Just about any fabric, however elegant or eclectic, can become an easy to make springtime fantasy flower. The scrap basket is a great place to start searching for seasonally appropriate fabric colors and interesting textures. Most fabric flowers can be made entirely by hand using simple running stitches or gathering stitches.

Choosing what color fabric to use may be a first consideration when fashioning fabric flowers, especially if the fabric will be visible on both sides. Look for solid colors or prints that are pleasing on both sides when considering the finished bloom.

Fabrics that have some body may be best to use to hold petal and leaf shapes. Softer or gossamer fabrics can be used as a second layer of petals or as accents on flower centers.

Consider using fabrics that do no ravel on the edges unless a shabby chic look is desired.

Fabric flowers are usually stitched to a backing for support. Buckram, non-woven interfacing, faux suede or sturdy felt can be used for backing.

Flower centers can be regular, novelty or covered buttons, beads, antique or costume jewelry, yarn or ribbon.

Fabrics for flowers can be cut on the bias if enough scrap fabric is on hand as the bias is helpful to minimize raveling edges.

Classic fabric roses look especially nice with folded edges. Simply fold a strip of fabric (dupioni or sateen fabric is lovely) in half lengthwise and roll and twist from the center outwards until desired size.

For a cottage rose style, cut a strip 2-inches by 24 to 36-inches long. Stitch along one long edge by hand using a long running stitch or use a long machine basting stitch. Gather tightly and roll the gathered fabric around itself forming the rose. Secure thread ends.

Fabric flowers look nice on their own, however a few fabric leaves contribute to the fantasy. An uncomplicated leaf can be made simply by folding a square of fabric (a shade of green) in half, press, fold corners down to form a triangle. Hand stitch across the unfolded edge using a long running stitch then pull to gather, fasten off tightly. Add to back of the fabric flower by hand stitching or gluing.

Fabric flowers can have a pin back glued to their backing for easy attachment and removal onto a garment, tote, belt, headband, sweater, jacket, hat or any number of items. Like the real beauties in nature that fabric flowers allude to, the myriad colors, textures and designs of spring-like fabrics cut, folded and gathered into fantasy shapes can brighten whatever they adorn.

Sew happy, sew inspired.