Handcrafted Pinwheel Pins

Materials Checklist
Fabric
Ribbon
Embellishments
Needle and thread
Hot glue gun
Fabric glue (if using ribbon)
Metal pin

A Few Thoughts on Fabric
As you browse swatches in the fabric store, keep these points in mind:

• For each pinwheel, you'll need a piece of fabric between 1-4” wide and 8-18” long, depending on your desired size.
• Since you need so little fabric, splurge on artistic patterns and luxurious textures.
• Ask to see swatches of discontinued and high-end textiles. Often times, only small pieces are available, which is perfect for this project!
• Think about your mother's favorite colors, or consider an interesting texture that would pop against her favorite blazer or blouse.
• Create multiple brooches in different sizes and fabrics, then layer them for a customized look.
• Look for complementary ribbon and other small embellishments, like tiny silk flowers, colorful buttons, jewels and more.

Tip: A broken strand of pearls gets a second chance when you use the stray beads as the finishing touch on your brooch.

Step-by-Step Instructions
No need to get out the sewing machine our pleating technique is so simple, we can hardly call it stitching.

1. Trim fabric to size, creating a long, thin strip 1-4” in width and 8-18” long. If you're layering your pinwheels, be sure each piece of fabric is at least 1/2” different in width.

Tip: The wider you cut your fabric, the longer the length should be.

2. If using ribbon, adhere it along the outside edge of your fabric strip with fabric glue.
3. Knot thread at one end of fabric strip, and then weave thread up and down along length of strip, near edge of fabric. For shorter strips of fabric, make stitch approximately 1/8” long; for long strips, make stitch up to 1 1/2" long.
4. Lightly pull the loose end of the thread to form a ruffled shape.
5. Complete the pinwheel by bringing the two ends together and repeating the loose stitch method along the seam. Tie off loose thread in a knot on the backside of the pinwheel. Gently adjust ruffles with fingers.
6. Fuse multiple pinwheels by fastening the centers together with a hot glue gun. Use small dabs of hot glue to add embellishments.
7. Turn pinwheel over and adhere metal pin base to the center with hot glue. Let dry.

Gift Giving Possibilities
After you've made your beautiful brooches, gift them in a creative way for someone special.

• Add to a Bouquet: Consider giving a handmade floral arrangement, inserting a few pinwheel pins directly into the bouquet for a clever spin.
• Pin to a Tote: Attach them to a new tote bag or sweater you bought for your loved one, or use them in place of a bow on your gift-wrap.

Embellishment Ideas
From clothes to totes, there are lots of different ways to pin on a splash of color.

Clothes:

• Pin your brooch on the breast of a jean jacket, blazer, hooded sweatshirt, sweater or coat. Instead of the breast, attach one to a large collar or pocket.
• Attach one to the hem of a skirt, or group together several to create a cascading look.

Accessories

• 
• Adorn the brim or top of a hat or on a lightweight scarf.
• String several along a chain to create a charming necklace or bracelet
• With jewelry in mind, try pinning one or two to the breast of a dress form display.

Bags

• Pin one or two on a purse, clutch, tote, beach bag or canvas grocery bag.