[Handmade] Simple DIY brooch ideas
You might not wear them every day, but accessories can instantly brighten up your look when you do.
Among them, brooches are not only perfect for formal occasions like weddings and funerals, but they’re also one of the easiest accessories to incorporate into casual outfits.
In this article, we’ll share handmade brooch ideas.
Even if you’re not confident in sewing or crafts, there are plenty of simple ideas that are easy to try.
Many of the parts can be bought at 100-yen shops, so give it a go using leftover materials you have at home.
They make great gifts, too!
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[Handmade] Simple Brooch DIY Ideas (1–10)
zipper brooch
A brooch made with a zipper may look difficult, but it’s actually very simple.
Mark the zipper so it’s divided into three equal sections, then fold it from the end to the mark, fold again, and keep folding.
If you place a pin first and use that spot as the center, it’s easier to fold.
Once you’ve folded it all the way, sew the center, stitch a brooch pin to the back, and decorate the center—where the stitches are—with beads, and you’re done.
Who would have thought a zipper could transform into a floral brooch? You can even buy zippers at 100-yen shops.
Walnut button brooch
Why not make your own original brooch using cute, round and plump fabric-covered buttons? Instead of using store-bought ones, let’s handcraft the buttons themselves with your favorite fabric! You can buy kits for making fabric-covered buttons at craft stores or 100-yen shops.
It’s also fun to use leftover fabric you have at home or small scraps of a favorite textile.
Once you get the hang of it, fabric-covered buttons are easy to make, so try different sizes or make them as small gifts.
Fuzzy Scrap Fabric Brooch
How about making a brooch using a non-slip mat you can get at a 100-yen shop and fabric scraps like canvas or quilting fabric? First, sew the non-slip mat onto the quilted fabric.
Place that fabric and the canvas right sides together and sew around the outside.
Leave the last 5 cm unsewn to create a turning opening, then turn it right side out.
Next, stitch the opening closed and sew on a brooch pin.
Once the base is complete, tie lots of ribbon-like fabric scraps onto the mesh of the non-slip mat.
You’ll have a striking, eye-catching brooch!
[Handmade] Simple Brooch DIY Ideas (11–20)
amigurumi brooch
A cute crocheted cat brooch.
You’ll need yarn from a 100-yen shop, safety eyes for plush toys and a bell, a brooch pin, glue, a size 4 crochet hook, a tapestry needle, thread, an awl, stuffing, and scissors.
First, crochet a circle with beige yarn, increasing stitches gradually; then decrease gradually to form a round face.
Stuff the face piece and sew on the nose and mouth.
Attach the eye parts with glue, then crochet and sew on the ears.
Embroider tiger stripes and whiskers, and sew on the lower part of the face to complete an adorable cat.
Don’t forget the bell on the neck at the end!
Crocheted flower brooch
How about trying to make a crochet flower brooch that feels fluffy and soft? First, prepare yarn in your favorite color and a crochet hook that matches the yarn size.
Sew in sets of three: one chain stitch, one single crochet, and one chain stitch.
For the next round, repeat a basic pattern such as: one slip stitch, two chain stitches, two double crochets, and two chain stitches.
Using two tones—yellow for the center and a bright color for the petals—creates a cute look, while a single-tone in a subdued color gives the brooch a chic finish.
sequin brooch
How about making a striking brooch using glittering sequins? You’ll need sequins, a compass, pearls, fabric, a needle, thread, glue, a cabochon setting (bezel tray), and a pin.
First, use the compass to draw two concentric circles on the fabric.
Sew the sequins along the lines with a needle and thread, layering them so they overlap in a circular pattern.
It’s nice to use slightly different colors of sequins for the inner and outer circles.
Sew a pearl in the center, then attach the piece to the base cabochon setting with glue.
Add the pin, and your brooch with a sparkling focal point is complete!
Leather brooch
This is a leather brooch inspired by a cute bird.
You can make the template from thick paper you have at home, like a beer carton.
The materials you’ll need—all available at 100-yen shops—are leather, a brooch pin, leather adhesive, scissors, a hammer, and a hole punch.
First, trace the pattern onto the leather and cut it out with scissors.
Next, use the hole punch and hammer to make a hole for the bird’s eye.
Trim away any frayed excess leather and clean up the area around the eye.
Then glue suede fabric and the brooch pin to the back, and you’re done.
When you wear it, it’s a lovely accessory that feels like a refreshing breeze.