Make a fabric bird brooch

You can make this cute brooch in any combination of fabrics you choose: to resemble a bird's plumage, or in a random mix of patterns and colours.

You will need

● templates (below)
● pencil
● sharp scissors
● pins
● fabrics to make the birds (stiff, thick fabrics work best for the body; lighter fabrics for the other parts)
● needle
● hand embroidery threads
● knitting wool or ribbons (to make the bird's legs)
● bead (to embellish your bird)
● brooch pin

Print out the templates below and cut out. Draw around the bird shape on another piece of paper, then cut out the breast shape from it.

Choose which pieces of fabric you want for the different parts of your bird. Pin in place if necessary, then cut round the shapes.

When you've cut out all the pieces pin them together to form the bird.

Thread your needle. Stitch the beak, breast and tail pieces on to the body. Then stitch on the wing piece. You can use whichever stitch you want, but a running stitch works well. Just make sure that all the pieces stay in place!

Make the eye by sewing a French knot, or sewing on a bead.

For the legs, use your knitting wool or ribbon, to make a plait. Fold this in half and stitch onto the back of the bird.

Now use the body template and cut out another fabric body piece for the back, to cover all those stitches that you don’t want to be seen!

Place the backing piece onto your bird and use blanket-stitch to sew the front and back pieces together. 

Firmly stitch on the brooch pin near the bird's head, so that it doesn't flop over when you wear it.

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