DIY Bunting

April 7, 2023 Crafts & Projects, Fabric & Sewing

Featuring: Henry Glass Fabrics Memories in Redwork by Stacy West

Pattern Design by: Meredith Daniel

Sewn by: Meredith Daniel

One of the most fun beginner projects, in my opinion, is a classic flag bunting. It’s such a charming decoration to add to any season or event, and it can be made with small cuts of fabric in any combination of colors or styles. You can make bunting that stretches the length of a wall, or you can make shorter segments to adorn a mantle. When you know how to make your own bunting, there is no end to the customization that can take place! Learn to make this simple and fun project with me!

Skills Learned: Basic sewing

Skill Level: Beginner

Finished Size: It's up to you!

Fabric Requirements:

Small cuts of fabric, about 10” (25.4cm) square for each bunting flag. I used:

2947-36 Sand || Foulard Stripel
2947-88 Scarlet || Foulard Stripel
2953-36 Sand || Horse Shoe Stripe
2953-88 Scarlet || Horse Shoe Stripe

2” (5.08cm) strips to the length you want - I used 2 (2” x width of fabric) strips of:

2946-36 Sand || Tiny Coral

Additional Recommendations:

Cutting tools
Acrylic ruler
Coordinating thread
Pencil or chopstick for turning points

Cutting:

Using the provided template, cut out two triangles for each flag you want to make.

Cut 2” strips to your desired length. I cut 2 strips of 44” inch wide fabric for the bunting you see here.

Instructions:

Making the flags:

Begin sewing your flags by placing two flag pieces right sides together. Stitch along one long side, using a 1/4” seam allowance.

Stitch until you get about 1/4” from the bottom point of the fabric, then lower the needle on your machine; lift the presser foot, pivot, and continue sewing up the second long side until you reach the top again. See photos below.

Your flag should look like this. Clip the fabric at the bottom to reduce bulk around the point, but do not clip into the stitching.

Turn the flag right side out, and push the point out VERY GENTLY with a pencil or chopstick. Press flag. Repeat with all remaining flags.

Connecting the flags:

If you need to attach multiple strips of fabric to get the length you need for your bunting, do the following to sew them together: Place the end of two fabric strips at a right angle as pictured below, and mark a line diagonally which will be your stitch guide. Sew along that line to attach strips.

TIP: Attaching strips this way reduces bulk in the strip and appears more seamless than a standard 1/4” seam in this application. Repeat this with as many strips as you need to get your desired length.

Once you have sewn that seam, simply trim the triangle down to about 1/4” away from your seam.

Press the seam open.

Fold your strip in half lengthwise and press.

Open your pressed strip, and fold the raw edges toward that center crease, and press.

Then refold and press a final time to complete the double-folded strip to attach our flags together.

Beginning at the center of the strip you just made, open and align your first flag. The top raw edge of the flag will meet that inside center crease and will be hidden once sewn.

Pin your flag in place, and continue to add flags. I used a spool of thread to keep my flags consistently spaced. You can use a ruler or whatever you have in front of you to keep that consistency in the spacing.

Move your needle position to the right if you can, and stitch along the folded strip to encase the flags. Be sure to remove the pins before they reach the needle to avoid injury.

TA DAH! You have a finished bunting! Go adorn your home with your new décor and enjoy your handiwork!

The fabric I used today is a collection of red and white fabrics that gives me vintage cowboy vibes, which is perfect for my spunky little boys. You can choose any combination of colors or prints that give you joy. You can also cut out letters from contrasting fabrics or felt to add messages for birthdays or events! The possibilities are endless now that you know how to make your very own bunting.

Happy sewing!

Connect with Meredith!

www.oliviajanehandcrafted.com

Facebook: facebook.com/oliviajanehandcrafted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefooshe/