DIY Tutorial- Ribbon/Fabric Flowers

Supplies:

-Ribbon (I used 1 1/2" width w/ the wire-lined edges- it stays in place better) OR 44"/45" fabric (I used special occasion fabric).
-coordinating thread
-needle
-buttons, beads, (or you can just use thread), to use as embellishment

How To:

Thread your needle and tie a knot at one end. Put aside to be used for later.

For Ribbon: Cut about 22"-24" of ribbon from your spool.
For Fabric: Fold fabric in half, selvage to selvage. After squaring up your fabric, cut a 1 1/2" wide strip.

Start by folding over the ribbon/fabric on one end to make a pleat like this:

Continue holding the pleat against the edge of the ribbon/fabric with one hand. This will be the center of the flower. Continuing making new pleats towards the center while holding the existing pleats together:

Continue this process until you reach the starting point:

Begin a new row on top of the first row, while continuing to hold the ribbon/fabric together at the center. Pleat until you can pleat no more!...um, or until you have reached the end of the ribbon/fabric:

Collect the threaded ribbon and sew through the middle of the flower, making close, small stitches:

Make sure the flower stays together without having to hold it.

Petals:
To make petals (as I did with my shoe flowers), I just used a small pair of scissors to cut petal shapes into the fabric.

Embellishments:
If you have enough length in your thread, continue to use the same thread to sew on the beads/buttons/etc. otherwise sew a knot on the end and use a new thread. I used small beads for my ribbon flower (and some vintage looking buttons for the fabric flower):

Add anything else as you see fit :)

Done!
Now it's your turn! :) Share a tutorial you've found helpful in your wedding planning.