Felt Birthday Crowns
I whipped up some felt crowns for my daughters and their friends’ birthdays, and would like to share with anyone else who’s interested in creating an heirloom celebration tradition. I hope to add a felt candle each year as my children grow, and the two-layered flame is a special detail that adds a lot of texture and impact. For infants who aren’t old enough for one candle but still want to celebrate, try adding a flower. This project is fully customizable – choose to glue or stitch according to your preference and comfort level. Let’s begin!
Materials
All supplies available at Benzie Design, unless noted otherwise.
Bellwether Pure Wool Felt
I used Hibiscus, Plie, Begonia, and Sea Mist for crown bases,
Teal, Hibiscus, Phlox, and Sea Mist for candles,
Canary and Custard for candle flames.
Fabric Scissors
Freezer Paper
Iron
Turbo Tacky Glue
Fabric Stiffener
Coordinating Sulky Thread (if choosing to sew)
Screw Punch (4mm Tip)
May Arts: Double Faced Satin Ribbon with Woven Edge in Ivory Luster (I had ⅞” on hand, but next time I’ll use ½”).
Directions
1. Cut Felt
Print or trace Cut Template onto dull side of freezer paper, then iron shiny side to your felt. Cut out all pieces.
2. Embellish
Use Turbo Tacky Glue or coordinating Sulky Thread to whipstitch candles, flowers, or other embellishments.
Candles: Whipstitch or glue each candle approximately ¼” from the bottom edge.
Candle Flames: I recommend using a touch of glue for candle flames to prevent little fingers picking off the tips. For a sewed look, I added a couple stitches in the center of the top layer.
Flowers: Use two strands of Sulky Thread and sew a running stitch through the flat edge of each petal. Stitch through the first petal again (thus creating a circle), then pull tight and all petals should scrunch and ruffle together. Stitch a few times through the center of the flower to reinforce the flower, then tie off. Stitch or glue to the crown.
3. Add Structure
To stabilize and add structure to your crown, either spray Fabric Stiffener or sew a second layer of felt with blanket stitch.
Notes:
Fabric Stiffener helps keeps the crown points nice and crisp! Spray both sides, let dry for about an hour, then use a press cloth and iron to set.
If you chose to sew embellishments, adding a second layer of felt to the back will conceal the stitching.
4. Punch Holes
Place crown on a self-healing cutting mat, and use the Cut Template to line up where the holes should be placed (two holes on each end of the crown, approximately ½” from the edge). Use a 4mm Screw Punch by pressing firmly and evenly to punch each hole.
Ribbon is pulled through the top through holes, makes an “X” on the inside of the crown, pulled back out through the bottom holes, then tied in a bow.
Once woven through the holes, the satin ribbon creates an “X” on the inside of the crown.
5. Ribbon
Cut desired length of ribbon (approximately 18”) and weave through the holes of the crown. Tie in a bow and you’re ready to party!
If you make your own, I’d love to see — feel free to share or tag me on Instagram @moseycreative.
