You can learn how to make bunting with this great tutorial that includes a free printable bunting template for 3 shapes. Bunting is a fun way to decorate kid's rooms, market stalls and tables at craft fairs. And what garden wedding would be complete without pretty vintage-looking bunting decor in the background?
How to Make Bunting Tutorial
This tutorial will first show you how to sew bunting and then give you tips for non-sew bunting made from fabric, paper, or cardboard.
Because the fabric bunting DIY created in this tutorial is stitched and double-sided, it can be washed and put away for future use. Paper bunting is better suited to a one-off use such as a birthday party or celebration.
How to Make Bunting: Supplies
- Scraps of Fabric
- Bias Tape (Binding) - ½ inch (12mm) double-fold bias tape (how to make double fold bias) or 1 inch (5cm) wide ribbon. Cotton twill tape can also be a very economical choice when you have to make large amounts of bunting.
- Basic sewing supplies - your sewing machine, ruler, scissors, thread, iron, and fabric scissors.
What is the Best Fabric for Bunting
Cotton fabric will always look crisp and nice. Check your scrap basket for all your leftover pieces and make your bunting cheaply! Make colorful choices - using several coordinating fabrics looks great.
Printable Bunting Template
No need to worry about making your own pattern - I have a printable DIY bunting template with 3 different shapes and 3 sizes for each. That's an amazing 9 options for you to choose from.
Download the printable bunting template
Alternatively, you can draw a triangle or flag shape of your choice and use the same sewing instructions included below. Don't forget to add some seam allowance to the sides.
How to Make Bunting: The Video
I've been busy this week making this video for you. It is just a few minutes long, so have a look at how easy it is to make with your bunting template. Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly sewing and craft videos.
How to Make Bunting: INSTRUCTIONS
Here are the step by step instructions for how to make fabric bunting.
Step 1: Cutting Fabric Bunting
Start by drawing around your template with chalk or a removable pen. If you have a fabric that doesn't have a nap or one-way design, you can save fabric by interlocking the triangle shapes. This doesn't work for fabrics with one-way designs, as your design will be facing in different directions.
Cut out your shapes. You will need 2 pieces per flag (one for the front and one for the back). How many you cut will depend on how long you need your bunting to be and how large a gap you will put between each flag. You can lay the pieces out roughly to work out how it will look.
TIP for Fabric Bunting DIY: Cut through several layers at a time and interlock the triangles so you don't waste fabric.
Step 2: Stitch the Edges
Place 2 pieces with right sides together. With a ¼ inch (6mm) seam allowance, stitch around the sides and bottom leaving the top open.
Step 3: Clip the Bunting Flags
Clip any corners and the point of the triangle. (Read - Clipping Corners )
Step 4: Turn and Press
Turn the flag the right way out and give it a good press.
You can use your scissors or something sharp (but not too sharp) to get a nice sharp point at the bottom.
If your flags are not sitting flat, you can topstitch the edges. I used quilting cotton fabric for my samples and found topstitching wasn't necessary.
Step 5: Attach the Bias
Now all ready for the tape!
If you are using double folded bias for the tape, then open up the bias and slip the raw edge of the flag up to the fold. Pin it in place.
If you are using ribbon, fold it in half so it encases the raw edges. Make sure the edges are matched up on either side of the ribbon. Place your flags 1 -2 inches (2.5-5cm) apart, depending on your taste and the distance you need to cover.
Stitch all the way along the edge of the bias or ribbon. Use a zig-zag stitch of width 3.0 and length 3.0, as this will catch in all the edges of your bias and ribbon and be much more durable than a straight stitch.
All finished learning how to make bunting and ready to hang!
No Sew Bunting for Fabric or Paper
If you don't have a sewing machine, you can still make bunting and pennants.
- Cut the templates from fabric or paper or a piece of cardboard. Get creative and use pinking shears on the edges.
- Put 2 pieces wrong sides together and glue using a fabric adhesive or hot glue gun.
- Glue the bunting pieces to a piece of ribbon or strip of fabric.
Sewing Bunting Design Ideas
- Use the bunting patterns to mix and match different sizes and shapes of flags.
- Add lace or pom-pom trim to the edges. (How to sew lace trim, How to sew pom-pom trim)
- Monogram the flag pieces before you sew them up to create a message such as "Merry Christmas", "Mr & Mrs" or "Congratulations"
Now you know how to make bunting with this bunting template, you'll be making them in every color!
Treasurie
I just left my ends raw but you could tuck the ends in or thread on a bead and knot.
Kim W.
Do you do anything special to finish each end of the bias tape? I was thinking about adding a round plastic piece at each end that could be used as hangers (if this makes sense). Wondering what your thoughts are or how you finish the ends. All of your examples are adorable, by the way.
Michelle Linhoff
great video and simple directions! Love this! Thanks for inspiring us 😉
Mrs Anne Plympton
Excellent tutorial easy to follow
Diane Allen
Have just made some Christmas bunting from the medium triangle pattern for our mantelpiece. It looks great. Thanks for the patterns.
Treasurie
So happy to help. I love making bunting from my scraps.
Kimberly
Awesome tutorial and even better templates! Thank you so so much for having multiple sizes stacked. i can't tell you how long I looked and how many sheets i've printed off to find the right size!! Saving forever!!!!