Make Your Own Fabric Bunting

Do you like bunting as much as we do? Bunting is a decorative item that gives a happy lift to rooms and balconies alike. Here’s how to make your own fabric bunting.

Equipment:

• Fabric
• Approximately 4 metres of grosgrain ribbon – 2.5cm wide
• Paper for the triangle template
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Pins.

Steps:

Step 1: Make a template for your triangles so that all pieces are the same size. Use paper to create your inverted triangle shape using a ruler. Rule a 16 cm line on your paper (this is the top of your triangle, where it will be attached to the ribbon). Fold the 16cm line in half and then measure 19 cms down the fold. Now draw a line from the two ends of the 16cm top to the 19 cm tip. Cut out your triangle template.

Step 2: Cut out your fabric. Fold the fabric in half so that the right sides (so the printed sides of the fabric) are facing each other. Place your triangle template onto the fabric and, using pencil, draw as many triangles on the fabric as you want to have in your bunting – 14 double sided triangles look great.

Step 3: Now sew your triangles. Take one of the triangles, which consist of two fabric layers and double check that the right sides are facing each other. Then sew the two sides of the triangle (i.e. not across the top where the triangle will be attached to the ribbon) with a straight stitch and a 1cm seam allowance. Pivot at the apex of the triangle and make sure to reverse your stitches at the beginning and the end to secure them. Trim the seam allowance at the apex, taking care not to cut through the stitching. Repeat this step for all the triangles

Step 4: Next, turn the triangles right side out and carefully poke the apex using a chopstick or skewer to make them nice and pointy. Give the triangles a good press with the iron to make sure they’re really flat.

Step 5: Attach the triangles to the ribbon. Place one of your triangles into the middle of your length of ribbon. It should also sit in the middle of the width of the ribbon. Keep in mind that you will need long ribbon ends on both sides for the ties. Then fold down the ribbon and put in a few pins to hold everything in place. Continue placing all other triangles onto the ribbon, leaving a gap of 4cms between triangles. Don’t forget to halve and pin the two long ribbon ends.

Step 6: Sewing in a straight line, stitch along the ribbon-gripped triangles, removing one pin after the other as you sew. Once you’ve finished, trim the threads and give your bunting one last good press with the iron. And that’s it, there’s your handmade bunting!

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