Love it or hate it, beetroot inspires this fun and colourful brooch craft. Get the free pattern and learn to make your beetroot brooch with scrap fabric and embroidery.
Why I Made a Beetroot Brooch for Autumn (Free Pattern Included)
We call it beetroot in the UK, while elsewhere, they might go by “beet.” Whether you love or loathe them, there’s no denying that beetroot has a distinctive charm with its deep, rich colour and earthy flavour. I’m on team Beetroot! I adore this quirky vegetable, and as autumn rolled in, I found myself inspired by its vibrant red and green hues to create something a bit different—a beetroot brooch!
Yes, you heard me right. I’ve combined my love for beetroot and crafting into a fun, quirky brooch perfect for the season. The best part? I’m sharing the free pattern with you so you can make your own! It’s made with scrap fabric, so it’s eco-friendly, and I’ve added some embroidery to give it a bit of extra detail. The result? It is a cute little accessory that can brighten up any outfit or make for a unique handmade gift.
This project is a playful nod to a favourite veg and a fun handstitched craft that’s perfect for those who love working with fabric and embroidery. If you enjoy slow crafting and creating something unique with your hands, this beetroot brooch will surely make you smile.
Materials Needed
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I crafted this adorable beetroot brooch using scrap fabric, specifically velvet swatches left over from my sofa hunt (I eventually chose an orange sofa, by the way!). However, if you don’t have velvet on hand, don’t worry—this beetroot brooch pattern works just as beautifully with felt or any other fabric you have in your stash.
- Red fabric (for the beetroot body) and Green (for the leaves)
- Glass seed beads (optional for added texture and sparkle)
- Embroidery thread (in deep red for leaf veins)
- Small embroidery hoop
- Thin floristry wire (for shaping leaves)
- Erasable embroidery marking pen
- Wadding/stuffing (for filling the beetroot body)
- Cardboard (for stiffening the back)B
- Brooch pin or safety pin
- Needle and thread
- Scissors
- Fabric glue
- Free beetroot brooch pattern (download from the site)
How To Make The Beetroot Brooch
Making the Leaves
Step 1: Cut the leaf shape template from the beetroot brooch pattern.
Step 2: Place the green fabric in the embroidery hoop. Draw around the leaf template, and add the vein details using the erasable pen.
Step 3: Embroider the Leaves: Using deep red embroidery thread, stitch veins onto the leaves. Start from the base of each leaf and work your way up, creating realistic vein patterns.
Step 4: Cut out the embroidered leaf shape from your fabric, then cut a second piece for the back of the leaf. Place the two fabric pieces together with the wrong sides facing each other.
Using a fine needle and green cotton thread, hand stitch around the edges with tiny blanket stitches, leaving the bottom of the stem open. Once the stitching is complete, fold a piece of floristry wire in half and carefully insert it into the leaf through the open stem. This will allow you to shape the leaf as desired.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 to 4, ending up with three beetroot leaves.
Making The Beetroot Brooch Body
Step 6: Place the red fabric inside the embroidery hoop. Draw around the vegetable template.
Step 7: Using red cotton, embroider small lines of glass seed beads onto the red fabric.
Step 8: Making the brooch inner: Cut a piece of cardboard slightly smaller than the beetroot body and stick the wadding to it. Add some loose embroidery threads to hang from the tip of the beet.
Step 9: Cut out the beetroot body and another one for the back. Sandwich the cardboard inner between these two pieces. Sew them together with cotton thread and tiny blanket stitches. Leave the top open for the leaves.
Finishing off the brooch
Step 5: Attach the Leaves. Position the three leaves at the top of the beetroot body (stick the wires inside). Arrange them in a fan shape or however, you like. Carefully stitch the base of each leaf to the top of the beetroot, securing them in place.
Step 7: Secure the Brooch Pin. Flip your beetroot brooch over and sew the brooch pin to the back. You can also use a safety pin if you prefer. Ensure it’s positioned in the centre so the brooch sits correctly when worn.
Conclusion & Related Posts
This beetroot brooch is the perfect autumn accessory, adding a playful pop of seasonal charm to your coat, bag, or scarf. It will catch attention and spark conversations, whether among fellow beetroot enthusiasts or those whose quirky appeal might win over. This brooch also makes a thoughtful handmade gift for a friend and is a fantastic item to craft and sell at markets or online.
If you’re looking for more creative brooch ideas, explore other tutorials on Pillarboxblue, like the felt flower brooch and map heart brooches. For those who enjoy crafting whimsical fruit and veg, don’t miss my velvet fig ornaments, these gorgeous cut pomegranate ornaments and scrap fabric mushrooms. You can also find more velvet craft inspiration and adult fall craft ideas to keep the creativity flowing.
creativejewishmom/sara
Saturday 7th of September 2024
Fabulous as always, and sooooo perfect for Fall, still summer hot here, but seeing all the fall things online has me in the mood! thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Monday 9th of September 2024
Thank you so much. It definately feels autumnal here in the UK. I think the last days of summer have gone.
Donna via Funky Junk
Friday 6th of September 2024
LOVE your fabric brooch! It has such a homespun warm touch to it that you do oh so well!
Claire Armstrong
Saturday 7th of September 2024
Ahh, thank you Donna, I just love make things.
Melynda
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
OK, this is adorable! I love beets and I will be looking through my scrap drawer to see if I have the needed pieces to make this! Thank you! Melynda @scratchmadefood!
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 29th of August 2024
Thank you. You only need the smallest of pieces or it would work well with felt. Have fun making it!
I V Anderson
Wednesday 28th of August 2024
What a dear little brooch! Thank you for sharing your delightful creativity!
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 29th of August 2024
Thank you so much, I had fun making it.