Scrap Buster Project: DIY Fabric Brooches

Got some pretty fabric scraps that are too small for most projects?  Or want to highlight a fabric's fun print on a small scale?  Then this project is for you!  Make pin-on brooches in minutes & add to any outfit or bag for some extra fabric fabulousness.  

I literally whipped this project up an hour before going to a craft event.  I wanted to be able to wear something crafty, that I'd made, and this worked out perfectly.  It's also a great way to feature a design or character from a busy fabric as well.

Materials:
- Scrap of quilting cotton (the fabric I used is Rain Basic in Aqua by Timeless Treasures)
- Scrap of felt
- Small piece of ultra firm stabilizer
- Safety Pin
- Sewing notions (disappearing marker, shears/scissors, iron)

Optional: paper-backed fusible web, button/embellishment, pinking shears, embroidery floss, hand sewing needle.  The "Handmade" wood embellishment I used can be found here. 

Start by cutting your desired shape from your fabric, felt and stabilizers.  Since I was going to add a rectangular embellishment on top, I echoed that shape, but made it about an inch wider and higher all the way around.

Next iron on some paper backed fusible to the wrong side of the fabric, peel aways the paper and then fuse to the ultra firm stabilizer.  Using paper backed fusible isn't required, but it will keep things from shifting while you sew, so it's a sanity saver.

Use disappearing marker to draw the outline of any embellishment if that will be the shape you want to sew around. This makes sure things centered & gives a guide to sew around to make sure the topstitching will be even and straight.

Lay the safety pin on the felt and center.  I used disappearing marker to draw the outline of my wood again to make sure I had things perfectly centered.  Make two small marks as shown:

Snip the two marking points to about 1/4 inch high and slip safety pin in to make sure it fits. Slip back out and add after brooch is complete.

Place felt behind the fabric "sandwich" you've made and pin layers together:

Topstitch all the way around. I did about 1/4 inch away from the outline of my wood piece. Trim just outside the stitching.  I used pinking shears for some extra decorative detail and to prevent fraying.  If using regular shears, add a little Fray Check around the raw edges to seal them.

If you're using an embellishment or decorative button(s) like I did, hand sew them on.  I used bright pink embroidery floss for some extra color.  Slip safety pin through slits in the back. Now the button is done and ready to wear!

I'm also sharing this project with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.

Click HERE to check them out!