How to make bunting
Decorate your home and garden with beautiful fabric bunting – follow our easy instructions to sew your own, or try our quick alternative for beginners.
This homemade bunting is the perfect addition to any special occasion, such as weddings, birthdays or the Queen’s upcoming Platinum Jubilee. It’s easy and cheap to make – you can use up small pieces of fabric or even upcycle your old clothes. If you don’t have a sewing machine, our method below can easily be sewn by hand. We’ve also come up with a speedy alternative if you have less time.
Prep 4-6 hrs
You will need
- A selection of fabrics
- Bias binding tape (the length will be the length of your finished bunting)
- Thread in a matching colour to the bias binding
Equipment
- Sewing needle (or sewing machine, if you have one)
- Paper
- Pencil, tailor’s chalk or erasable fabric pen
- Scissors
- Pins
Method
Step one
First, cut out a paper template for the flags: fold a piece of paper in half and cut a straight diagonal line, then unfold to reveal a symmetrical triangle shape. You can make the flag template whatever size you like (ours was 13cm wide and 16cm high). Pin the template to the back of your chosen fabric and use a pencil, tailor’s chalk or fabric pen to draw around it. Cut out the shape, adding a 1cm (¼in) border all the way around.
Step two
Cut another piece of the fabric to match the first and pin the printed side of the fabrics together. Hand or machine sew the two diagonal edges along the template lines, leaving the top edge open to create a pocket.
Step three
Trim away excess fabric from the seam at the point of the triangle, cutting about 3mm away from the stitching. Turn inside out, using a narrow blunt tool to push the tip of the triangle out.
Step four
Iron the flag to flatten. Repeat steps one to three to make as many flags as desired.
Step five
Fold the bias binding over the unstitched edges of your pocket, then pin together. Repeat with the remaining pockets, making sure the gap between each of the pockets is approximately the same. Don’t forget to leave at least 30cm of bias binding at either end for hanging.
More like this
Step six
Stitch along the open edge of the bias binding using thread in a coordinating colour, sewing through all of the layers. Your bunting is now finished and ready to hang.
Quick alternative
If you're short on time, you can make this quick version instead. Simply cut out triangular flags with pinking shears (for a jagged edge) or scissors (for a straight edge). Then, jump straight to step five and finish with bias binding.
What is bias binding?
Bias binding tape is a long strip of folded fabric cut on the diagonal so that it’s slightly stretchy. It’s most commonly used to cover the edge of fabrics or stitching to prevent fraying and create a neat finish. We used a non-folded type of bias binding called cotton webbing tape, but any type will work for this project. It’s readily available from craft shops or online.
Enjoyed this? Try our other craft projects:
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How to make a puppet theatre
How to make an origami butterfly
How to make a bath bomb
Or, discover more ideas for celebrating the Platinum Jubilee:
Afternoon tea for kids
Easiest ever afternoon tea
Sandwich fillings for kids
10 scone recipes you'll fall in love with
Have you made our fabric bunting? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
