This homemade bunting is the perfect addition to your VE Day celebrations and can be used again for any special occasion such as weddings and birthdays. 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 super speedy alternative if you’d like to make a quicker version.
Prep 4-6 hours
You will need
- A selection of fabrics
- Bias binding tape (the length will be your finished bunting)
- Thread in a matching colour to your bias binding
Equipment
- Needle (or sewing machine, if you have one)
- Paper
- Pencil, tailor’s chalk or fabric erasable pen
- Scissors
- Pins
Method
Step one
First, make 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 your flag 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 around.
Step two
Cut another piece of the fabric to match the first and pin the right (best) 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.
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 super quick version. Simply cut out a triangular flag 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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The best indoor activities for kids
How to make a puppet theatre
How to make an origami butterfly
How to make a bath bomb
Or discover more ideas for celebrating VE Day
Afternoon tea for kids
Our best recipes for VE Day
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…
