Fabric Wedding Bunting: Diy Guide For Your Big Day

DIY fabric bunting is a fun and easy way to add a whimsical, romantic, or vintage touch to your wedding decor. Whether you're planning a classic, boho, or festival-themed wedding, handmade bunting is a versatile and affordable way to liven up any space. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create beautiful fabric bunting that will make your big day even more special. From choosing the right fabric to assembling the bunting, we'll cover everything you need to know to make this simple yet effective wedding craft. So, get your sewing kit ready, and let's get started on adding a handmade touch to your wedding!

Choosing the right fabric

When making fabric wedding bunting, choosing the right fabric is essential to achieving the desired look and feel. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your fabric:

Type of Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall style and theme of your wedding. Standard cotton fabric is a popular choice for bunting as it is versatile and easy to work with. Cotton fabric will give your bunting a crisp and nice look. You can opt for a solid colour or a mix of different fabrics to create a fun and whimsical effect. If you want to add a soft, romantic touch to your wedding decor, consider using fabrics like chiffon, lace, or satin in pastel colours. For a rustic or outdoor wedding, burlap is a great option, and you can embellish it with lace, pom-poms, or fabric rosettes.

Fabric Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the fabric should complement your wedding colour scheme and theme. If you're going for a vintage or shabby chic look, opt for pretty floral fabrics. You can also use glittery material or bold colours for a more statement look. If you want to incorporate wedding motifs, look for fabrics with hearts, flowers, or doves.

Fabric Amount

The amount of fabric you need will depend on the length of your bunting and the size of your flags. A common size for a bunting triangle is 20 cm in width and 30 cm in height. For each flag, you will need two pieces of fabric, each measuring approximately 25 cm x 20 cm. Decide on the length of your bunting and the number of flags you want, and then calculate the total fabric required accordingly.

Fabric Quality

It is important to choose high-quality fabric that will look elegant and hold up well during the wedding celebrations. Consider the drape and fall of the fabric, ensuring it is not too stiff or too flimsy. The fabric should be easy to work with, especially if you plan to sew or glue it.

Fabric Care

Consider the care instructions for the fabric, especially if you plan to reuse the bunting or keep it as a memento. Some fabrics may require special care, such as handwashing or dry cleaning, so choose a fabric that aligns with your preferences and capabilities.

Cutting the fabric

Once you have decided on the size of your flags, create a template out of cardboard or paper. Fold your chosen fabric in half and place the template on top, with the top edge on the fold. If your fabric has a one-way design, you will need to cut out each shape individually. However, if your fabric does not have a one-way design, you can save time and fabric by interlocking the triangle shapes and cutting through several layers at once.

Using chalk, a removable pen, or a pencil, trace around your template, and then cut out the triangles. When you open them up, they should be diamond-shaped. You will need to cut out two diamond shapes for each flag.

Sewing the triangles

Now that you have your fabric triangles cut out and ironed, it's time to sew them together!

Place two triangles with their right sides facing each other and pin the two sides of the flag. Sew along the open edge, leaving the top (folded edge) unsewn. You only need to sew along the two sides of the triangle and the bottom—the shortest edge of the triangle should be left open. Leave a small gap of around 1 cm unsewn at the top of the triangle, as this will be used to attach the triangles to the bias binding. Repeat this process for all your triangles.

Once you have sewn all the triangles, clip any corners and the point of the triangle. Be careful not to cut the stitches. This will help the flag achieve a sharper point once it is turned right side out. Now, turn the flag the right way out and give it a good press with a hot iron. Use your scissors or something sharp (but not too sharp) to get a nice sharp point at the bottom. If your flags are not sitting flat, you can topstitch the edges.

Now you are ready to attach the bias binding. If you are using double-folded bias binding, open it up and slip the raw edge of the flag up to the fold, pinning it in place. If you are using ribbon, fold it in half so that it encases the raw edges of the triangles, making sure the edges are matched up on either side of the ribbon. Place your flags at regular intervals, depending on your desired distance and taste. Stitch all the way along the edge of the bias binding or ribbon, securing the triangles in the fold as you go.

Attaching the bias binding

Step 1: Prepare the Bias Binding

Before attaching the flags, you need to prepare the bias binding. Cut the bias binding to the desired length of your bunting. For an extra-long bunting, you may need to connect multiple lengths of bias tape by sewing the ends together. Fold the bias binding in half lengthwise and iron it to create a crease. This will make it easier to attach the flags and ensure a neat finish.

Step 2: Pin the Flags in Place

Open the folded bias binding and insert the top edge of a flag into the fold, pinning it in place to secure it. Repeat this process for all your flags, spacing them evenly along the bias binding. You can leave a small gap between the flags or place them close together, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Sew the Flags in Place

Once all the flags are pinned in place, it's time to sew them securely. Start at one end of the bias binding and sew along the open edge, making sure to capture the folded edge of each flag as you go. Continue sewing until you reach the other end of the bias binding. To reinforce the stitching, backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

After sewing, trim any loose threads to ensure a neat and tidy finish. Finally, iron the bunting one last time to create a crisp, polished look. Your fabric wedding bunting is now complete and ready to be displayed!

Tips and Tricks:

• When pinning and sewing the flags, ensure they are snug against the fold of the bias binding for a neat and secure finish.
• If you prefer a more spaced-out look, leave a larger gap between each flag when pinning and sewing.
• Backstitching at the beginning and end of your stitching will help reinforce the structure of the bunting.

Finishing touches

Now that your wedding bunting is almost complete, it's time to add those finishing touches that will make it look polished and perfect for your big day. Here are some essential steps to follow:

Trimming and Ironing:

Start by trimming any loose threads that may be visible. This will give your bunting a neat and tidy appearance. Then, take out your iron and ironing board once more. Give your bunting a final press to ensure it looks crisp and sharp. This step will help to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during the sewing process, leaving you with a sleek finish.

Embellishments:

If you want to add a touch of sparkle or elegance to your wedding bunting, consider incorporating some embellishments. You can sew on pearls, sequins, or beads to add a subtle shine. Alternatively, you can print or embroider names, monograms, or wedding motifs like hearts, flowers, or doves. These special touches will make your bunting unique and memorable.

Spacing and Hanging:

When spacing your bunting flags, consider the desired look and the distance you need to cover. Evenly space the flags along the bias binding or ribbon, adjusting the gaps according to your preference. Leave enough room at the ends of the bunting for hanging. You can use the extra length of binding or ribbon to create loops for easy hanging.

Display Ideas:

Think about how you want to display your wedding bunting to create a stunning visual impact. Here are some ideas:

• Suspend the bunting in front of windows or over entryways for a welcoming touch.
• Use removable adhesive hooks to hang it along walls or above cabinets.
• Drape it over fireplace mantels or shelving for a charming accent.
• Decorate bannisters by winding the bunting garlands around them.
• For an enchanting outdoor display, hang the bunting between trees or weave it through fence slats.

With these finishing touches, your fabric wedding bunting will be a beautiful and memorable part of your wedding décor. Enjoy crafting and creating these special decorations for your big day!

Frequently asked questions