Make Layered Flower Hair Clips

Transform an ordinary hair clip into an extraordinary flower-shaped hair accessory using the simple and effective technique of layering fabric. This look is always popular and when you match the fabric to your favorite outfits, you'll make a fashion statement others will stop to admire.

Steps

1. Select your fabric. Choose a fabric that reflects your personal taste and matches the outfit (or various clothes) that you intend to wear the clip with. The fabric should be substantial enough to withstand cutting and assembling into a flower, which should be fine for most fabric types. When choosing, consider repurposing fabric from an item that's no longer needed, such as a favorite old skirt that had a lovely print or a linen you've cherished but that has since formed holes here and there (obviously, avoid the bits with the holes). About a ¼ of a yard (23cm) of fabric should suffice but it helps to have more so that you can make more than one clip (to share, cover your hair, whatever).
   • The fabric must be tolerant of heat, so that you can apply the hot glue gun to the edges to prevent fraying.
   • Consider mixing and matching fabrics. Since you’ll be creating a unique flower, you don’t have to create the bloom completely from one fabric.
2. Create a flower petal pattern out of cardboard.Take a flimsy cardboard, as you’ll be tracing and cutting circles from the cardboard to be used as your fabric pattern––cereal packaging is ideal. Then, using a water glass, water bottle, keychain or similar circular guide, trace up to five circles on the cardboard in various sizes (four or five is an arbitrary but sound number––the amount of layers is entirely up to you––just don't overdo them). The different sizes are important to give the impression of varied petal sizes. Keep each circle as perfectly round as possible. Cut out the cardboard circle patterns.
   • If you have a mathematical compass ,you may have an easier time creating different circles. If not, find various household items to do the job.
3. Trace out the circles using the cardboard patterns. Using a light pencil or fabric pencil, trace the circles onto the back of the fabric. If the pencil marking is likely to show through, use an invisible fabric marker, the kind that fades after a few days. Once traced out, cut out each circle carefully using sharp, fabric-only scissors. Sharp scissors help to reduce fraying or fringing.
4. Create the petal formation for each circle. Use very sharp, fabric-only scissors again and keep your hand steady when cutting.
   • Eye each circle and figure out where to make five even cuts. If you can't keep the spacing in your mind's eye, mark the tip of each line to be cut before starting.
   • Cut three quarters from the circle edge toward the center. Don't cut all the way to the middle––imagine leaving a large intact middle circle in place and only cut three quarters of the way to its edge.
5. Round the edges of each distinct petal. Using the sharp scissors, carefully shape rounded edges for each petal (five on each circle). Nature is imperfect, so some of your rounding can be too!
6. Add three-dimensional details to the petals. There are a few ways you can do this, ranging from easy and safe, to a little more challenging and possibly flammable:
   • Purchase like-colored puffy fabric pens and draw over the edges of each flower petal. This will create a look of volume and may even add a little sparkle (some pens come with glitter or sparkle).
   • Hot glue the edges of each flower. This will seal and possibly add dimension to the flower. This may be slightly tedious as you may have to hold each flower on an angle to apply the glue without having it stick to something (like the table or another item). Lay on a cookie sheet covered in wax paper to dry.
   • Melt candle wax over the edges to make them curl slightly. This can be a little dangerous and should be done only by a responsible adult. It should be done somewhere free of flammable material. Light a candle and then hold one petal close to the flame (without actually placing it in the flame). Roll the edges and the heat will create a funky, curled edge. Do not attempt this with fabric liable to flare up––if in doubt, skip!
7. Piece the flower together. Stack the flower petals on top of each other, placing the largest on the bottom through to the smallest on top.
   • Vary the placement of the flower pieces so that you can see different petal sections from each, individually created flower. In other words, avoid simply arranging them exactly one on top of the other.
8. Sew the flower into place. Thread a strong needle with thread that is the same color as your flower. Begin sewing from the bottom up (so that the knot stays on the bottom of the flower) and sew together in the center of the flower stack.
   • Choose a needle able to handle the fabric and the fact that it is thicker once stacked.
9. Add beading or sparkle to your flower. Once the flower has been sewn together, you can decorate it further if wished. For example, glue a costume jewel in the center or add glitter glue over the petals. Other additions include sequins, buttons and little pieces of lace or ribbon.
   • Most items should attach easily with hot glue suitable for fabric. However, if you'd rather attach an item by sewing, this might prove sturdier in the long run.
   • Keep in mind the weight of any added adornments; less is usually best.
10. Attach the flower to the hair clip. Glue the flower to the hair clip and consider reinforcing it with thread, if needed.
    • Add a few dabs of hot glue to the bottom of the flower and then place on top of the hair clip. Consider opening the clip during the application phase so you don’t glue the clip together.
    • If possible, stitch the bottom of the flower to the clip for extra durability. This type of reinforcement is good for longevity and durability, and is recommended if a small child is to wear the clip.
11. Done. Make any adjustments if needed, such as snipping off loose threads, etc. It's time to try it on!

Tips

• If you don't have access to a hot glue gun, consider using a small amount of fabric glue or even a tiny amount of liquid nails.
• Avoid using fabric that stains or rips easily (like satin or silk).
• Consider making additional flowers from the fabric and sewing them to a plain t-shirt for a matching look.
• This makes a terrific gift for friends and family who love hair accessories. Choose their favorite colors and fabric style.
• You can make it your favorite color.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard for making template and scissors for cutting cardboard
• Circular items for circles, or a mathematics compass (and pencil)
• Fabric marker, light pencil or invisible fabric marker
• Fabric pieces
• Sharp, fabric-only scissors (scissors used only on fabric tend to stay sharper and in better shape than general purpose scissors)
• Hot glue gun
• Needle (matching colors) and thread
• Adornments such as costume jewels, sequins, etc.
• Candle and matches (optional, only if you're melting the fabric edges)
• Puffy fabric pens (optional)
• Clip or barrette suitable for your hair type

Related Articles

• Make a Flower Hair Clip
• Make a Christmas Tree Hair Bow Clip
• Make a Mini Bow Hair Clip
• Make Cat Ear Hair Clips
• Make a Hair Clip with a Scarf Attached
• Make Sharp Angled Flower Hair Clips
• Make Hair Clips Out of Fabric

See also

• Make Burlap Flowers
• Make a Flower Crown
• Make a Floral Bow
• Make an Artificial Flower Headband