DIY Fall Leaf Brooches: A Quick & Easy Craft Project

Updated at: 11/05/2025

Autumn's vibrant hues are a feast for the eyes, and what better way to celebrate the season than by crafting beautiful, unique accessories? This year, skip the mass-produced jewelry and embrace the natural beauty of fall with a fun and simple DIY project: creating stunning leaf brooches. These charming embellishments are perfect for adding a touch of autumnal elegance to your wardrobe, and they make wonderful, personalized gifts for friends and family. Forget expensive store-bought decorations – with just a few readily available materials, you can transform the fallen leaves from your backyard into wearable works of art.

These adorable leaf brooches are surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners! No specialized crafting skills are needed – just a little patience and a dash of creativity. Ready to get started and add a touch of autumn magic to your style? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below to create your own beautiful, handcrafted leaf brooches.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Petite fabrics
  • Batik fabrics
  • HeatnBond Lite
  • Polyester and wool felts
  • Tattered Leaves Bigs Die (Tim Holtz)
  • Big Shot Machine
  • Cardstock
  • Variegated thread (Coats and Clark)
  • Tim Holtz scissors
  • Jute
  • 1.5 inch pin backs
  • Hot glue gun
  • Fabric glue
  • Quarter inch circle die
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when using sharp objects like scissors or pins.
  • Ensure leaves are completely dry before crafting to prevent mold and ensure longevity of the brooch.
  • Handle Mod Podge or other adhesive materials in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with skin and eyes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • Cut HeatnBond Lite to the same size as your die and iron it onto the back of your fabrics.
    Cut HeatnBond Lite to the same size as your die and iron it onto the back of your fabrics.
    Prepare Fabric

  2. Cut Leaf Shapes

    • Create a sandwich with your fabric, die, and cardstock shim. Run it through your Big Shot die-cutting machine.
    Create a sandwich with your fabric, die, and cardstock shim. Run it through your Big Shot die-cutting machine.
    Cut Leaf Shapes

  3. Sew Leaves to Felt

    • Sew the leaf shapes onto felt, leaving some felt showing around the edges. Use free motion stitching with a variegated thread for a decorative effect.
    Sew the leaf shapes onto felt, leaving some felt showing around the edges. Use free motion stitching with a variegated thread for a decorative effect.
    Sew Leaves to Felt

  4. Add Dimension to Leaves

    • Add dimension to the leaves by creating a small dart or tuck on the back using a straight stitch.
    Add dimension to the leaves by creating a small dart or tuck on the back using a straight stitch.
    Add Dimension to Leaves

  5. Add Hanging Loop (Optional)

    • Attach a jute loop for hanging using free motion stitching; avoid stitching through the knot.
    Attach a jute loop for hanging using free motion stitching; avoid stitching through the knot.
    Add Hanging Loop (Optional)

  6. Add Embellishments

    • Sew a button onto the center of the leaf using a walking stitch.
    Sew a button onto the center of the leaf using a walking stitch.
    Add Embellishments

  7. Attach Pin Backs

    • Cut small felt circles using a die and glue them to the back of each leaf. Attach the pin backs using hot glue.
    Cut small felt circles using a die and glue them to the back of each leaf. Attach the pin backs using hot glue.
    Attach Pin Backs

Read more: Sew a Lined Expandable Storage Bag: Easy Tutorial

Tips

  • Always bring seasonal, small items to craft shows; they often sell quickly and can cover booth costs.
  • Use a variegated thread for added visual interest. Coats and Clark is a good option.
  • Use high-quality pin backs to avoid snagging.
  • Avoid using fabric glue when you have your nails done.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Leaves That Are Too Dry or Brittle

Reason: Dry leaves crumble easily, making them difficult to work with and prone to breaking during the crafting process.
Solution: Select leaves that are slightly damp or pliable, or use a leaf-preserving solution to maintain flexibility.

2. Applying Too Much Mod Podge or Adhesive

Reason: Excess adhesive can cause the leaves to become warped or create a sticky, uneven finish on the brooch.
Solution: Apply thin, even coats of Mod Podge, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.

3. Improperly Securing the Leaf to the Brooch Base

Reason: Insufficient adhesive or an unstable base can lead to the leaf detaching from the brooch over time.
Solution: Use a strong adhesive designed for crafting and ensure complete coverage of the leaf's surface and the brooch base.

FAQs

What kind of leaves work best for making these brooches?
Leaves that are relatively flat, sturdy, and have interesting shapes and colors work best. Maple, oak, and magnolia leaves are popular choices. Avoid leaves that are too brittle or delicate, as they may break easily during the crafting process. Try to select leaves that are freshly fallen, but not overly damp.