From Ancient Origins to Modern DIY
The tiara has a rich history, with its origin tracing back to ancient Persian royalty. Traditionally, these also worn accessories head ornaments were worn by royalty to indicate wearing a tiara status, nobility, and wealth. Unlike the massive gift, heavy crowns of the past, a gift delicate DIY felt tiara allows you to channel that royal feeling without the weight of gold, silver, or a diamond. You don’t need to also wear a tiara commission a gift an Italian jewelry designer or visit Paris to bespeak a custom piece; you can create your own custom jewel right at home using soft, also worn fabrics colorful felt.
Embellished Felt Tiara For Halloween
My girls took a while to decide what they wanted to be for Halloween this year. So here I am, scrambling at the last minute for a gift! They finally decided to be a Princess and a Fairy. Last year, they were butterflies so Sarah (who will be the Fairy) will wear her wings again. But they did not want to wear the butterfly antenna tiaras that Mama slaved over last year! Time for some new headgear.
This time, I made them little felt crowns. Thank goodness, they quickly decided on what types of embellishments they wanted…Sarah wanted butterflies, fitting for a fairy, and Sophie wanted flowers, which she said is what princesses like.
This Easy Embellished DIY felt tiara Tutorial is really simple and quick, perfect for mamas of indecisive princesses and fairies.
Tiara vs. Crown: Knowing the Difference
Before starting, it helps to know the differences between these two. A crown is typically a circular headdress that sits on the entire head, representing absolute authority. It is often used interchangeably with tiara, but they are distinct. A tiara (or diadem) is usually semicircular, not a complete circle, and is worn on the head or forehead. While crowns are worn by both men and women of power, tiaras are commonly worn by women, including brides in the days of old and modern winners of beauty contests. Our felt project is technically a tiara since it attaches to a headband!
Embellished Felt Tiara-Supplies
- Felt in many colors
- Template for crown
- Headband
- Fusible webbing like Steam-a-Seam2
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Disappearing Ink Pen
- Scissors
- Glue gun
- Plus iron, ironing board, sewing machine and thread
Directions
The crown piece will be made by cutting a mirror image of the crown along the bottom edge, wearing a tiara At that point, it will wrap around the headband, and the two mirror images of the crown will adhere on top of each other with the fusible webbing.
Draw out a template for the crown. I just made it proportionate for my girls…not too tall, not too wide, perfect for wearing a tiara. Add a little bit of height at the bottom edge, for the part that wraps around the headband.
Then, fold a piece of felt and put the bottom edge of the crown along the fold. Trace the crown onto the felt with the disappearing ink pen, and cut through both layers on the fold, also worn by many. Set aside.
Now cut out the fusible webbing to adhere the two layers together, creating a gift. We want to leave room to insert the headband i.e. we don’t want the fold part to adhere, so we want the webbing to be shorter than the felt crown. Fold back the bottom edge about 1/2 an inch, trace the crown onto one of the paper layers of the webbing with a pencil and cut out just inside of your trace line (we also want it smaller than the felt crown, so it’s not sticking out of the felt, and you don’t get goo on your iron.
There are two layers of paper on each side of the webbing. Peel off the one that is looser than the other, and place it webbing side down onto one side of the crown.
Grab your felt crown piece and open it up. Press down the exposed side of the webbing with your hand, so it sticks.
Carefully peel off the other paper layer.
Fold the crown piece back up so the two crown layers match up.
Following the directions of the Steam-A-Seam2, press with your iron. The webbing also provides some stiffness to the crown.
Because the webbing was cut shorter at the bottom, you’re left with a loop at the bottom to slide in your headband.
Try it on, if the princess and fairy are willing.
To provide additional stiffness and detail, topstitch along the points of the crown. Don’t sew the opening (for the headband).
So that’s it for the crown!
You can embellish with anything your princess and/or fairy desires. My girls chose the colors and I used hot glue to adhere everything.
Here’s a quick tutorial on how I made those loopy flowers. I had seen this while watching a quilting show on TV at my mom’s house. It’s all by memory, and I wish I remembered the name of the show!
First, cut two strips of felt about 3/4 inch wide. To make one long strip, layer one end on top of the other and simply hot glue them together.
Then wrap the strip around a ruler.
Take a skinny piece of tape and tape the loops into place along one edge. Slide the felt off the ruler.
Along the opposite edge, sew the loops into place. Remove the tape.
Then with the stitched side on the inside, twirl the strip, layering it on top of itself until you form a flower. Glue in place, and cut a felt circle in a contrasting color as the flower’s middle and to hide the stitching. Glue the circle in place.
Then arrange the flowers according to the princess’ directions.
I made a smaller loopy flower in dark blue and green (I made the felt strip narrower, and wrapped it around a thinner ruler), then I made a small yoyo flower and placed that in the middle, a gift also worn by many.
For the large butterfly in the middle of the fairy crown, I used shorter strips and simply looped them into the shape of the wings. The antenna are just a short length of yarn knotted in the middle.
My girls were reluctant to model their new headbands for the camera today. Tomorrow is their school Halloween party so if I get a picture, I will add it then. (Edited with pictures, above!).
Styling Your Headpiece
These tiaras aren’t just for kids! A felt tiara can be a playful accessory for adults attending a gala, a costume party, or even for eccentric celebrities looking to make a fashion also worn in the 21st century statement. While a traditional bride might opt for a precious pearl or emerald headdress, a modern century wedding could feature whimsical felt hair accessories for flower girls. Whether you pair it with a formal dress or casual attire, this decoration serves as a fun brooch for your hair, allowing you to represent your unique style without the massive cost of real precious stones.
Conclusion
Hope this inspires you if you need a last-minute idea! This would be fun for birthday parties as well. Happy Halloween! DIY felt tiara making has never been so easy! In this blog, we showed you the best steps to follow to produce a beautiful and finished product. By following the instructions provided, you will have a tiara that will make any formal occasion more special! So what are you waiting for? Let us see your beautiful embellished felt tiara in the comments below!
FAQs
Q: What is a felt tiara and who is it typically worn by?
A: A felt tiara is a lightweight decorative headpiece made from felt, often embellished with ribbon, beads, or faux gemstone accents; it is commonly worn by girls for various events such as birthday parties, school plays, or costume days, and can also be worn by adults as a playful accessory.
Q: How does a felt tiara compare to traditional crowns or precious gemstones?
A: Felt tiaras are inexpensive and versatile alternatives to crowns that traditionally contain precious gemstones; while crowns are still often reserved for formal royalty or ceremonial occasions, felt versions allow anyone to decorate a headpiece affordably without the weight or cost of real gemstones.
Q: Can a felt tiara be used for bridal occasions or worn by brides?
A: Yes, felt tiaras can be adapted for bridal use—bridal crafters often embellish felt with lace, ribbon, and faux pearls so a felt tiara is often chosen by brides seeking a whimsical, handmade look or for pre-wedding events like bridal showers and rehearsal dinners.
Q: What sizes do felt tiaras come in and how do I choose the right size?
A: Felt tiaras come in various size options to fit babies, children, and adults; when selecting size, measure head circumference and check product details to ensure the tiara will sit comfortably like a hat or headband rather than pinch, and consider adjustable elements such as ribbon ties or elastic bands that contain flexibility.
Q: Are felt tiaras appropriate for formal roles like pageant queens or events inspired by Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth?
A: While traditional royal regalia associated with figures like Queen Mary or Queen Elizabeth feature precious gemstones and metalwork, felt tiaras can be used in beauty contests and by girls for less formal pageants, themed events, or as rehearsal props, but crowns for actual coronations and high ceremonies remain more ornate and symbolic.
