How to make bunting
We've got the ultimate mood-boosting make to lift your spirits – learn how to make bunting with our really easy step-by-step guide and video tutorial. Because really, is there any craft project more cheerful than DIY bunting?
In this post we'll talk you through how to make easy-sew fabric bunting flags, then string them from a length of cotton tape binding to bring instant cheer. This is a lovely, simple craft project for those new to sewing or a great first sewing project to make with children.
It won't take you long, we've got a free bunting template to get you started, and the whole thing will take you just a couple of hours to complete. It's also a nice, easy craft idea if you're looking for inexpensive ways to brighten up your living space.
How to make bunting
We're giving you two ways to learn how to make bunting in this post – watch our video or scroll down to find step-by-step instructions, and to download our free bunting template.
You will need
- Cotton fabric - 25 x 40cm (10x16in) for each flag
- Bias binding cotton tape – use white cotton fabric to make your own or buy ready-made 2.5cm (in) wide bias tape
- Iron for pressing your work
- Sewing machine
- Basic sewing kit
- Download and print our Free Bunting template
*You can hand-stitch your bunting using a simple running stitch too if you don't have a sewing machine, it will just takes a little longer.
Notes
Use a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam allowance.
Looking for more stitchy goodness?
Head over to our collection of sewing patterns for beginners.
How to make bunting – step by step
Calculating the fabric
Are you ready to learn how to sew bunting? Let’s start with some maths! How much fabric do you need?
This depends very much on how long you want your bunting to be. Your finished bunting flags will be 15cm (6in) wide with a gap of 10cm (4in) between them. So, divide the length you want your finished bunting to be by 25cm (10in) to work out how many flags you need to make.
Buy cotton tape to the length of your finished bunting plus about 30cm (12in) extra at either end for hanging it up, or watch our video guide to how to make bunting above, as we show you in it how to make your own from white cotton fabric.
Cutting out
Download, print out and cut around our Free Bunting template.
Cut the fabric in half then place the two pieces right sides (RS) together with the template pinned centrally on top. Cut around the template then pin the two triangles of fabric together.
Stitching the flags
Step 1
Stitch the two triangles together, but leave the top straight edge open.
Step 2
Trim the seams at the lower edge and bottom point to help the flag lay flat.
Step 3
Turn the triangles RS out and press flat. Repeat this process to make the other flags.
Assembling the bunting
Step 4
Fold and press the cotton tape in half lengthways with wrong sides (WS) together.
Step 5
Pin one flag inside the tape up to the fold, leaving some tape at the end for hanging.
Step 6
Pin the rest of the flags inside the tape, positioning them 10cm (4in) apart.
Step 7
Topstitch along the the tape to keep it folded and hold the flags securely in place.
More free bunting patterns to make today
If you enjoyed learning how to sew bunting, we have some more fun bunting patterns for you to try!
1. DIY happy birthday banner
Planning a celebration? Learn how to sew bunting for a special occasion with this free bunting template designed by Rebecca Reid. Learn how to sew a happy birthday banner today.
2. Free Christmas bunting sewing pattern
Get ready for the festive season with this charming Christmas tree bunting sewing pattern created by Anna Alicia! It’s a great way to use up leftover scraps of fabric and can be reused again and again.
3. How to make a Halloween garland
Set the mood for a party with this fabulous Halloween garland. Use our free bunting template to stitch your own spooky bat decorations to celebrate in style.
4. Denim scraps bunting
We love an upcycling project and this denim scraps bunting is a great way to salvage some worn-out jeans. Add your own appliqué designs to take this sewing project to the next level.
Start sewing beautiful bunting
Now you’ve mastered the art of how to make bunting, use your new skills to make bunting for all those weddings, birthdays and parties!
Discover more summer sewing patterns with Gathered
If you enjoyed this summery sewing tutorial, you might also like our collection of summer dress sewing patterns.
