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