Fabric Wedding Bunting: A Step-By-Step Guide To Diy

Bunting is a simple yet striking decorative element that can be used to elevate the aesthetic of a wedding venue. It is a versatile DIY project that can be easily customised to suit different wedding themes and styles. Whether you're aiming for a classic, vintage, or festival-themed wedding, fabric bunting is a great way to add a whimsical, romantic, or chic touch to your special day. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of creating your own fabric bunting, from choosing the right materials to assembling the final product. We will also explore different ways to display your bunting and ideas for customisation.

Choosing the right fabric

When making fabric bunting for a wedding, it's important to choose the right fabric to achieve the desired look and feel. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your fabric:

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the fabric will set the tone for your wedding bunting. For a romantic and soft look, opt for fabrics in pastel shades such as chiffon, lace, or satin. If you're going for a vintage or shabby chic theme, pretty floral fabrics or glittery materials in bold colours will make a statement. You can also use the wedding colour scheme as a guide and choose fabrics that complement it.

Fabric Type

The type of fabric you choose will impact the overall aesthetic and durability of your bunting. Standard cotton fabric is a popular choice as it is versatile, affordable, and easy to work with. Cotton fabric will give your bunting a crisp and neat appearance. Other options include chiffon, lace, satin, and burlap, each offering a unique texture and style. Consider the atmosphere you want to create and select fabrics that align with your vision.

Fabric Amount

Before selecting your fabric, determine the desired length of your bunting and the number of flags you need. This will help you estimate the required amount of fabric. A common size for each flag is a triangle with a 20 cm width and a 30 cm height. You will need two pieces of fabric for each flag, so plan accordingly. It's always better to have a little extra fabric than to run short, especially if you're creating intricate designs or patterns.

Fabric Quality

The quality of the fabric is essential for ensuring your bunting looks elegant and luxurious. Opt for fabrics that are known for their high quality, such as Liberty's 'tana lawn' fabric. High-quality fabrics will drape beautifully and give your bunting a sophisticated finish. They will also be more durable, ensuring your bunting can be reused or cherished as a keepsake.

Embellishments

To enhance the look of your wedding bunting, consider adding embellishments such as lace, pom-pom trim, pearls, sequins, or beads. These details will add a touch of sparkle and sophistication to your fabric choices. You can also incorporate wedding motifs like hearts, flowers, or doves to make your bunting even more special.

Remember to choose fabrics that align with your personal style and the overall theme of your wedding. By considering colour, pattern, fabric type, amount, and embellishments, you can create beautiful and cohesive bunting that will elevate your wedding décor.

Cutting the fabric

The first step to making fabric bunting is to cut your chosen fabric into triangles. You can do this by creating a template out of cardboard or paper, which you can then trace around with a pencil or fabric chalk. If you don't have a template, you can draw the triangle directly onto the fabric. A common size for bunting triangles is 20 cm in width and 30 cm in height.

When creating your template, be sure to add a seam allowance of around 0.5 cm to 1 cm on all sides. This will give you room to sew the triangles together without losing the desired size.

Before cutting, fold your fabric in half and place the template on top, with the top edge aligned with the fold. This will allow you to cut out two triangles at once and ensure they are symmetrical.

If you are using a fabric with a one-way design, be sure to cut each triangle individually, as interlocking the shapes will result in the design facing different directions. However, if your fabric does not have a nap or one-way design, interlocking the triangles is a great way to save fabric.

Once you have traced the desired number of triangles, carefully cut them out with fabric scissors or a rotary cutter. You will need two triangles for each flag, so be sure to cut an even number of triangles, with two of the same fabric for each flag.

Preparing the triangles

Now that you've cut out your fabric, it's time to prepare the triangles. Take your two fabric triangles and place them with the wrong sides facing each other. Pin the two sides of the flag together and sew along one top short edge, then down the side, up the other side, and up the other short straight edge. Remember to leave the top open and don't sew it shut! It's important to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread.

Next, trim the seams to reduce the fabric bulk at the bottom point of the triangle. This will help the flag lie flatter and have a sharper point once it's turned right side out. Be careful not to cut the stitches as you snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm below the stitching. Taper the fabric edge to this point, ensuring there is less fabric outside the seams on both sides.

Now, turn the triangles right side out and use an iron to press the seams, ensuring they lie flat and neat. Lightly press the short straight sides at the top of each triangle so that the flag sits neatly within the cotton tape when you assemble the bunting. Repeat these steps to make as many flags as you need for your desired bunting length.

Sewing the triangles

Now that you have your fabric triangles cut out, it's time to sew them together! Place two triangles with their wrong sides facing each other and pin the two sides of the flag. Sew along the open edge, leaving the top (the folded edge) unsewn. Be sure to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread. This will form the pocket for your bunting "flags".

Before turning the triangles right-side out, trim the seams to reduce the fabric bulk at the bottom point of the triangle. This will help the flag lie flatter and have a sharper point once it's turned right-side out. Snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm below the stitching, being careful not to cut the stitches. Taper the fabric edge to this point, ensuring there is less fabric outside the seams on both sides.

Now, turn the triangles right-side out and use a point turner to help poke out the corners of the bunting flags. Give each flag a good press with a hot iron to create a sharp edge.

Your triangles are now ready to be attached to the bias binding or ribbon. Open up the bias binding and insert the raw edge of the triangle into the fold, pinning it in place. Repeat this process for all your triangles, spacing them evenly along the bias binding.

Finally, start at one end of the bias binding and sew along the open edge, securing the triangles in the fold as you go. Continue sewing until you reach the other end. Don't forget to backstitch at the beginning and end to reinforce the stitching.

Attaching the triangles to bias binding

Now that you have your fabric triangles and bias binding ready, it's time to attach them together to create your wedding bunting! Here's a detailed guide on attaching the triangles to the bias binding:

Before you begin, make sure you have prepared your bias binding by cutting it to the desired length of your bunting, folding it in half lengthwise, and ironing it to create a neat crease.

Step 1: Pin the Triangles in Place

Open up the folded bias binding and insert the top edge of a triangle into the fold, ensuring that the right side of the fabric is facing out. Secure the triangle in place with a pin, making sure it is snug against the fold. Repeat this process for all your triangles, spacing them evenly along the bias binding.

Step 2: Sew the Triangles

Start sewing at one end of the bias binding, securing the triangles in the fold as you go. Sew along the open edge of the binding, continuing until you reach the other end. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to reinforce it.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Once you have sewn all the triangles in place, trim any loose threads to ensure a neat finish. Finally, iron the bunting one last time to create a crisp, polished look.

Your wedding bunting is now complete and ready to be displayed! You can hang it in front of windows, between trees, or anywhere you like to add a handmade, romantic touch to your wedding décor.

Frequently asked questions