DIY: Pom & Pinwheel Escort Cards

By Lauren Elise, EB DIY Expert

The multi-tasker in me can always appreciate products that have two or more functions. This mentality especially comes in handy when you are on a budget. The next tutorial is perfect for the bride looking to get the most out of her wedding day décor. Not only can these escort cards direct guests to their seats but they can also double as lapel pins that guests can wear and take home. I plan to display my pom and pinwheels on cardigans, dresses, and purses. I always love a colorful, handmade detail!

What you’ll need:

1. Fabric – This project is a great opportunity to use fabric scraps that have been accumulating. I think it is fun to mix colors and patterns so the funkier the better (it adds to that rustic, handmade feel). Another great option is to repurpose old t-shirts, clothes, sheets, blankets, etc. For the pom fabric flowers, I used an old jersey knit t-shirt of my brothers (it had previously been destined for the rag pile so no stealing was involved) and it worked perfectly.

2. Cardstock Template – I used a cardstock circle as my template for the fabric pinwheels. The diameter of my circle was 2 7/8” but vary your size depending on how large you would like the pinwheels to be. My 2 7/8” fabric circle turned into a 1 ½” pinwheel.

3. Fabric for the Pom Flowers – Like I said above, I used a jersey knit for this fabric flower but you could use anything. I used the thread spool as my circle template, so it was a circle with a 1 ¼” diameter.

4. Thread & Needle

5. Date & Text Stamp (& Ink)

6. Manila Shipping Tags – Any size could work but I used tags that were 4 ¾” x 2 3/8”.

Other things you will need:

–Scissors

–Hole Punch

–Pin Backings

Directions:

1. Make pinwheels out of your fabric circles (the size of mine was 2 7/8”) by sewing around the edges. Lightly pull the thread as you sew and your pinwheel will start to take shape. Once you have sewn all the way around, pull tight and tie a knot to secure your pinwheel. In the crafting world, these pinwheels are also called yo-yos. You can buy yo-yo maker tools at Joann’s and other craft stores. Sew a pin backing onto the back of your finished pinwheel.

2. Make pom flowers with your small fabric circles (mine were 1 ¼” in diameter). You will need about 6-8 circles per flower. Take one circle, fold it in half, and then fold it in half again. Stitch through the bottom. Repeat this with each circle. Finish the flower by stitching through each folded circle again and then tying with a knot. Sew a pin backing onto the back when finished.

3. Stamp guests names, your wedding date, and table numbers (or any other message) onto the manila shipping tags with date and text stamps. Punch two holes in the tag for the pin backing. Attach your pom and pinwheel pins to the manila tags.