How to make bunting

A selection of fabrics
Bias binding tape (the length will be the length of your finished bunting)
Thread in a matching colour to the bias binding

Equipment

Sewing needle (or sewing machine, if you have one)
Paper
Pencil, tailor’s chalk or erasable fabric pen
Scissors
Pins

Method

Step one

First, cut out a paper template for the flags: fold a piece of paper in half and cut a straight diagonal line, then unfold to reveal a symmetrical triangle shape. You can make the flag template whatever size you like (ours was 13cm wide and 16cm high). Pin the template to the back of your chosen fabric and use a pencil, tailor’s chalk or fabric pen to draw around it. Cut out the shape, adding a 1cm (¼in) border all the way around.

Step two

Cut another piece of the fabric to match the first and pin the printed side of the fabrics together. Hand or machine sew the two diagonal edges along the template lines, leaving the top edge open to create a pocket.

Step three

Trim away excess fabric from the seam at the point of the triangle, cutting about 3mm away from the stitching. Turn inside out, using a narrow blunt tool to push the tip of the triangle out.

Step four

Iron the flag to flatten. Repeat steps one to three to make as many flags as desired.

Step five

Fold the bias binding over the unstitched edges of your pocket, then pin together. Repeat with the remaining pockets, making sure the gap between each of the pockets is approximately the same. Don’t forget to leave at least 30cm of bias binding at either end for hanging.

Step six

Stitch along the open edge of the bias binding using thread in a coordinating colour, sewing through all of the layers. Your bunting is now finished and ready to hang.

Quick alternative

If you're short on time, you can make this quick version instead. Simply cut out triangular flags with pinking shears (for a jagged edge) or scissors (for a straight edge). Then, jump straight to step five and finish with bias binding.

What is bias binding?

Bias binding tape is a long strip of folded fabric cut on the diagonal so that it’s slightly stretchy. It’s most commonly used to cover the edge of fabrics or stitching to prevent fraying and create a neat finish. We used a non-folded type of bias binding called cotton webbing tape, but any type will work for this project. It’s readily available from craft shops or online.