Ronghua Tutorial: How to Make Silk Peonies

Peonies are lush, full-bodied flowers known for their layered petals and soft, romantic appearance. Often associated with prosperity, elegance, and good fortune, they have long been celebrated in art and culture, especially in China, where they are regarded as the "king of flowers."

Preparation: What You’ll Need

If you’ve purchased our Ronghua Toolkit, you already have everything required!
If not, prepare the following tools:

1. Bristle brush (Medium to soft hardness)
2. Flat iron (the one you use to straighten your hair)
3. Tweezers
4. At least 2 pairs of Scissors
5. wooden sticks / pencils / chopsticks
6. Hair spray or diluted white glue (1:1.15–1:1.2 ratio)
7. Big clips (around 15cm)
8. Twisting boards and wooden blocks (for even tension)
9. Anti-slip powder (optional but helpful)

Full Tutorial Video

Step 1. Align and Arrange the Silk Threads

Start by untying your silk threads. Locate the knot at one end of each bundle and cut it open carefully. For your daffodils, you will need white and yellow silk for the flowers, green for the leaves, and a dark silk thread for the assembly.

Step 2. Group and Prepare the Threads

Each silk bundle consists of tiny strand-like structures — these are your individual strands. Align all strands neatly and tie them around a thin stick, keeping the ends even. Avoid uneven lengths — this ensures consistent texture later on.

Step 3. Make Silk Rows

Repeat the above process to create your silk rows. Remember to refer back to the data provided in the diagram for the following rows, as each will differ slightly. Below are the finished silk rows we made. Note that for the rows checked, you can cut the threads in half.

Step 4. Brush the Silk

Use your bristle brush to comb the silk rows. Continue brushing for about 10 minutes until the silk is smooth, fluffy, and free of tangles. If the silk becomes static, use a spray bottle to lightly mist the air (not the silk directly) with water.

When it looks delicate and smooth like this, it’s ready.

Step 5. Attach Copper Wires

When you feel that the silk is brushed enough, secure its tail with another big clip to your table or anything that can help stretch it taut. Take out one copper wire from the folded end of the row and straighten it. Twist the folded part into a spiral of about 3 cm. Clamp the silk threads between two copper wires and twist the opposite side tightly. Pull both wires taut and continue twisting until they merge into one. Remember, the twisting direction for the left and right end are opposite.

The spacing should be as shown in step 1.

If you have anti-slip powder, it will be much easier to dip your fingers in it and twist it.

We highly recommend you watch the video tutorial for this step:)

Once done, remove the silk row from the stand and lay it flat.

Step 6. Cut the Silk Strips

Trim the row’s end neatly, then cut between each pair of copper wires to create even silk strips. When cutting, the scissors must be placed in the middle of two copper wires, otherwise the width of the silk strips will be inconsistent.

If threads stick to your scissors, clean them — it’s usually caused by static or residue. Cut quickly and cleanly for smooth edges. Don't touch the wire or it may get displaced.

Step 7. Center and Twist the Strips

Align the copper wire to the middle of each strip using a flat surface or wooden block.

Once centered, twist both hands in opposite directions to tighten.

Next, place the copper part between the twisting boards and continue twisting in the same direction. Stop when the wire feels firm — twisting too far may cause it to break. How do you know if it is tightened enough? If tightened properly, the copper wire should only faintly show. If the copper wire is very visible, it’s not tight enough.

Step 8. Flatten the Strips

Start by folding each silk strip in half, aligning the base, and twisting the wire tightly to secure it. All the strips should be folded this way. Then use a heated flat iron to press the strips flat, always pressing from back to front to create a smoother texture.

After pressing, trim away any messy or uneven edges. 

Step 9. Preparing the Petal Layers

Once all the strips are prepared, you can begin shaping them. First divide the smallest strips evenly into two groups, since they will be used to create two different layers of petals. Soak the strips in hairspray to help them hold their shape. If you don’t have hairspray, you can mix white glue with alcohol until the mixture becomes slightly sticky but not thick. After soaking, remove any excess glue—too much will make the petals heavy and thick. 

Step 10. Shaping the Inner Petals

To form the innermost petals, use tweezers to create a gentle curve, then fold the surrounding silk slightly inward. Place them upright to dry. You will need about three to five inner petals. 

Step 11. Shaping the Second Layer

Next, shape the second layer using the remaining small strips. Form them in the same way as the first layer, but add a soft wavy edge along the petal. You will need about five petals for this layer. 

Step 12. Shaping the Outer Petals

For the larger petals, start by flipping the base slightly outward, then curve the top inward. The rest of the shaping process is the same as before. Add a gentle wave along the edge of each petal.

Shape all the remaining petals this way and allow them to dry.

Once the petals have fully dried, trim them neatly. Follow the original outline of the petal and remove any frayed edges.

 

Step 13. Prepare the Stamens

Next, prepare the stamens. Fold ten small stamens in half and cut them. Tie them together with silk thread to form the flower center. Attach the bright yellow center around the small stamens, making sure the outer stamens stand slightly taller. Two outer stamens are enough. Remove any tape from the stamens before continuing. 

Step 14. Assemble the Flowers

Now begin assembling the petals. Attach them one by one, tying the silk thread tightly each time. For the first layer, use about five petals and place them close together so they overlap slightly.

Continue building the flower layer by layer, forming a full circle each time. The petals should gradually become larger toward the outside. Use all the petals you prepared—the more petals you add, the fuller the flower will appear. After finishing the flower, tie off the silk thread and trim the bottom wire at an angle. Add a new piece of silk thread—using four strands at once can make the process faster—and wrap it around the wire to cover it. Wrap about 2 cm before finishing. 

Step 15. Wrap the Stem with Tape

If you are making a bonsai or display piece, you can add aluminum wire to the stem for support. Wrapping with silk thread gives a neat finish, though floral tape can be used if you want to do it faster. You can adjust the stem length depending on your design. 

If you are making a hairpin, simply tie the flower onto the hairpin with thread, following the same method shown in previous tutorials. Flowers in other colors can be made using exactly the same process. Once finished, adjust the flower lengths and place them upright. 

And that completes the piece. If you plan to make all three colors, the process may take some time—but the result will be worth it! 🌸