Sewing a bunting is super easy and makes you happy – and the result is really something to be proud of. Grab the instructions and the free pattern now and get started!
The most important things at a glance
- Bunting is a simple way to decorate rooms
- The bunting is sewn from sturdy fabrics
- You can download the free pattern for the bunting in 2 versions here
- In the free instructions, I explain step-by-step how to sew the bunting
- You will also get tips on which bunting length is suitable for which purpose
- Sewing time: 60 min.
- Sewing level: easy
What is a bunting?
A bunting is a string of decorative, mostly triangular elements made of cotton to embellish homes and yards. Also called a garland, they are often found as decorations for children's rooms or nurseries. But they are also popular at schools or in gardens for first-day-of-school celebrations. And, of course, no children's birthday party would be complete without colorful garlands.
Likewise, subtle bunting can be used as decoration for weddings or to spruce up your camper. Where and when you use them is entirely up to you. But one thing is for sure: they always bring a good mood. And once sewn, they can be used again and again.
Can beginners also sew a bunting?
Maybe you're worried about whether a bunting is a suitable project for you as a beginner sewist. Please don't worry about that at all: if you are looking for a simple sewing idea with a guaranteed success, you have found it.
You really can't go wrong with a bunting, I promise. Just follow the instructions step-by-step, and you'll have a great sense of accomplishment in no time. It's fun and boosts your self-confidence.
I bet you'll soon dare to tackle slightly more elaborate projects, right?
If you would like a bit of additional basic knowledge, then why not book my 2.5-hour online sewing course "The SewSimple Sewing License". In it, you will learn all the basics to get started really successfully.
What do I need to sew a bunting?
To sew a bunting yourself, you only need a bit of fabric and a piece of bias tape. If you aren't very experienced yet, it is practical to have some fabric clips on hand. That way, you can secure the pennants in the bias tape before sewing them in.
Furthermore, this way the little pennants can be rearranged again and again until you really like how it looks.
Which fabrics are suitable for a bunting?
Primarily non-stretch fabric. Simple woven cotton is best. It is easy to iron and shape. But poplin, canvas, PUL fabrics, or coated cotton also work. You can also use old oilcloth tablecloths. These are particularly suitable for outdoor bunting in the garden, as they are weatherproof.
Here is a small fabric overview:
| Fabric type | Characteristics | Tips & notes on processing | Source |
| Canvas | - easy to iron out - results in a sturdy bunting |
– better to process with heavy, sharp scissors – sew with a jeans needle or size 90–100 universal needle |
Order canvas* |
| Poplin | - versatile all-rounder - easy to iron - uncomplicated to process |
– process with a size 70–80 universal needle | Order poplin* |
| PUL fabrics/coated cotton | - weatherproof - suitable for outdoor use |
- process with a size 80–90 universal needle - use a walking foot if necessary - is somewhat stiffer, pennants could become too rigid and might need to be topstitched - not iron-safe |
Order coated cotton fabrics* |
| Kokka fabrics | - especially high quality and elegant - easy to process |
– multiple layers of fabric are a challenge for some sewing machines – sew with a jeans needle or size 80–90 universal needle |
Order Kokka fabrics* |
| Denim | - firm, robust, stable - great as an upcycling project from worn jeans |
– multiple layers of denim are often difficult to sew – better to process with heavy, sharp scissors – sew with a jeans needle or size 90–100 universal needle – denim thread for the topstitching is a good option |
Order denim* fabrics |
| Fine corduroy/corduroy | - beautiful, velvety surface - robust fabric |
– observe the nap direction during cutting: The nap must feel rough when stroking downwards – process with a size 80–90 universal needle |
Order corduroy fabric* |
You also need these materials
- Bias tape made of woven cotton, also called binding tape
- Pennant pattern
-
matching sewing thread* (I use a "normal" all-purpose thread, which works great)
matching sewing machine needle* - Pins and/or fabric clips*
- Ruler*
- possibly corner & edge shaper* for shaping the corners
- Trick marker*
- Fabric scissors* (for sturdy canvas, I use my Paul scissors)
- Thread snips
- Sewing machine
What is bias tape?
Bias tape is also called binding tape. Its job is to enclose the raw edges of a piece of fabric. Bias tape is usually between 2 and 4 centimeters wide and pre-folded towards the center.
Because it is cut at a 45° angle to the grain line, it has a slight stretch and is therefore easy to work with around curves. You can get bias tape made of cotton or jersey. I use cotton bias tape here. You can get ready-made bias tapes from your trusted fabric retailer.
No bias tape on hand? Don't panic. Of course, you can make your own bias tape with my instructions using some simple cotton fabric.
How do I make bias tape?
Making your own bias tape is very uncomplicated. Here I explain in 6 easy steps how it works:
- Wash and iron your cotton fabric; if it is very soft, you can also treat it beforehand with spray starch
- Cut cotton fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grain line into 5 cm wide strips
- Slide the fabric strip with the wrong side facing up into the bias tape maker
- Iron the double-folded strip that comes out of the front of the bias tape maker
- Roll the bias tape up onto a piece of cardboard while folded so it keeps its shape
- You can also join multiple fabric strips by sewing them together right sides together at a right angle to each other
You can also find detailed instructions on making your own bias tape right here on the blog. If you want to learn more about working with bias tape, you will find precise instructions in my book "Näh doch einfach!" and here on the blog in the post Sewing on bias tape - how to conquer the dreaded opponent
How do you use a bias tape maker?
If you want to make your own bias tape, you can certainly do so without any problems. I have already linked the appropriate instructions in the section above.
To get the folding of the bias tape nice and even, you can use a so-called bias tape maker.
A bias tape maker is a tool made of metal or plastic into which the bias tape is inserted like a tunnel. As it is pulled through to the front opening, the long sides of the bias tape fold inward. Then you can fix them in this position with an iron.
It is important that you cut the fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grain line so that your bias tape is nice and elastic.
The small metal handle on top of the bias tape maker allows you to guide the maker even if the metal has become hot from the iron.
Bias tape makers are available in various widths. Usually, the width of the double-folded bias tape is embossed on the underside of the maker.
The fabric should always be cut to a maximum of twice the width of the folded bias tape.
How long should a bunting be?
How big or long your bunting will be depends on the intended use you desire. And, of course, on the number of elements you choose.
For a baby crib, a short bunting is enough. For the garden, it needs to be relatively long. And the larger your elements are, the fewer you need to achieve the desired length.
Then you still need to decide whether the individual elements should be hung side-by-side with or without a gap.
To make it a little easier for you, we will assume our pattern and want a continuous bunting without gaps.
| Number of elements | Length of bunting | Recommended use |
| 9 | 126 cm | Baby crib, bassinet |
| 14 | 196 cm | Standard bed, sideboard |
| 20 | 280 cm | Garden, room decoration |
How much fabric do I need for my bunting?
That depends on the number of elements you want. Also, whether you choose a square or a round shape, and how many different pennants you want on one bunting.
You can confidently reach into your scrap box here and use all scraps from a size of an A5 sheet per pennant side. This corresponds to 148 x 210 mm.
Bunting pattern for free
Maybe you are wondering now what dimensions you should take for the bunting. I'll make it very simple for you here, because you can handle the cutting with the free bunting pattern.
Of course, you can make your own template for your pennants and determine your own size and shape. It just needs to be mirrored. For example, an isosceles triangle. Or you can make it easy on yourself and use our free pattern for your first bunting.
You have the choice between a classic triangular shape or a semi-circular shape. The procedure is the same for both variants. You will get a few hints on sewing the semi-circular shape further down in these instructions.
My tip: Glue the printed pattern onto sturdy cardboard. Then you have a durable template that you can use again and again. And besides, cutting out the many small pattern pieces is super easy this way!
How do you cut out the pattern pieces for the bunting?
Of course, you can cut out each little flag individually. Feel free to do that if you find it relaxing. However, I lay several fabrics on top of each other and cut them with a ruler and rotary cutter.
It is only important that the grain line of the fabric layers is correctly aligned with each other. This avoids the flags becoming distorted when hanging for a long time or when washing. This keeps the chain nice and stable.
READING TIP: Do you already know my blog post 10 death traps for your rotary cutter?
What must my sewing machine be able to do to sew a bunting?
You need a straight stitch. Use a universal needle, which is perfectly suited for woven fabric. I prefer a size 70 when choosing the sewing machine needle.
TIP: If you use coated fabrics, a walking foot could be helpful. Because the walking foot ensures that adhesive materials do not stick to the presser foot during transport. It feeds the fabric nicely and evenly through the machine. This makes for much nicer seams.
Some sewing fans use the walking foot, as it is sometimes affectionately called, permanently and for all projects. By the way, it is a little louder than the "normal" zigzag foot. But you get used to that in no time.
Perhaps your machine is already equipped with it. Examples include the IDT system from Pfaff or the Smartfeed from Juki.
This is what it looks like, for example:
In the sewing video for the bunting, you can also see how the IDT feed works on a Pfaff sewing machine. It looks quite similar to the one on my Juki.
Tips for sewing bunting
Especially if you are a beginner, these tips will help you sew a stunningly beautiful bunting for wall decoration on your very first try. It is best to experiment with a few fabric scraps to see what works well for you.
- Before cutting, you should wash and iron the fabric so that your bunting doesn't shrink or warp after the first wash
- If you want to cut several layers of fabric at once, secure them with 2-3 pins so that nothing shifts
- Maintain the seam allowance by using the markings on the presser foot or the needle plate as a guide
- Alternatively, you can use a magnetic seam guide
- You can also trim the excess seam allowances of the turned flags using a ruler and rotary cutter
- Instead of sewing clips, you can also fix the flags in the bias tape using Wonder Tape. However, make sure you only apply it where you won't be sewing, as the adhesive could gum up the sewing machine needle
- You can achieve an additional effect by topstitching the bottom edge of the flags with a straight stitch (perhaps even in a contrasting color) using a 3.5 mm stitch length
YouTube video: How to sew bunting
Conclusion: Sewing bunting just makes you happy!
And that is exactly how it is: Perhaps it is because this sewing project is inherently so cheerful and radiates so much lightheartedness. Or it's because I'm happy to finally be able to put my fabric scraps to good use again (because sewing with fabric scraps is, of course, super fun because it's sustainable).
A not-entirely-unimportant aspect might also be that sewing bunting is so foolproof. No matter what you do: it turns out well. Small inaccuracies aren't even noticeable once the piece is draped where it belongs.
There it hangs, radiating so much positive energy that you'd want to get started on the next bunting right away. And why not? :)
My tip for even more variety: You can also decorate the flags with buttons or sew cute yo-yo flowers and fix them to the flags with a few hand stitches.
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial as much as I did. Let me know in the comments how you designed your bunting!
Happy simple sewing
Sabine & Eve
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