I don’t think I new what a bunting was called until last year or so… I just thought “string of flags” or “pennants” or something. But a bunting it is, and it’s cute as anything.
I made this bunting as a holiday decoration, and rather than sticking with red and green (not my fave, really), I went for a more festive red/orange + green/blue. I like it.
This would be a really great thing to do with childhood clothes too, as an alternative to making quilt after quilt. A bunting would be an adorable way to preserve a bit of that nostalgia.
So here’s a little (er, long… full of pictures) tutorial if you’re interested in making your own bunting, either for a holiday decoration, or year-round in a child’s room or craft room.
First, choose some fabrics that you think would go well together. I chose 3 pairs of fabrics, so I can do front/back and both sides will look nice. For instance, the blue dots and red dots will go together to make a set of triangles (blue front/red back), and so forth.
Roughly cut strips of fabric… I just made a snip at about 7 inches down and ripped the width of the fabric to make a strip. Don’t worry; we’ll clean up the edges soon.
Iron the fabric to make sure everything is smooth and ready for cutting and sewing!
Now we’re going to make our triangle template. I wanted mine to be about 6 inches long (after sewing, turning, and trimming) and around 6 inches wide. You can do a long skinny triangle if you want, or a short fat one. But for now, we’re making a rectangle to approximate the width/length of triangle you’d like.
I drew the 2 lines the length I wanted, then folded the paper so the crease would connect corners… and cut it out. I’m making this more complicated than it needs to be… basically mine was a square. Yours can be a rectangle of any size/dimensions.
Fold your square or rectangle in half and draw a diagonal line…
like so…
And cut it to make your triangle pattern.
Now we go to the cutting table… first trim the edges of your fabrics. I’m doing each pair together.
Now place the triangle with the short edge along the long edge of your fabric, and cut along the pattern. I used my rotary cutter, which is probably the fastest and most precise, but you can do it with scissors of course!
After the first cut, I just flipped the previous triangle like this…
And used it as a pattern to cut along.
And keep flipping…
Until you have a nice pile of triangles!
And repeat with the other pairs of fabrics.
Delicious!
Now, sew along one of the longer edges of the triangles, with the coordinating fabrics’ right sides together.
You can do a whole bunch at once, and clip them when you’re finished.
Then, sew the second long edge the same way. See how they’re all connected? Cut them apart…
And then flip them right side out. I used the tips of my scissors to poke out the point, but sometimes I use a chopstick. The eraser-end of a pencil will work well too.
Smile at all the pretty colors when they’re all flipped.
And then iron them so they’re nice and flat.
Gorgeous! We’re almost there!
If you have bias tape, you can use that for your “string,” but I decided to use twill tape this time. Cut lengths of twill tape or bias tape as long as your bunting will be. I estimated about 2 yards for each of mine (I made 3 buntings with 11-12 triangles in each one).
Then, fold the twill tape in half and iron it. If you’re using double-fold bias tape you won’t need to do this step, since yours is already folded.
(Not shown: Trim the top edges of your triangles with your rotary cutter so they’re straight and “clean.”)
Snuggle the triangles in between the fold of the twill tape or bias tape, and pin in place.
They’re almost done!
Tuck under the ends of the bias or twill tape like this, and then…
Fold them again, like this. This way when you sew them, they’ll be nice-looking and won’t fray (don’t forget to back stitch at the beginning and end!)
Now, in one long line, sew along your twill or bias tape, making sure you catch the triangles and the back of the twill/bias tape.
Please be luckier than I was… my needle broke into 3 parts for some reason, and the middle part shot out and HIT ME IN THE NECK. I sat there feeling my neck for a couple minutes, sure I was bleeding and dying… of course, I wasn’t, but I never found the 3rd part of the needle, so I maintain that it is inside my neck.
And when it’s all sewn, go ahead and iron it again. Ironing is to sewing what makeup is to my face. You know, it makes it look acceptable even if there are a couple zits or something. Or, you know, wiggly stitches.
Now you’re done! Or you can keep going like I did, and sew some bells onto some of the triangles. I didn’t do all of them, but maybe I will add more bells later.
Just stitch them onto the end, and make sure to secure your thread ends well!
Enjoy your beautiful bunting! I hung mine with thumb tacks (how very college-student of me).
I’d love to see photos of buntings you’ve made or that you make in the future using this tutorial. If you ever make one, go ahead and post the link (to your flickr or blog or wherever you share it) in the comments here.
I have 2 more buntings… maybe I will add them to the shop so I can share! Anyone interested?
Hi! I'm Emily. I'm a Navy wife and stay at home mom of two beautiful children. I cook simple, delicious, grain-free recipes, do crafts, decorate my home on a budget, and keep a happy household. I tandem breastfeed, babywear, cloth diaper, practice elimination communication, homebirth, and co-sleep, but I'm not a hippie.
This was a great tutorial. I used it to make a Halloween bunting for a craft swap. Thanks so much!
[...] all seriousness, I used this site and this one — both super [...]
[...] loved this Bunting Tutorial at Joyful Abode, since she actually uses a “turned & stitched” method (instead of an often-used [...]
I have to say that I'm a little dismayed. I had grand illusions of this being a simple project, but all that ironing! And cutting! And ironing! And sewing! And IRONING! I'm a little more nervous now.
Great tutorial, very thorough.
Excellent guide, thanks!
I love this tutorial – really easy to follow and very inspirational – thanks!! (hope you find that bit of needle soon!). Annie (Bedford, UK)
Excellent tutorial, I'm all excited to give it go. I'm planning on doing a really long one of about 6 metres for an Outdoor Sports event – any tips??
Hi there, I am making some bunting as a gift for my sisters new baby. I am using the applique method to attach a number to each flag. For this I am using some wooden number stencils (you can buy wooden letter stencils too). I have stenciled out the numbers on some scraps of fabric. I will then use fusible bonding web. This is cheap to buy and comes with instructions but basically you iron it on to the back of your fabric before cutting, then cut out the letter, peel web backing and iron on to bunting triangle. Its acts like a glue. Sew for extra hold. Do this before you sew triangles together.
Great tutorial thanks. I love it! Can you help me? I want to make some named bunting for my grand-daughter to hang in her bedroom? I have seen some on the net but i would like to know how to make the individual letters? Hope you can help?
am loving the ideas for bunting…….thought about using my babies baby gros etc for material so am hoping this is going to look gorgeous………will write again when my bunting is finished……..am sure that you're guidlines will help me, so thankyou again x
This was very helpful, thank you.
I have just finished mine, and wanted to say a huge thank you again, I started to feel all the prep was long winded, but it really paid off at the end, the end result looks perfect! Thank you!!
Thanks for this – it's so useful and has given me clear instructions and pictures to help me! I'm having a baby in October and want to decorate the room with bunting, so I'm going to get the material (hopefully) today! Thank you – the bells are a great idea too! Hannah xx
This is a fantastic tutorial, really clear, I am half way through mine, but can't wait to see the end result. Thank you so much for the clear instructions and pictures!
Thank you for this tutorial. I have some outdoor fabric that I would like to turn into a bunting and this was very helpful!
This is a wonderful tutorial! I want to make bunting for a baby shower I'm hosting. I'm using sheets from the baby's nursery bedding set as one of the fabrics. Thanks for an awesome “how to”!
Thanks for the tute! Bunting rocks!
Thanks for the tute! Bunting rocks!
I made these for my son's nursery, SO easy, thankyou so much![IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/tfal/twon.jpg[/IMG]
Thank you so much for these instructions. I had no idea how to make one but now just finished one using your fantastic instructions.
Hugs
D
http://treasurehuntergirl.blogspot.com/2010/04/…
Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. With your help I spent a happy afternoon last summer with a friend making about 12 metres of bunting to decorate my wedding venue. Everybody thought it looked fab and another friend has asked to borrow it for her wedding. I wouldn't have had a clue with our your tutorial! Thanks.
Great Tutorial, better than any that I found on youtube. Thanks
What a great tutorial, thanks so much! I am up to cutting stage on mine now
Wow! Fantastic… just what I was looking for. Your tutorial is really clear and easy to follow! Thank you. I'm going to try to make some bunting on my new sewing machine – using it for the very first time – I'll let you know how I get on.
: ) x
Thank you for bunting instructions. In bed with the flu at the moment but as soon as I am able I am going to make my baby granddaughter some for her room. Many thanks Hazel
thanks that was really interesting and I shall definitely be trying some of these. I was going to try to make some 'CHRISTMAS' bunting but will probably start with 'JOY' !!
LOL
Nicola
p.s is this an American website? I'm from UK.
I would love to see your other buntings. I've been considering making these for parties…
Fantastic tutorial! Thanks so much for posting it. I have fabric (and yes, it is oh so pretty!) and am ready to make bunting.
(I hope the third part of your needle isn't still in your neck!)
Thanks again
Sarah
Thank you! I love this bunting
I've now made two sets – one for DS and one for my unborn bub. A great tutorial.
Thank you for taking the time to do this post. I'm planning on making this to hang in the garden to celebrate my family coming to stay from England!
I really don't like to sew at all, BUT I want to make a bunting and you made it sound like soooooo much fun (and it's so pretty too.) Everything sounds great, except the needle in the neck part
. I surely hope it's not!
Thanks for the great instructions!!
You're so welcome! And that sounds like an excellent idea!
Thank you for your wonderful instructions. I'm planning on making bunting for the garden for my son & his friends to have a party picnic day these school holidays. Jan in Oz.
A barn wedding sounds so unique!!! I hope your son and his new bride love the decorations.
Great tutorial. I'm going to make bunting for my son's barn wedding and wondered about the tape. Thanks
You are certainly welcome! Good luck, and congratulations to your sister!
The bunting will be a perfect nursery decoration.
Wow…thank you! I am new to 'sewing', and have just bought myself a sewing machine…I have managed to make cushion covers, and I think I'm just about ready to make bunting! This will help me immensely, and hopefully my sisters new baby girl (due 31st December!) will enjoy it in her nursery! Thank you again. P.S. your pictures are beautiful!
Hi, thanks so much for this awesome tutorial. I was half-way thru making some bunting but unsure how to put it on the ribbon. now I know. yippee. and I loved your awesome photos. Thank you!! Plus I loved your analogy about the ironing. Making me feel good that the iron’s heating up right now. I’ve made bunting for my dd’s parties and things, but feeling inspired to make a xmas one too!
[...] – the bunting. talked about it forever, finally got around to it. followed joyful abode’s tutorial. have lots more to make. they make me happy. Bunting More [...]
Beautiful! I’m planning ahead for my daughter’s birthday (not till August). Thank you so much for the tutorial.
By the way, I looooove your aprons on a clothes line. Nice way to display those beautiful vintage aprons.
[...] Other bunting projects we love. For related tutorials try here, here and here. [...]
Thanks so much for the fabulous tutorial. I have been hunting bunting tutorials & I am going to try yours for sure! I love the finish and all the ironing – and yes I agree with the analogy – not that I have ever put it quite that way
)
best wishes
Louise
[...] The kid aprons got a lot of attention, but no bites (although one lady said she might email me to get together to buy some later). I displayed my stationery and recipe cards a little differently than usual, which was nice, and the buntings were too cute. [...]
Hi! This craft tutorial was featured on today’s Simple Makes article, “Best Advent Links: Preparing for Christmas.” See it at http://www.simplemakes.com/2008/12/best-advent-links-preparing-for.html. Thanks for the great post!
what a great tutorial! I always end up with pieces of material that are too small to do anything, but I hate throwing them out – this is a wonderful idea.
Maybe I’m just in a giggly mood this morning, but your needle injury and makeup is to ironing commentary had me chuckling! I would love to make one of these, but it will probably just be added onto my long list of eventualies. I have a dilemma – I only have a chance to be crafty when the baby is napping, but the sewing machine wakes him up even though it’s two rooms away from his!
Emailed you, Lori Ann.
Thanks for the sweet comment, too!
Thanks so much, Kim! I love those fabrics too! I’m really sorry your sewing machine is hatin’ on ya. haha. If you have pinking shears you can do a version without any sewing (just use the shears to cut out the triangles, and they won’t unravel… then you could use that stitch wichery stuff to iron together the twill tape around the tops of the triangles.
I can’t wait to see what you come up with though! Everything you do ends up so sweet and perfect (well, okay… maybe not the believe banner, but that was a beta run, right?)
How incredibly sweet and once again you make everything look so easy! I love the reproduction fabrics, they’re so timeless and that you did a bunting in holiday spirit and didn’t confine yourself to reds and greens. It’s perfect! We’re constructing a bunting of sorts tonight (a clothes line, haha) to replace the tacky looking “believe” on the mantle right now. I`d love to do this, but my machine has been hatin’ on me hard lately!
Thanks for sending this to me via delicious! I’m working on a “holiday craft” post right now and this will be at the top of the list. Love the fabrics & the durability of these decorations!!
Lori Ann