When it comes to meaningful sewing projects, few themes are as timeless and elegant as florals. If you love creating with intention or just need late-summer inspiration, August’s birth flowers, the poppy and gladiolus, offer the perfect creative spark. Rich in symbolism, these blooms open up endless possibilities for thoughtful, eye-catching sewing and quilting projects.
Whether you're crafting a birthday gift, updating seasonal décor, or simply drawn to floral prints, this blog covers how to sew with poppy and gladiolus fabrics and where to find beautiful options at All About Fabrics.
What Are the August Birth Flowers?
August has not just one but two birth flowers—each with its distinct symbolism and aesthetic.
The Poppy
Most commonly recognized in red, poppies are symbolic of:
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Remembrance
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Imagination
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Peace
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Resilience
Red poppies are associated with memory and honor (notably used to commemorate veterans), while white poppies symbolize peace, and orange or yellow poppies represent positive energy and optimism.
The Gladiolus
The gladiolus, sometimes referred to as the "sword lily," grows in tall, vertical clusters and is symbolic of:
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Strength and moral integrity
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Sincerity
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Infatuation and admiration
The name "gladiolus" comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning sword, which refers to the plant’s long, pointed leaves. With a dramatic appearance and wide color range, gladiolus is often used in both garden landscapes and celebratory arrangements.
Why Sew with Symbolic Florals?
Sewing with seasonal or symbolic fabrics brings more intention and meaning to your work. If you enjoy gifting homemade creations or selling them at markets, incorporating birth flower fabrics adds a layer of personalization that many customers and recipients appreciate.
August floral themes are perfect for:
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Birthday gifts for August babies
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Late summer table runners or wall hangings
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Garden-themed tote bags or accessories
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Memorial quilts or tribute pieces
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Feminine fashion projects like skirts, dresses, and scrunchies
And don’t forget, florals, especially bold prints like poppies and gladiolus, can be used as statement fabrics or accents depending on the look you’re going for.
🌼 How to Use Poppy & Gladiolus Prints in Your Projects
Here are some unique ideas for incorporating these August blooms into your sewing and quilting:
1. Poppy-Inspired Quilts
A poppy-themed quilt offers warmth, beauty, and remembrance. Pair red or coral poppy prints with soft neutrals or greens for a striking nature-inspired design. Try:
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Half-square triangle patterns to mimic petals and leaves
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Appliqué poppy petals on neutral backgrounds
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Memory quilts using poppy fabric for symbolism of remembrance
2. Gladiolus Table Runners or Napkins
Because of their structured, vertical blossoms, gladiolus-inspired designs look beautiful in repeating block patterns or border prints. For a seasonal table runner:
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Choose a fabric with linear gladiolus blooms
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Use a sashing technique to frame floral panels
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Pair with rich summer hues: think deep purples, reds, or light pinks
Add matching cloth napkins for a full late-summer dining set.
3. Poppy Print Dresses and Skirts
Florals are a staple in handmade wardrobes, and poppy prints are especially eye-catching. Look for:
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Lightweight cotton lawn or rayon poppy fabrics for summer skirts or flowy dresses
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Quilting cotton for more structured designs like A-line skirts
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Smaller-scale prints for blouses or children’s clothing
Pair bold florals with solids for balance, or use florals as the accent fabric for sleeves or pockets.
4. Gladiolus-Themed Tote Bags or Zipper Pouches
With their tall and elegant profile, gladiolus prints work beautifully on larger-scale projects like tote bags, where the full bloom can shine. For something quick:
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Use canvas or home décor weight fabric with floral print panels
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Combine solid duck cloth with a gladiolus accent pocket
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Add fun touches like a tassel zipper pull or matching lining
These make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, bridesmaids, or market shoppers.
5. August Birth Flower Banners or Wall Art
Celebrate someone’s birth month with a handmade wall hanging or banner featuring the flower of August. You can:
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Sew a simple pennant banner with floral fabric triangles
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Use machine embroidery or iron-on vinyl to add the flower name and month
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Incorporate patchwork, quilting, or fabric painting
These projects are beginner-friendly and allow for lots of customization.
Where to Shop for Poppy & Gladiolus Fabrics
At All About Fabrics, we love helping crafters find beautiful and unique fabrics for meaningful projects. If you're looking for poppy or gladiolus prints, we’ve got you covered.
You can browse our collection online at allaboutfabrics.com, where we regularly feature:
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Floral quilting cottons in a wide range of styles and scales
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Home décor fabrics are perfect for seasonal accents
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Best sellers and new arrivals are updated every month
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Affordable pricing with fabric by the yard or in curated bundles
We also offer a wide selection of seasonal prints, including summer florals, garden themes, and painterly botanicals that fit perfectly with August project ideas.
Final Thoughts: Sew with Meaning This August
Whether you're honoring a loved one born in August or just want to celebrate the vibrant beauty of late summer, sewing with poppy and gladiolus fabrics is a rewarding and heartfelt choice.
These blooms carry stories of remembrance, strength, peace, and admiration, and incorporating them into your handmade work adds depth and creativity.
So as the seasons shift and back-to-school buzz picks up, take a moment to create something meaningful. Visit All About Fabrics to explore our collection of floral fabrics and find the perfect print for your next August project.