How To Make A Tape Measure Rosette

Rummaging for unique ways to update your wardrobe affordably? Or want to add some flair sustainably? DIY the colourful sewing kit essential everyone has into a fun accessory with this easy crafting project from our 2011 book ‘How to Make Jewellery’.

A Y2K essential we started crafting back in the early 2000s, find out more about our crafting credentials and the history of this piece here.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

1 X Tape Measure

2 X Splin Pin Fasteners

1 X Kilt Pin Or Safety Pin

Handheld Hole Punch

Sharp Scissory

Flat Nose Pliers (Pair)

HOW TO MAKE YOUR TAPE MEASURE ROSETTE

1. Smooth out your tape measure and have the inches side facing up

2. Start at number 3 and finish at 33, punch 2mm holes at 3-inch intervals. 

3. Make three more holes at  35, 37 and 39

4. Grab a split pin and poke it through the tape measure at number 3. Make sure the pinhead is on the centimetre side. 

5. Twist the tape measure like in the photo, then attach your loop at number 6.

6. Keep twisting and looping the holes onto the paper fastener. Always move in the same direction.

7. Once you've made five loops, even them out into a star shape.

8. Make another five loops. These points should fall between the points of your first star.

9. At 33 inches, make three smaller loops and pop them onto the pin fastener in a triangle shape. This is the centre of the rosette.

10. Cut off the tape measure at 39¼ inches. Keep hold of this piece.

11. Grab your second split pin and push it through the centre. This will make the first fastener pop out, and the prongs will now be at the back.

12. For the tail of the rosette, cut six inches from the spare piece of tape measure - you need the bit with the metal. Drape the strands at an angle over the part of the kilt pin that doesn't open.

13. Hole punch another hole through both strands of the tail, close to the kilt pin.

14. Pop the folded tail, with the kilt pin, onto the fastener on the reverse of your rosette and squash the prongs with your pliers to secure it in place. 

Voila, don’t forget to share your finished project with us on Instagram; just tag us in your photos! 

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