Busy Bee Traditional Name Badge

Pattern and Instructions:

Use the method below for making your name badge or Create a method of your own.

Construction:  (allow for 1/4" seam allowance.)

1. Cut 1 cotton or flannel circle 3 1/2" for the back of the badge.  Cut one circle 3 5/8" for front, to accommodate the batting.

2. Cut a  3" circle of batting.  For an alternative construction: cut a 3" circle of light weight card board to go between the backing fabric and the batting.  (Cereal box or manila folders work well for this.)

3. On the front fabric, embroider “Busy Bee Quilters" and the “bee” with black embroidery floss. or use permanent ink to trace the bee pattern. The pattern is at the bottom of this page.  (Check for size!  The bee from antenna to stinger should measure about 1".)

4. Using calico fabric(s), cut 12 petals 2 1/2" circles, with convex bottoms (see diagram A).  Sew them together in twos with right sides together using a ¼ inch seam allowance, leaving the bottom of the petal open. 

Trim the seam to 1/8 inch  and turn the petal right side out, making a total of six separate petals. Clip the curved open edge to a scant ¼ inch.  (See Diagram A) 

     Alternative construction:  Place cardboard onto backing fabric, wrap the fabric around the cardboard and glue the edges down.  With both ends of a ribbon long enough to go over your head glue down to cardboard. 
    Baste the edges of each petal, and gather to fit the curve of the cardboard.  Glue the petals around the edges.  Top with batting. 
    With the embroidered top, fold under 1/4" seam allowance and iron down.    Hand sew or Glue this embroidered top to the back careful to cover the batting and edges of petals. 

Diagram A Clip to Scant ¼ inch.

5. Sew the petals to the right side of the embroidered badge piece.  Basting the petals in place first is helpful. (See Diagram B).

Diagram B Sew petals to the right side of the front piece.

6. Layer the badge with the batting down first. Next lay the ends of the neck ribbon ends onto batting.  Lay the back fabric of the badge with the right side facing up.  Roll up the remainder of the neck ribbon, pin carefully in the center so it won't be caught in any seams (between the back and the front of the badge).  Lastly, lay the embroidered top of the badge with the right side down. (The Petals are on the inside). Sew the layers together, leaving an opening at that bottom. (See Diagram C).

   Diagram C Layer the batting, front and back.

Trim the seam and turn the badge inside out. Close the opening.         

7. Attach a pin or a neck ribbon to the badge and wear it proudly to all of the Busy Bee meetings.

Note:  If you'd like to print off the flower pattern below, print only the 3rd page.