How to make Bunting

Bunting is a display of colourful flags hung up on string. Usually the flags have an appliqued letter on each one, to spell out a sentence or message, such as 'Happy Birthday!' or a person's name.

Here you can learn how to make your very own bunting. Enjoy!                    

Please note: I do not recommend making bunting if you are unfamiliar with a sewing machine or plan to make it by hand. Only make it by hand if you are doing a few flags, otherwise it will take a while.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: Depends on how many flags you are making but 1 flag takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes [ approximately ]

What you need:

- Fabric of your choice [ lots ]                                    
- Sewing tool box
- Iron
- Different fabric for letters
- String
- Sewing machine [ recommended if doing many flags ]

How big should the flags be?

The flags can be any size you want but the standard size is 25cm long and quite wide at the top.

What shape should the flags be?

You can choose any shape you want, but most bunting shapes are a triangle, like the one I have done or the one on the right. Be creative!

To make the flags:

1. Iron both your fabrics, if you haven't done so already.
2. Trace the templates below and cut.

3. Pin the template to your flag fabric and cut. Repeat step for all flags.

4. Fold back half a centimetre on the two edges on the side. Pin in place. Repeat step for all flags.

5. On the top edge, fold back half a centimetre. Repeat step. Pin in place at the bottom of the fold. This is where your string will go. Repeat step for all flags.

6. On the two side edges, sew a stitch of your choice along the fold [back stitch is the most common] Repeat step for all flags.

7. Poke a thin object, such as a pencil, through the top edge fold. Repeat step for all flags.

8. Sew a stitch of your choice along the bottom of your fold. Repeat step for all flags.

How to make the letters

1. Cut out the letters of your choice, and sew onto each flag with a stitch of your choice.   

Make sure your letters are a good visual size. I also recommend a blanket stitch for attaching the letters to the flags. Or, if your fabric is non-frayable, you can do a neat running stitch, back stitch or chain stitch.

To finish

1. Put your flags in order according to letter. Thread your string through the top edge of the flags. Tie a knot at both ends onto where you will hang it from.

You can also do some embroidery onto your flag and create images, such as a cake to go with the message ‘Happy Birthday!’

Some people make a bunting collection of 26 letters for the alphabet, and then sell them in a pack. Others make several copies of each letter in the alphabet and let people choose

Either way, bunting is fun to make and an awesome decoration.