Sewing Bee Fabrics Tutorial
How To Make Your Own Bunting
In need of a christening present, I thought what better way to celebrate the official naming of a baby than with personalised bunting. This is a lovely project that can be made as quick or as complicated as you like.
What you will need for bunting with 6 flags
(increase quantities for more):
Enough fabric for 12 triangles 20cmx20cm (I used 3 different fat quarters for pattern variety)
2 meters bias binding
Optional - fabric scraps for appliqued letters or shapes, anything else to decorate e.g. buttons, ric rac, ribbons etc.
How to make it:
First cut a square 20cmx20cm then fold in half. Cut diagonally from the centre to the bottom corner, then unfold and you have your triangle shape.
To save time, I folded my fabric and cut 2 at once, as well as a third
triangle by extending the cut to the folded fabric edge (you can only do this if you fabric can be used upside down). You will need 2 triangles per flag.
Keeping in mind that you will loose 1/4 inch all around the triangle,
you will want to design any decorations or embellishments and attach
them before making up the bunting.
There are 2 easy ways of getting lettering all the same size. Either cut
squares of paper out then draw your letters to touch the edges, or just
type it on the computer in a large bold font and print it out.
To attach your letters or shapes, simply select a close stitch length and zigzag around to seal in the edges and fix down. You may wish to use temporary fabric glue to help keep it in place, and if it's a particularly complex shape, you might want to use greaseproof paper or a temporary stabiliser to get a more professional finish.
When going around shapes, you will get a better finish if you frequently stop in the 'outer' position of the zigzag, with needle still in the fabric, lift the presser foot and rotate the fabric before lowering the foot to resume.
Add buttons or ric rac or ribbons to decorate if you like to add a little more individual flare.
Line up 1 decorated with one plain triangle (unless you are making double sided bunting!) right sides together. Sew down the 2 diagonal edges leaving the top free with a 1/4 inch seam allowance
Snip the corner of the triangle so it lays flatter and creates a sharper point once turned right side out.
Turn right side out and press flat. You will have little bits that stick out the top from the seams. Trim these down to the same level as the top.
I prefer to attach bias binding to bunting by hand rather than using a bias attachment to my sewing machine simply because I find it easier to get the spacing right by pinning it all first. I used an over-edge foot with the needle in a left position to avoid the centre bar, as a 1/8th inch guide then top stitched all along the bias to fix the bunting. I then turned it around to use the guide on the opposite side and used a zigzag stitch to secure it firmly just in case the child managed to get a hold of it, I wanted it to be sturdy.
To finish the edges of the binding, I simply folded the corners in to make a point before folding over to sew.
Then your bunting is ready to be hung up!
We hope you enjoy our tutorials and love hearing what you think so please leave us a comment or send me an email to linda@sewingbeefabrics.co.uk
Happy Sewing!
This is to ask for the dimensions of the French bunting pennants.how big to cut the blue and white and red cotton fabric.lam having a birthday lunch in the garden and have ordered French cuisine.
It was really helpful and it opened up to me to do plain letters and patterned flags. I was struggling to find the plain material to make the flags but patterned letters look great. It just cleared my mind of the whole process thanks very much
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I’m so glad the tutorial helped with your bunting!
Bunting is so popular in the shops right now but you can make your own high quality bunting in a very short space of time with this beginner friendly sewing project. Making bunting is a great way of decorating your own home or making unique personalised gifts for others. It is made to a high standard so you can hang it outside and even put it in the washing machine! Perfect!
Get creative when laying out your bunting pattern and use as much of the fabric as you can, you don’t need to really worry about grain when making bunting. You’ll be surprised at where you can squeeze your pattern onto.
I love the step by step pictures & directions. Pictures speak a thousand words x
I’m so pleased you found it helpful!
Thank you so much for this wonderful tutorial. I had seen some of these that a friend had made but it was 2 years ago, and I am finally getting around to making them. What I especially like is that when there is a new baby, these area good present but also a present you can make for a sibling at the same time! That is what I did, and I loved making them. The sibling is 3 so she has a “favorite color” and I could indulge her. I used a stabilizer which is fusible on both sides to keep my letters down and that sure saved some potential headaches.
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment. I made mine as a baby present too. What a great idea to make big sister bunting to and to involve her so much too. I’m so glad the tutorial helped you. Linda 🙂
That looks awfully cute. Unfortunately sewing is not for me. I wouldn’t have the patience doe it or be afraid that I heard myself. Looks lovely though. I would get someone to make it for me lol
That is so pretty, love the colours. Always wish we had a little sewing machine so we could do more crafty stuffs.
Bunting is so versatile I love it for parties, for celebrations and so on. Great tutorial once again.
I love bunting and have never thought of making it myself. This is a great tutorial and I’ll be sure to try some for the babies bedroom x
If you do have a go, I’d love to see it!
This is so so pretty, love it. I do have a sewing machine, but alas it is in the attic with all the other unfinished products. I do like to hand sew though. Very cute for a boy.
This is a great tutorial – it seems really easy to follow. I have always wanted to make bunting for the kids – I have a sewing machine and everything. I think it could even work for a beginner like me!
Thank you. Your right, this would be a great beginner project.
Oh that’s really gorgeous and there’s nothing nicer than something made by hand and with such a personal touch.
Thank you!