Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Sunflower Tutorial ~

 
Here's how I make my sunflowers with proddy petals.  Maybe not the right way, but it's the way I do it.

 
Draw a circle on the backing of your choice.  A 4" diameter is a good size for the sunflower on a bedspring.  Larger if you want a table/candle mat.
 
These are the wools I used for the center.  (I did not mix the wools.  The plaids give you a varied look.)  The colors are washed out but you get the idea of what type of wool I used, right?
 
 
After hooking the center, do a row of proddy as close to your last row of hooking as you can.  Go here to learn my method of proddy using your rug hook.  (Note ~ proddy tool is STILL missing . . . sigh.)  I used maybe 5 different wools for the petals.
 
 
Do two rows of proddy for fullness.

On this sunflower, I used the same wool for the first row and varied the wools for the second row.


On this one, I varied the wools for both rows.


Here is an idea of the spacing between the proddy.
 
 
Cut your backing about 1" from your second row.  I zigzag the edges to prevent fraying.


I fold over and pin.  Baste if desired.  Do not steam ~ it will really smash your petals.  (Yes, I did that ~ ugh.) 

 
Cut a wool circle to size.  Whipstitch in place being sure you don't forget to remove all your pins :)  Padding can be added if desired but it may make it difficult to insert the spring.


This is the type bedspring I used.  On the left is as I bought it (from a friend but you can find them at antique shops or I'm sure online) and on the right after DSO cut it.  I know others have not cut them, but this seemed so much easier to me.


Carefully "screw" the spring in to the back of the sunflower, poking through the wool. 

 
I hope this answers any questions you might have.  Please email me if you need additional information.
 
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs :)
Lauren
 

14 comments:

Jacqueline said...

Thanks for sharing. Your instructions are very clear to follow.

Farm Girl said...

Thank you so much!! I really do love the way yours turned out and the helpful hints. I am going to make some and I will use this tutorial. Your sunflowers are so awesome.

Cindi said...

They are so pretty..wish I had the talent! LOL
Blessings,
Cindi

Jo said...

Your sunflowers are awesome! I made several small ones of various colors for pins but have not done any larger ones. I like the spring idea, will have to go looking for some rusty bed springs! A really large one for a table mat would be great! On my pins, when I hooked the center, I left the loops long, then clipped them & sort of rounded the center of the flower. So much fun to make!

acorn hollow said...

I love your sunflowers but I have to get some of those springs I know just where to get them
cathy

susan hemann said...

wonderful! thank you, hope to make one this week

Julia said...

Your tutorial is very clear and easy to follow and your sunflowers are so beautiful. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Hugs,
JB

Saundra said...

Good tutorial my friend. Was in my attic the other day and saw one bed spring left. Can't remember what I used the others for but maybe one day I'll get in the mood to do some sunflowers myself. Later today think I'll be binding a rug.....yippee.

Gayle said...

Thanks Lauren - Looks very doable!

Julie - My Primitive Heart said...

Hi Lauren,
Fantastic tutorial!! One of these days I will try one!! They are such lovely flowers!! They would even make great pins for a sweater or hat, don't you think?
Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Warm Hugs~
Julie

Mugwump Woolies said...

Great instructions! I will definitely put this fun flower on my to do list!
Robyn

Miccosukee said...

Darn, lady. You are getting good with your tutorials. After this, I think I can even make a sunflower on a spring. Now to just go find me a spare spring.


take care,
trisha

Larkrise garden girl said...

Great tutorial!

Unknown said...

Wonderful tutorial! The sunflower is a beautiful flower and you really captured it.