How to Make Fabric Bunting

This DIY fabric bunting is so darn cute and the perfect festive decoration for any special occasion. It’s so easy to make and incredibly versatile and a great project for fat quarters or fabric scraps! You can use these festive banners for an upcoming wedding shower, baby shower, or birthday party.

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Video Tutorial

Free Bunting Template

Check out the free pattern templates below. I created PDF templates for four different shapes: one scallop, and three different flags.

What kind of fabric should I use to make bunting?

Standard cotton fabric is ideal for this project. For a clean look, you can use 1 or 2 solid fabric choices. For something more fun (like for a little boy’s dinosaur birthday party) use a mix of different fabrics. I’m using 1 print and 4 solids. Kona Cotton Solids in the colors: Sable, Terracotta, Grass Green, and Pesto. I’m also using a dinosaur print called Prehistoric Pets.

If you have excess fabric from a quilt project, it would be fun to create a matching DIY bunting for a baby shower or the baby’s room.

What is double-fold bias tape?

Bias tape, also called bias binding, is a narrow strip of fabric that is cut on the bias, meaning 45 degrees to the selvage. This makes it stretchier than fabric cut on the grain. The double fold refers to the strip of fabric being folded in half once and then the raw edges folded into the center fold again. Double-fold bias tape can be found at most fabric stores in widths from ¼” to 1″ or more.

How to make double-fold bias tape

If you prefer to save the additional cost and make your own double-fold bias tape, then check out this awesome, straightforward tutorial from Seamwork.

How long should I make bunting?

The length of your bunting is completely up to you. You can make it as long or as short as you desire. It’s completely customizable. The template above creates scallops that are 6″ wide, so you need to make 2 scallops for every foot of finished bunting. You can also add extra length, without adding additional scallops by spacing them out, again this is a completely personal preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Supplies + Materials

• Fabric (see chart below)
• Double Fold Bias Tape – ½” Wide
• Thread
• Rotary Cutter + Cutting Mat OR Fabric Scissors
• Pinking Shears
• Template (see PDF above)
• Point Turner or Hera Marker
• Ruler
• Sewing Machine
• Iron + Ironing Board/Pressing Mat

How much fabric do I need?

Step 1: Prep Your Materials

First things first, you will need to choose which flag shape you will be making. Print the appropriate PDF and then cut out your template.

I would also recommend giving your chosen fabrics a quick press. It will make cutting much easier.

Lastly, if you are making an extra-long bunting, you may need to connect multiple lengths of bias tape by sewing the ends of the bias tape together. To do this, unfold the end of a piece of bias tape. Repeat with the second length of bias tape. Place the ends right sides together and sew a straight stitch using a ¼” seam allowance. Press the seam open and then refold the bias tape. Give the fold of the bias tape another press.

Step 2: Cut Fabric

Next, place the paper template on top of your fabric. If your rotary cutter can handle it, you can stack a few pieces of fabric on top of each other to make faster work of cutting. Using a new rotary blade will also help with cutting through multiple layers of fabric. Using a rotary cutter, follow the template as closely as possible.

If you don’t have a rotary cutter, you can trace the template using a fabric marker and then cut it with fabric scissors.

Make sure to cut an even number of flags, 2 of the same fabric for each flag you plan to make.

Step 3: Sew Flags

Place two matching pieces of fabric right sides together. Sew the bottom portion only, leaving the top of the flags open.

To reduce bulk, clip the excess fabric at the corners of the flags. If you are sewing scallops, use pinking shears to cut the extra fabric from the seam allowance without compromising the stitches.

Step 4: Turn + Press

Next, turn the sewn flags right side out. If you have one, use a point-turner to help poke out the corners of the bunting flags. This will help give the fabric triangles a nice point. If you are making the scalloped bunting, I found that a hera marker works wonderfully for getting the seams nice and sharp! Give each flag a good press with a hot iron.

Step 5: Attach to Bias Tape

Finally, it’s time to attach the bunting pieces to the bias tape. Accomplish this by sandwiching the raw edge of the fabric flags into the open edge of the bias tape. Attach the first flag about 10-12″ from the end of the bias tape to leave room for hanging the bunting. Secure in place with a couple of pins.

Pin the next flag in place. You can leave no gap between the flags, or space them at whatever distance you prefer. I did a ½” between each of my scalloped flags. Continue pinning flags down the length of the bias tape at regular intervals, making sure to leave another 10-12″ at the end for hanging.

Once you have all of your fabric pieces pinned in place, sew a straight stitch down the edge of the bias tape approximately ⅛” from the bias tape fold.

Be sure to start stitching at the end of the bias tape, and not just where the flags begin. This will ensure that the bias tape is closed and does not unfold at the end. It’s also a good idea to back stitch at the beginning and the end.

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