Halloween Felt Brooches

Creating Unique Felt Brooches with Buttons Galore and More: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting with felt, buttons, and various embellishments is a delightful way to make personalized accessories that can be used as brooches, ornaments, or magnets. Follow this comprehensive guide to create unique, eye-catching felt brooches perfect for any occasion. This project is simple yet versatile, allowing you to customize each piece to reflect your own style and creativity! 

Supplies You'll Need:

• Assorted felt (I recommend using Benzie Design’s felt for its quality and vibrant colors)
• Assorted ribbons and trims
• Thrills and Chills Flatbackz
• Graveyard Novelty Buttons
• Mischief Night Sparkletz
• Black and Orange Round Buttons
• Scissors (choose sharp, precise ones)
• Needle and thread
• Aleene's Tacky Glue
• Bar pin backs

Directions:

1. Choose Your Felt Colors:

   • Start by selecting three complementary colors of felt for each brooch. The combination of colors should coordinate well with the embellishments you plan to use.

2. Attach Your Buttons:

   • Place the chosen buttons onto the top piece of felt. You can either sew them securely or use Aleene's Tacky Glue for a no-sew option. Make sure the buttons are centered and well-spaced to create a balanced look.

3. Cut Out the Shape:

   • Trim the felt around the buttons in the desired shape (e.g., circle, star, pumpkin). Precision is key for creating clean, appealing edges.

4. Prepare the Second Layer:

   • Cut out a second piece of felt in a slightly larger size than the first. This will serve as a backdrop to your button design.

5. Add Decorative Trims: 
   
   
   

   • Choose what novelty trim or ribbon you want to add between the first and second layers. For example, you can:
     • Stitch pom pom trim between the felt layers.
     • Add looped ribbon to create a frilly border.
     • Include buttons or stitch small pieces of ribbon that peek out for added texture.
   • Secure these decorative pieces by sewing or gluing them to the first layer.

6. Cut the Third Layer of Felt:

   • Cut out the final piece of felt, which should be the largest of the three. This layer serves as the base of your brooch.

7. Attach the Pin Back:
   
   
   

   • Sew or glue the bar pin back onto the center of the third felt piece. Ensure it is secure to support the weight of the embellishments.

8. Assemble the Layers:

   • Stitch or glue the top two felt layers (with their decorative trims) onto the third, largest piece. Use a strong adhesive or careful stitching to make sure everything holds together.

9. Add Final Touches:

   • Assess the brooch for any additional embellishments. If it looks a bit sparse, consider gluing on some Mischief Night Sparkletz or Flatbackz for extra sparkle and dimension.

Helpful Tips:

• For added durability and a cleaner finish, hand-stitching is recommended over gluing wherever possible.
• Flatback pieces are best adhered with glue rather than stitched.
• Don’t limit yourself to brooches—these creations can easily be adapted into ornaments or magnets by changing the backing.
  
  

With these instructions, you’re ready to create beautiful felt brooches that showcase your personal flair. Whether you keep them for yourself or gift them to friends, these handmade accessories are sure to delight and impress!