This embroidery hoop upcycled wreath is easy to make with old flannel shirts that you may have on hand or can buy at your local thrift store.
I had been thinking of making a wreath with plaid flannel for fall. Originally I planned to use a wire wreath frame, but when my friend Jemma suggested crafting with embroidery hoops, I knew just what to make.
Materials
7-inch embroidery hoop
Fabric for the middle
Plaid Flannel Shirts
Spray Starch
One of these shirts was in our give away pile at home. The other two I bought at Goodwill for around $2 each.
To make this wreath start with cutting strips of fabric and spray them with spray starch to stiffen the fabric. Let dry, flip over and spray again.
I chose a contrasting burlap fabric for the inner hoop. Simply cut around the hoop leaving a little extra fabric along the edges.
Next, tie the strips to the outer embroidery ring.
Then you can insert the center ring. Unfortunately, as you can see my strips were too long, just flopped over. They were between 8-12 inches long because I wanted a little variation. This also helps utilize as much of the shirt as possible.
Instead of cutting them, I decided to make a double knot. This worked well and I liked the look of it.
Now with the double knot, you are dealing with extra fabric in the center making the inner hoop more difficult to wedge into the outer hoop. I was able to make it work but wanted to mention it here.
Embroidery Hoop Upcycled Wreath
This embroidery hoop upcycled wreath is now hanging from an old frame sitting on the mantel, getting ready for fall. Stop back to see the rest of the mantel in my fall home tour coming soon.
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Embroidery Hoop Upcycled Wreath Made with Old Flannel Shirts
Equipment
- Fabric scissors
Materials
- 7- inch embroidery hoop
- Fabric for the middle
- Plaid Flannel Shirts
- Spray Starch
Instructions
- Cut strips of fabric and spray them with spray starch to stiffen.
- Let dry.
- Flip over and spray again.
- Add burlap fabric for the inner hoop.
- Simply cut around the hoop leaving a little extra fabric along the edges.
- Tie the strips to the outer embroidery ring. Insert the center ring.
- Make a double knot.
- Hang your wreath and enjoy!
Ingrid
Love your plaid wreath! It was super helpful that you included what didn’t work ~ your strips were too long. The finished product always looks so perfect, so it’s nice to hear how problem solved. I agree that it needs something for the center. It was hard to tell it was fabric in the first picture. There are so many plaid fabrics at the thrift store ~ greens for St. Patrick’s Day, pinks and reds fir Valentine’s Day, red, white and blues for July so many possibilities ~ thanks fir the idea, tips and what not to do. 😀
Patti Estep
Thanks Ingrid. I agree the middle needs something. I'm thinking of using some brown embroidery thread to create the look of seeds like a center of a sunflower. Glad you like the post and have fun creating one of your own.
Shirley
loVED THE FLANNEL
Lisa
You had me at plaid flannel! I have been wanting to make an embroidery hoop wreath forever. I need to head to my Goodwill and find a couple of shirts.
Patti Estep
Thanks Lisa. This is a good time to find flannel shirts. I'm sure you will find tons to play with.
Karen
How creative! There's just no end to the ways thrifted pieces can be used. I love how you totally repurposed these shirts for a fun and unique wreath.
Susan M
Love this Patti! I have an older yellow & brown flannel shirt. I think I'm going to make a sunflower!
Patti Estep
Hi Susan,
A sunflower would be awesome and you could use it year round.
laura
HI Patti
This is such a great idea! I have a really pretty gingham top headed to Goodwill and I kept thinking it was too pretty to give up. Now I have an idea with my "lot" of embroidery hoops! Great job! laura
Patti Estep
Hi Laura,
Your gingham sounds so pretty and I bet would look great with this application.
BonBon
Patti - this is so cute. I love the flannel with the plaid. Its perfect.
Patti Estep
Thanks BonBon!
Carole
Love this wreath Patti, the starch was a great idea will have to save this for next year because it just doesn't look like I'm going to be doing much decorating. Great project!!
Patti Estep
I'm glad you like the wreath. I'm sure you have plenty of gorgeous decorations to use from years past for a change. There's always next year.
Courtney Johnson
I absolutely love the wreath, Patti! I never would have thought to use old flannel shirts, but they look fabulous. A monogram in the middle of the hoop would look great too. Thanks for sharing!
Patti Estep
Hi Courtney,
Thank you. I knew the middle was missing something and a monogram would be perfect! So fun working with you and seeing what everyone created.