Floral bunting: How to make a cross stitch bunting

The blossoming of romantic pink clematis, soft yellow honeysuckle, pretty purple bindweed and dreamy blue sweet peas are always a beautiful sight to behold. The delicate shades and pleasant fragrance of these gorgeous blooms let you know that summer has arrived!

In her usual floral style, Faby Reilly has created wonderful swirly flourishes which evoke a sense of elegance. As well as being stitched on cream 28-count Cashel linen, you’ll find that using pastel thread shades adds to the vintage feel.

Backstitch is used for the outline of the flowers, leaves and stems, with minimal use of French knots at the end of the stems. To finish, add a scattering of golden beads for extra decadence.

Here we’ve made these fancy florals into delightful floral bunting that is sure to impress. To create your bunting you can use all four designs, or just mix and match your favourites. See below for the full tutorial.

This floral bunting cross stitch design was created by Faby Reilly and was originally published in The World of Cross Stitching magazine issue 282. If you would like the full issue you can purchase a digital edition of the magazine.

Floral bunting: Cross stitch pattern and tutorial

Key features of the vintage bunting

• Stitching Time: Approx. 5-7 hours each
• Type of Stitches: Cross stitch, backstitch, French knots, beads
• Ease of Stitching: Intermediate

What you’ll need to make the floral bunting

• Zweigart* 28-count cream (222) Cashel linen measuring 22x18cm (8½x7in) for each design
• Stranded cotton as listed in the key
• Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key
• Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle
• Backing fabric, crochet lace trim and patterned bias binding of your choice

Download the floral bunting cross stitch pattern

Download the floral bunting PDF pattern

How to add seed beads

To attach your beads, use a cross stitch to help keep the beads upright and create a consistent finish.

Attach the bead to the design with the bottom arm of a cross stitch and then add the top arm of the stitch, making sure that one strand of thread falls on either side of the bead to help hold it upright (picture, far right).

How to use cross stitch in creative ways

Have you ever thought about trying to cross stitch on clothes? It’s a great way to spruce up old garments and tote bags.

How to make your cross stitch into a bunting

Step 1

Trim each stitched piece to a triangular shape leaving a 2cm (1in) border around your stitching.

Cut a piece of colour-coordinating backing fabric to match.

Step 2

Lie your crochet lace ribbon around the edge of the bunting, so that it’s lying on the front of your fabric, and tack it in place.

Position the ribbon approximately 0.5cm (¼in) from the raw edge so that the ribbon will be caught in the seam.

Step 3

Pin the right sides of the stitched piece and backing fabric together.

Sew the sides with a 1cm (½in) seam allowance along the edges of your stitched piece, leaving the top edge open.

Trim away the excess fabric from the corners, then turn through and press.

Step 4

Fold your bias binding in half and sandwich the unstitched edges of your bunting flags inside. Pin them together.

Make sure you leave a long length of bias binding at either end for hanging.

Stitch along the open edge of the bias binding using thread in a coordinating colour, sewing through all of the layers.

Create your own beautiful vintage bunting

This gorgeous bunting adorned with beads will add a beautiful vintage touch to your home. It’s a great way to put your cross stitch creations to good use!

Making your house a home with cross stitch

Add a touch of cross stitch to your kitchen with these lovely herb cross stitch patterns, perfect for marking your plant or herb pots.