Zipper Flower Tutorial

These cute zipper flowers can me made into a number of accessories by adding different backers such as a pin. I made them into two hair accessories (go figure). So get some supplies and start crafting…you will have your own in a zip!

Supplies:
22” zipper
Scissors
Glue Gun
Felt
Needle
Thread
Headband or gator clip

Step 1: Cut Zipper

Cut bottom end off of the zipper and remove the sliding “zipper” piece. You will have 2 zipper ribbons, both are used to make the flower.

Step 2: Sew to Backer

Using the felt, cut out one 1” round piece and one 1.25” round piece.

Step 3: Sew Zipper to Base

Take the 1” round piece of felt and sew the end to the center of the circle.

Step 4: Make Petals

Take the zipper ribbon and loop it up and around so it looks like fig. 4. The loop should be approximately 2” from end to end. Stitch the loop in place through the center.

Step 5: Make Figure 8

 Loop the zipper ribbon a second time making a “figure 8” and stitch in place.

Step 6: Repeat

Repeat steps 4 and 5, moving the ribbon loops to the side of the one you just created. See Figures 6A through 6C. When you get to the end of the first zipper

Step 7: Take Second Zipper

Take the second zipper ribbon and sew it to the center of the flower.

Step 8: Make Petals

Loop the second zipper ribbon in a similar fashion to the first but make the loops/petals slightly smaller (approx. 1” to 1.25” long). Try to place the loops in between the larger loops in the back to fill in the gaps.

Step 9: Tie Off Thread

After you have made 5 loop/petals with the second zipper ribbon secure the loops and tie off the thread. Cut off the thread.

Step 10: Roll Center

Starting at the end of the un-looped zipper ribbon, start to roll the zipper ribbon unto itself toward the center of the flower making sure to stay stitch the “non tooth” end when necessary (see figs. 10A and 10B).

Step 11: Stitch Center

When the zipper ribbon is completely rolled up, stitch the roll at its base through the center of the flower through to the back of the felt. Come back through (carefully) and repeat this step until you feel the rolled center is secure. When it is secure tie off the thread on the back end.

Step 12: Finish

Your flower is now complete. The following steps show you how I attached the flower to a gator clip and a headband.

Gator clip
Take the 1.25” circle from step one and put 2 slits in the center of the felt so you can slide the gator clip through it. Then simply glue the two felt pieces together with hot glue.

Headband
Pick a spot on the headband where you would like the flower and glue the felt to the top side of the headband. Taking the 1.23” circle of felt from step 1, glue the circle to the other piece of felt sandwiching the headband in between.