thread in a toning color

• Embroidery flosses (for the tassel)

• Plastic jewel (for the tassel) or button

•Strong fabric glue (for the tassel)

• Brooch back finding

EQUIPMENT

• Cardstock, ruler, and pencil

• Paper scissors

• Pins

•Small, sharp embroidery scissors

• Hand-sewing needle

• Thimble

• Plastic washer (for the tassel)

• Sewing machine (for the tassel)

• Small paintbrush (for the tassel)

THE PROJECTS
1.Using the ruler and pencil, draw a 5 in. (13 cm) square on the cardstock and cut it out with the paper scissors. Use this as a template to cut out 20 pieces from your fabric selection with the embroidery scissors. Your cutting need not be entirely accurate, as you will trim the fabric pieces further at a later stage.

2. Arrange the fabric squares on top of each other, spreading colors and textures evenly throughout the pile. Using the hand-sewing needle and doubled polyester sewing thread, make several stitches through the center of the pile to hold all the layers firmly together.

3. Using embroidery scissors trim each square into a circle. Start at the top, cutting the first layer back to a tiny circle. As you move down the pile, cut each layer back to make larger and larger circles. (Save the trimmings to make other projects)

4. Continue trimming until all the layers are revealed and you have a round flower shape.

5. Using the hand-sewing needle and polyester sewing thread, work through the layers of the flower a few at a time, tucking and stitching them on the back to create a full flower shape.

6. If you would like to have a round tassel in the center of the corsage, make one out of embroidery floss

7. Apply glue to the back of the round tassel and stick it to the center of the corsage. Apply glue to the back of the jewel and stick that in the center of the round tassel. Allow to dry thoroughly. Alternatively, omit the tassel and sew a button into the center.