Every sewist has a bag of scraps too pretty to throw away. A handful of those scraps, a needle and thread, and ten minutes will give you a fabric flower neat enough to sell.
Kanzashi are the folded fabric flowers traditionally worn in the hair in Japan. Folding each petal by hand takes patience and practice. The Clover Kanzashi Flower Maker is a small template that does the folding for you, so every petal comes out the same size and shape.
Watch a flower being made
Video: Clover
How it works
1. Fold
Lay a square of fabric in the open template and close it. The template folds the fabric into a petal.
2. Trim
Cut away the fabric that sticks out around the edge of the template.
3. Stitch
Sew through the template as shown in the instructions that come with it, then open it and slide the petal along your thread.
4. Gather
Make the rest of the petals on the same thread, pull them into a circle and knot. Finish the centre with a button or bead.
Identical petals every time
Clover Kanzashi Flower Maker
From KES 940
Each template makes one petal shape in one size. Choose the shape you like, then use it again and again with any light to medium-weight fabric.
Choose your templateWhat to make with them
Hair clips, headbands and bobbles for children.
Brooches and corsages for weddings and graduations.
Trims for bags, hats, cushions and gift wrapping.
Kitenge flowers from dressmaking offcuts. The bold prints look wonderful folded.
Choosing fabric
Cotton that presses well gives the crispest petals. Very thick fabric will not fold cleanly, and very slippery fabric is harder to control, so start with a plain cotton or kitenge.
See the templates in person
Come and compare the petal shapes at our shop on the 1st floor of Sarit Centre.
Shop Clover toolsOr call us on +254 798 316860
In Stitches is the authorised Clover distributor in Kenya.
Prices correct at the time of writing.
