Chic Hanging Topiary Tutorial

It is so cold outside so we are stuck inside and I just had to create something to spice things up a bit! How about a chic hanging topiary?
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so why not?

This adorable ball is as cute as can be and is super easy on any budget.

I used a 6" styrofoam craft ball from the local craft shop.

I wanted to cover it in lots of gorgeous fluffy flowers but wanted to make my own unique look. So I used some beautiful sheer pink fabric that I had on hand.

I cut 10 long strips (roughly 36" long) of fabric 3" wide. I folded the fabric in thirds (with the raw edges meeting and overlapping in the middle) and sewed straight down the middle. Don't worry about it being perfect, it will all be bunched up in a minute and there are no imperfections in this project!

I then changed my stitch length to a tighter stitch (1.5) on my machine. I bunch the fabric under the foot as I fed it through the machine. This step was really easy! The stitch is so tight and small that the fabric moves very slowly and allows plenty of time and room to bunch the fabric as you sew. Just try it!

The finished strip will look something like this.

Lay the ruffled fabric on the ball and pin in place with flat head straight pins every few inches.

I pinned the fabric in 4" strips and then twisted it around and pinned the next 4" strip next to the previous strip.


You want the ruffles to be pretty close together so lift up the already pinned layer to expose the ball under it. Pin the next layer on the exposed area.


It will start looking something like this. This project is so easy that I pinned the layers and took pictures to prove it while bouncing Sweet Pea on my knee!

Continue to lay your ruffled strips up against each previous layer of ruffle until your ball is completely covered. The closer the layers, the tighter the 'flowered' look in the end. The looser the layers, the more open the 'flowered' look.

This hanging topiary will go over Sweet Pea's bed. I used about 5 straight pins to secure the end of an 18" piece of ribbon to the topiary. I then attached a sweet and simple bow with long tails to complete the chic look.


Have fun and be creative! I plan on making a second hanging topiary out of

ivory satin material. I can't wait!!

I used about 3/4 yard of fabric, 50 straight pins, 1 Styrofoam ball, and about a yard of ribbon.

How cute is that!?