Creating Rustic Burlap Flowers For Wedding Cake Toppers

Burlap and lace flowers make for a rustic and elegant wedding cake topper. The beauty of pairing these two fabrics is that the final product is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to make. With a few simple materials, you can create a unique and charming addition to your wedding cake. This DIY project is perfect for those who want to add a personal touch to their special day without spending a fortune. So, if you're feeling crafty, grab some burlap, lace, thread, and a few other supplies, and get ready to make your own burlap flower wedding cake topper!

Cut and glue the burlap square

To make a burlap flower for a wedding cake topper, you'll need to start by preparing the burlap. Cut out a square of burlap that is 3" or larger, depending on the size of the flower you want to make. If you want a bigger flower, go for a larger square. Once you've cut out your burlap square, apply glue to two opposite edges, leaving a small inch or so un-glued at each corner.

Now it's time to make the bottom, burlap layer. Fold the glued burlap square in half, then in half again, so that all the glued edges are touching and longways. You should now have a long, thin rectangle with two glued edges. From here, you'll create a fan fold by bringing the bottom-right corner up and across to meet the top-left corner, creating a new thin rectangle with four layers.

At this point, you'll cut the narrow ends of the folded burlap to create the petals. You can cut them into a rounded or pointed shape, depending on your preference. Once you've decided on the shape, cut one end, then fold it in half and use that first end as a pattern to cut the opposite end, ensuring both sides match.

With your petals cut, you'll now secure the centre with a double-looped thread. While the burlap is still folded, take a doubled strand of burlap and loop it around the centre, securing it with a knot on the same side as the glued edges.

The next step is to fan out the petals and sew the edges together to round out the layer. This is why you applied glue to the edges earlier—it will keep them from fraying as you sew. Working from the underside, sew the loose edges together, pinching the two glued edges together and then threading the needle through the burlap. These stitches don't need to be neat or small, as no one will see the underside of your flower. Check the front of the flower to see where you should stop sewing, then tie off the thread and repeat on the other side.

And there you have it! A beautiful burlap flower for your wedding cake topper. You can add additional layers of lace or other decorations to customise your flower further.

Fold and cut petals

To fold and cut petals for a burlap flower wedding cake topper, start by cutting a square of burlap that is 3" or larger, depending on the size of flower you want to make. Fold the burlap square into quarters, with the glued edges longways. Fold it in half, with the glued edges touching, and fan fold into quarters.

The narrow ends of the folded burlap will be the petals. Cut one end to be rounded or pointed, in the shape you'd like. Fold it in half and use the first end as a pattern to cut the opposite end of the burlap into petals. While still folded, loop a doubled burlap strand around the centre and secure it with a knot. Fan out the petals and sew the edges together to round out the layer.

Sew the bottom layer

To sew the bottom layer, start by folding the burlap square into quarters, with the glued edges longways. Fold in half, with the glued edges touching. Fan fold into quarters. Cut the narrow ends of the folded burlap into a rounded or pointed shape to form the petals. Fold in half again and use the first end as a pattern for the second end, cutting it into the shape of petals. While still folded, loop a doubled burlap strand around the centre and secure it with a knot. The knot should be on the same side as the edges with glue on them.

Next, fan out the petals and sew the edges together to round out the layer. Working from the underside, sew together the loose edges, pinching the two glued edges together and then threading the needle through the burlap. Check the front to see where you should stop sewing. Tie off the thread and repeat on the other side.

Gather and sew the lace layer

Now, gather and sew the lace layer. Use the needle and thread to gather the non-scalloped edge of the lace by weaving the needle in and out along the edge and pulling it tight. Sew the raw end edges together from the underside to make a circular flower. Knot off and cut the thread.

You can use a hot glue gun instead of sewing if you prefer. If you're not confident in your sewing skills, that's okay—the knots are hidden, and the rustic style means your flower doesn't have to be completely symmetrical.

The lace layer should be three times the length of the burlap and a quarter of its width. For example, if your burlap square is 6 inches, cut your lace to 2 inches by 18 inches.

Sew the two layers together

Now that you have your burlap and lace layers, it's time to sew them together! Using the needle and thread, attach the two layers together. Starting from the bottom, pull the needle through the centre of both layers, then back down again. Repeat this process two or three times, then knot off from underneath. Pull the thread as tightly as you like to achieve the look you want.

The great thing about this project is that you don't have to be a sewing expert. The knots are hidden, and the rustic style means that the flower doesn't have to be completely symmetrical. If your flower is a little lopsided, that's okay!

Frequently asked questions