What bunting is and why it's worth making

Bunting is a string of fabric triangles sewn together and hung as decoration. Each triangle (called a flag) is folded and stitched onto a length of bias tape or ribbon that runs through the middle. You can make it from scrap fabric, old sheets, or new material — the construction is the same either way, and the whole project takes two to four hours depending on how many flags you want.

Homemade bunting costs less than store-bought versions and lets you choose your own colors and patterns. It's also durable enough to hang indoors year-round or take outside for a season or two. Once you know the basic method, you can adjust the size of the flags, the length of the string, and the spacing to suit any room or event.

Key Takeaways

  • Bunting is made by folding fabric triangles in half and stitching them into bias tape or ribbon, which becomes the hanging string.
  • You need fabric, bias tape or ribbon, thread, scissors, a needle or sewing machine, and a ruler or template to mark triangle sizes.
  • Each flag is cut as a rectangle, folded diagonally, and sewn into the bias tape before the tape is stitched closed along its length.
  • The finished bunting hangs from the bias tape and can be adjusted to any length by adding or removing flags.

Gather your materials and tools

Start with fabric — cotton quilting fabric, old cotton sheets, or lightweight linen all work well. Avoid stretchy or slippery materials like jersey or satin unless you have sewing experience. You'll need enough to cut your triangles; a rough guide is one square foot of fabric per 10 to 12 flags, though this varies with flag size.

You'll also need bias tape (pre-made and folded) or a length of ribbon at least as long as you want your finished bunting to be, plus a few extra inches. Bias tape is sold in most fabric stores in rolls of 3 to 5 yards and comes in many colors. If you use ribbon instead, choose something sturdy enough not to stretch or fray — grosgrain or cotton ribbon works better than thin satin.

Gather thread that matches your fabric or bias tape, sharp fabric scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, a needle (if hand-sewing) or access to a sewing machine, and pins. A pencil or fabric marker helps you mark cutting lines. If you plan to make bunting more than once, a straightforward cardboard template in your chosen triangle size saves time.

Cut and prepare your fabric triangles

Decide on the size of your flags. A common size is 4 inches wide and 5 inches tall, which creates a balanced look and uses fabric efficiently. Measure and mark rectangles of that size on the back of your fabric using a ruler and pencil, then cut them out with sharp scissors. Cut as many as you want flags — a 6-foot length of bunting typically holds 12 to 16 flags depending on spacing.

Once your rectangles are cut, fold each one in half diagonally so the two top corners meet at a point. The fold creates the top edge of your triangle flag. Press the fold flat with your fingers or an iron; a crisp fold makes sewing easier and the finished bunting look neater.

Stack your folded triangles in order as you work. This keeps them organized and prevents you from losing track of how many you've prepared.

Insert flags into bias tape and stitch them in place

Open out one length of bias tape so you can see the fold in the middle. Slide the folded edge of your first fabric triangle into the open bias tape, positioning it so the point of the triangle sticks out below the tape. The raw edges of the fabric rectangle should sit inside the tape. Pin the triangle in place.

Continue sliding triangles into the bias tape along its entire length, spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart (or closer if you want a fuller look). Pin each one as you go. Once all your triangles are positioned, fold the bias tape closed over the raw edges and pin along the entire length.

Sew along the folded edge of the bias tape using a sewing machine set to a straight stitch, or hand-stitch with a needle and thread. Sew slowly and keep your line straight and close to the edge. When you reach the end, backstitch to find the thread. This single line of stitching holds all the triangles in place and closes the bias tape.

Finish the ends and hang your bunting

Once the main seam is complete, fold the raw ends of the bias tape inward and stitch them closed by hand or machine. This prevents fraying and gives the bunting a finished appearance. Some people fold the ends into a loop for hanging; others leave them straight and tie them to hooks or nails.

To hang bunting, use small nails, adhesive hooks, or tie the ends to existing fixtures like curtain rods or picture rails. Test the weight first — most homemade bunting is light enough for command hooks or small nails, but heavier fabric or very long lengths may need stronger support.

Check that the bunting hangs straight and the flags point downward evenly. If any triangle is twisted or sits at an odd angle, you can adjust it by hand or add a small stitch to hold it in place.

Variations and ways to customize your bunting

Once you've made one length, you can experiment with different looks. Use patterned fabric, solid colors, or a mix of both. Combine stripes with florals, or alternate light and dark fabrics for contrast. You can also vary the size of the flags — smaller triangles (2 inches wide, 3 inches tall) create a delicate, detailed look, while larger ones (6 inches wide, 7 inches tall) make a bolder statement.

Try different bias tape colors to change the overall feel. A white or cream tape lets the fabric flags stand out, while a matching or contrasting tape color can tie the whole piece together. You can also make bunting from felt, which doesn't fray and requires no seam finishing, though it's stiffer and less drape-y than cotton.

For seasonal bunting, swap out the fabric but reuse the bias tape. Store finished lengths flat or rolled loosely in a box to prevent creasing.

Troubleshooting common sewing problems

If your stitching line is wobbly, slow down and use a sewing machine's edge guide or mark a line with tape beforehand. If triangles slip out of the bias tape while you're sewing, pin more frequently or use a walking foot on your machine to feed the layers evenly. If the bias tape puckers, you may be pulling too tightly as you sew — let the machine do the work and guide the fabric gently.

If thread keeps breaking, check that your needle is the right size for your fabric (a size 70/10 or 80/12 works for most cotton) and that it's inserted correctly. If the needle is bent or dull, replace it. If your hand-stitching looks uneven, practice keeping your stitch length consistent — aim for stitches about 1/8 inch long.

If a flag comes loose after hanging, straightforward hand-stitch it back into the bias tape or add a small dab of fabric glue to hold it. Bunting is straightforward to repair and adjust, so small imperfections don't ruin the finished piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make bunting without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand-stitching takes longer — roughly twice as long as machine sewing — but the method is identical. Use a needle and thread, make small, even stitches along the bias tape, and backstitch at the start and end to find. A running stitch or backstitch both work well for bunting.

What's the difference between bias tape and ribbon?

Bias tape is cut on the diagonal grain of fabric, which makes it stretch slightly and fold smoothly around curves. Ribbon is cut straight and doesn't stretch. Both work for bunting; bias tape is easier to fold and looks more professional, while ribbon is often cheaper and comes in more colors.

How long does finished bunting last?

Indoor bunting lasts several years if stored carefully. Outdoor bunting fades and weakens faster — typically one to two seasons depending on sun exposure and weather. Bring it inside during heavy rain or strong wind to extend its life.

Can I use knit fabric or stretchy material?

Knit and stretchy fabrics are harder to work with because they shift and curl at the edges. If you want to use them, stabilize the fabric with fusible interfacing on the back before cutting and sewing. Cotton, linen, and other woven fabrics are much easier for beginners.

What size should my flags be?

There's no single right size — it depends on where you're hanging it and how full you want it to look. Flags 4 inches wide by 5 inches tall work for most spaces. Smaller flags (2 by 3 inches) suit narrow shelves or small rooms; larger ones (6 by 7 inches) fill bigger walls. Experiment with a test length first.