1. Gather silk or polyester fabric. Choose fabric in your favorite color or use several colors in different hues to make realistic looking flowers. For example, choose peach, coral, and yellow to create a vibrant colored flower.
If you're using polyester fabric, consider working with satin, organza, acetate lining, lace, or a combination of these.
2. Cut 24 fabric petals in different sizes to make 1 flower. You'll need to cut bean-shaped petals in 4 sizes for your flower. Specifically, cut 6 petals out of silk or polyester for each of these bean-shaped sizes:[14]
3 by 1 3⁄4 inches (7.6 cm × 4.4 cm)
3 1⁄2 by 2 inches (8.9 cm × 5.1 cm)
4 1⁄2 by 2 1⁄2 inches (11.4 cm × 6.4 cm)
5 1⁄4 by 3 inches (13.3 cm × 7.6 cm)
3. Light a candle and use the flame to sear the edges of each petal. To create realistic looking petals, hold each petal close enough to the candle's flame so the edges curl slightly, but don't burn. Rotate the petal slowly to sear every side. If you're working with thick fabric, you'll need to hold it closer to the flame than if you're working with a delicate fabric.
Pay attention to how close you have to put the fabric to the flame and move the fabric closer if it's taking too long.
4. Gather 1 of the smallest petals and stitch the bottom to secure it. Hold the petal horizontally and roll it tightly while you hold the bottom. This will make the center of your flower. Keep the petal in place by double threading a needle and making a few whip stitches across the bottom layers
5. Wrap another small petal around the center petal and stitch the bottom in place. Put 1 more of the smallest petals around the petal that you just stitched. You should keep holding the petals tightly by the base and so your flower can begin to take shape.
Remember to whip stitch the bottom again to secure the new petal.
6. Continue to sew on the petals from smallest to largest. Once you've attached all of the smallest petals, start adding the next smallest size until you've added all of them to the flower. Keep adding the petals so you use the largest petals for the outside of the flower.
You should continue to whip stitch the base of each petal so your flower doesn't unravel.
7. Tie off the thread and unfurl the petals. Tie a knot at the base of your flower and trim the thread. Then, use your fingers to gently pull back the petals at the top of your flower to make them look like they're blossoming.
You can now attach the flowers to stems for a bouquet or hot glue them onto bows or wreaths.