Share
Let's make 2026 a year of celebrations - big and small! Maker Team member Sarah of @happycamper_nyc is getting us started with a Reusable Birthday Crown for all the special people in your life. This party accessory will set the tone for your festivities with bright and cheerful felt colors. It's also a great scrap-buster project if you have extra felt on hand! Three cheers for a new year and new handmade goodness!
In this tutorial I’ll walk you through how to make a felt birthday crown, complete with playful stars, colorful candles, and a customizable number, as this crown is designed to be pulled out year after year. This project comes together with simple techniques and leaves lots of room for creativity. So grab your felt and some embroidery floss and let’s whip up a little birthday magic!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
Additional Supplies:
Birthday Crown Template (click to download)
Velcro
Ruler
Directions:
1. Gather materials. Use the supply list above or experiment with different felt and floss colors! Download and print Birthday Crown Template above.
2. To make the crown base, use disappearing ink pen to draw a 3 x 18" rectangle along bottom edge of Ecru felt. Use triangle from template to draw six points along top edge of crown. Cut out felt crown.
To make a crown for younger children, adjust rectangle to 3 x 15" and draw five points along top edge. Adjustable ties in the back will allow expansion as children grow.
3. Trace Candle pattern onto eight various felt colors and cut out. Trace Flame pattern onto Lemonade felt eight times and cut out.
4. Next, trace stars onto Golden felt and cut out. For a more whimsical, handmade vibe, stars can be hand drawn.
5. Arrange Candles and Stars on crown as desired, leaving space in the center for changeable number.
6. To add more visual interest, I added embroidery to some of the candles. To copy this example, add the following:
Flamingo Candle - Diagonal Stripes with six strands of DMC 321
Dandelion Candle - Stars with two strands of DMC B5200
Aqua Candle - Polka dots (French knots) with two strands of DMC 517
Pool Candle - Vertical Stripes with one strand of DMC B5200
Concord Candle - Diagonal Stripes with three strands of DMC 603
Flames - Straight stitch with two strands of DMC 741
7. Once elements are embroidered and arranged to your liking, glue Candles, Flames and Stars in place.
8. Using two strands of DMC 972, blanket stitch along top edge of crown.
9. For additional sparkle, sprinkle sequins around the crown and secure with a small dot of glue.
10. To make changeable numbers, trace ten Number Ovals from Marine felt and cut out.
11. Next, trace Numbers onto White felt and cut out. Use the provided template or freehand your own numbers in your specific handwriting style! Numbers larger than one digit may need to be sized down to fit within Oval. Glue each Number to Oval.
12. Once dry, attach a small piece of velcro to back of each Oval. Attach an interlocking piece of velcro to front center part of crown.
13. Cut two lengths of ribbon, approximately 9” each. Stitch one end of each ribbon to the inside of the crown, making sure to fold over ribbon end so it doesn't fray.
Now you’re ready to celebrate! I love the idea of having a special crown that comes out at every birthday. It’ll become a family treasure!
Thanks to Sarah for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @happycamper_nyc and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
