When I first saw Emporio Armani’s fall collection, one detail stood out: oversized flower pins. They feel playful and feminine while making a bold statement. They also looked simple enough to recreate at home, so I experimented until I found an easy technique that gives a professional-looking result.
DIY Armani Flower Pins
You’ll need
You’ll need
- Organza or similar sheer fabric
- Needle and thread
- Sharp scissors
- Small safety pins (or brooch backs)
- A lighter or candle for sealing edges
- Small beads for the center
Instructions
Step 1: Cut five to six concentric circles from the fabric. The largest circle should be the finished diameter you want for the pin.
Step 2: Carefully singe the raw edges of each circle with a lighter. Hold the fabric at a safe distance and pass the edge quickly through the flame to prevent fraying and to encourage the petals to curl slightly. Work in a well-ventilated area and keep water nearby.
Step 3: Stack the circles from largest to smallest. Thread a needle and push it through the center of the stack, gathering the layers slightly as you go so the petals sit naturally.
Step 4: Add three small beads to the needle and stitch them securely to the front center of the flower to create a neat focal point.
Step 5: With the needle still through the layered fabric, turn the flower over and sew a safety pin or brooch back onto the reverse side. Stitch several times through the fabric and the pin base so it feels secure. Avoid glue for this step when working with sheer fabric, since adhesive can show through.
Step 6: Fluff and arrange the layers to achieve the desired volume and shape. Make a second flower if you like a layered look—two or more pinned together creates a fuller, more couture effect.
If brooches aren’t your thing, these flowers also work beautifully pinned to a headband or sewn onto a sash or bag for a quick style update.