sewing tutorial
:: fabric flower bowls ::

I've been wanting to do a sewing tutorial for ages; but for one reason or another, i've never got past my to do list.
these little fabric bowls are great and even more so as they are quick to make and only use small pieces of fabric. i use these in my sewing studio/office for paper clips, buttons, rubber bands. the choice is yours!
this is my first tutorial and i do not profess to being very good at describing things, so please read all the instructions first. copy template and enlarge flower to about 14cm (5 1/2") across the widest parts. cut out.

cut out 2 pieces of fabric about 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8").
1 piece of fabric interfacing (optional).

if you are using iron on interfacing (i have making these), using the manufacturers instructions press it onto the wrong side of the outer fabric.

place fabric pieces together, right sides facing and pin template on.

using a small stitch sew all around the flower shaped template, very close to the edge. leave an opening in one petal as shown on markers above, to turn out.

remove template and trim off excess fabric. using scissors clip at the point where petals meet, being careful not to clip into sewing.

carefully turn the right side out through the opening, then using something long and pointy like a knitting needle or a chop stick, gently push out the rounded seams. press.

hand stitch opening closed.

now we are going to create the bowl shape.
at each point where the petals meet (5 positions); you need to do this :: fold flower, making sure that the outer fabric is on the inside.

hand sew the corners of the petals together, at a point about 3mm (1/8") in from the fold and down from the top. making 3 or 4 tight stitches. secure.

this is how they're joined. keep going until the five points around the petals are done.

this is how it looks when all five petals have been stitched together.

now tip bowl over and push the inner fabric into the bowl shape so it looks like this.

ta-da!
i would really appreciate it if you let me know if you have a go making any fabric flower bowls, as i would love to see them, and please link back here if you post them on your blog.
this was fun, i might have a go at another tutorial sooner rather than later.
xo, kali