How to Make Bunting, 3 Free Bunting Templates

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? 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.

To make bunting, first, cut out triangle shapes from fabric using a template. Sew two triangles together with right sides facing, clip and turn them right-side out. Press them flat. Finally, attach the triangles to bias tape or ribbon by sewing along the top edges.

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. Bunting is a great project if you are a beginner and know some of the essential sewing tips.

How to Make Bunting, Instructions

Here are the step by step instructions for how to make fabric bunting.

I’ve been busy this week making this how to make bunting 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. Discover more easy sewing patterns for girls that will help you build confidence while creating cute and wearable clothing.

Step 1 – 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 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.

Supplies

• Scraps of Fabric – 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.
• Bias Tape (Binding) – 1/2 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.

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 1/4 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

Now you know how to make bunting with this bunting template, you’ll be making them in every color!

More Scrap Fabric Ideas

• How to Make a Fabric Bow
• Diy Fabric Mousepad
• How to Make a Scrunchie
• How to Make a Doll Pillow
• Baby Blanket Tutorial