How to make: Suffolk puffs

I love Suffolk puffs (also known as yo yo puffs in America). They're an easy way to make a pretty brooch, are a great embellishment for bags, an easy way to make a pretty scarf by stitching several together and have 101 other uses. Here are just a few ideas...

Headpiece with net and Suffolk puffs by Ark Designs

Christmas puff ball from Maximum Rabbit Designs

Bib necklace with Suffolk puffs from Pom Pom Emporium

The good news is, they genuinely could not be easier to make yourself. Here's how...

You will need: Fabric, thread, needle, scissors, plus embellishments such as cabochons, buttons, ribbon etc.

Step one:

Cut out a circle of fabric approximately twice as large as you would like your finished puff. Tie a knot in the end of your thread, stitch through the fabric a few times to secure, then sew running stitch around the edge of the circle.

Step two:

Gently pull the thread to bring the edges of the circle in together to the centre.

Step three:

Tightly stitch through the fabric in the centre to secure the puff. Embellish with a button or cabachon in the middle, add ribbon for a rosette effect or sew to a plain bag as decoration.

What do you make with your Suffolk puffs? Post your links below and I'll do a blog on the best ones!

Comments

Anonymous said…

this is so helpful xx

24 March 2013 at 14:07

Explosion in a jewellery box

It took me ages to find a pretty way to store the jewellery for my Folksy shop . I didn't want it to get muddled up with my own jewellery, but at the same time I didn't just want to stick it all in a box. I also wanted something that I could take with me to craft shows. At first I used a French shabby-chic style mini jewellery mannequin, but it soon got full! Then I found a gorgeous bird-themed jewellery stand. Unfortunately I've been so busy making lovely new items recently that tha's got a bit stuffed too! Oh dear... (Sorry about the picture quality, I had to take them on my mobile) I think it's probably time to buy another jewellery stand. I want one that will complement my existing ones but not exactly the same. Any suggestions will be happily welcomed. And how do you all store your stock? Is it tucked away under a bed or proudly on display to make the most of any visitors?

Opinions needed

I have a beautiful, really delicate vintage filigree brooch in the shape of a butterfly. The trouble is, I can't decide whether to make it into a necklace or a bracelet. What do you guys think? (Sorry about the blurry photo - that's what happend when I only have my phone, not the proper camera):

Spooky goings on

Two days ago my boyfriend and I were doing very late night shopping in Tesco (much more fun than shopping at the usual hour) when he turned to me with a very serious look on his face. "Kat," he said. "Did you replace the batteries in my clock and set it to the right time?" I'll admit I was a little bit thrown, having absolutely no idea what he was talking about. Turns out that the clock in his kitchen that hasn't worked for at least a month now is not only ticking away merrily, but has mysteriously been set to the correct time. Well it wasn't me. I think he's got a personal poltergeist. We also saw a tin of Japanese braised eel, which I was so pleased by I took a picture of it. I'll post it later, along with photos of what I made last night for my craft stall... bunting's brilliant. Incidentally today's my birthday. Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me.

Made With Love by Kat

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