Lyla Dejesus
Wedding bunting is a fun and creative way to add a vintage or romantic feel to your big day. Making your own is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your decor. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps to create beautiful fabric bunting, from choosing your materials to the final display. We'll also offer some tips and tricks to ensure your bunting looks professional and hangs perfectly. So, whether you're planning a classic, vintage-style wedding or a festival-themed celebration, read on to find out how to make your own wedding bunting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Create a template for the bunting flags, adding a seam allowance on all sides |
| Step 2 | Cut the fabric according to the template, with the top edge on the fold |
| Step 3 | Prepare the triangles by folding them in half, with the wrong sides facing each other, and ironing the fold |
| Step 4 | Sew the triangles, leaving the top unsewn |
| Step 5 | Cut the bias binding to the desired length and fold it in half lengthwise, ironing to create a crease |
| Step 6 | Pin the triangles to the bias binding at equal intervals, ensuring they are snug against the fold |
| Step 7 | Sew the entire length of the bias binding to secure the triangles |
| Finishing touches | Trim loose threads and iron the bunting for a crisp finish |
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
The type of fabric you choose for your wedding bunting will depend on the style of your wedding. For a classic, vintage-style wedding, opt for floral fabrics in pretty, soft colours. If you're after a bolder, more statement look, try glittery material. You could also use chiffon, lace, or satin for a romantic, whimsical feel.
For a rustic or outdoor wedding, consider using burlap for that effortless, natural charm. Embellish the burlap with lace, pom-poms, or fabric rosettes. You could also use coarse twine instead of bias binding to hang the bunting.
If you want to add some sparkle to your wedding bunting, incorporate pearls, sequins, or beads. You could also consider adding lace or pom-pom trim to the edges of the fabric.
When choosing the fabric, keep in mind the length of bunting you will need and the number of flags you want. This will determine the amount of fabric required. You can calculate the number of flags by dividing the desired length of the bunting by the length of each flag.
It's also important to consider the durability and reusability of the fabric bunting. If you plan to wash and reuse the bunting, choose a fabric that can withstand washing, such as cotton, which will always look crisp and nice.
Additionally, you can save fabric by interlocking the triangle shapes when cutting them out, but this only works for fabrics without a one-way design.
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Cutting the fabric
First, decide on the size of your bunting triangles. A common size is a triangle with a width of 20 cm and a height of 30 cm. You can create a template using cardboard or paper, adding a 0.5 cm seam allowance on all sides. Fold your chosen fabric in half and place the template on top, with the top edge aligned with the fold.
If you want to save fabric, you can interlock the triangle shapes and cut through several layers at once. Cut two triangles for each flag, being careful to mirror the fabric pattern if it has a one-way design. You can also cut two pieces of fabric, each measuring 25x20 cm, and then cut around the template through both layers. This ensures that your triangles are uniform in size.
Now you are ready to start sewing your fabric wedding bunting together!
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Sewing the triangles
Now that you have your fabric cut into triangles, 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 the two sides and bottom edge, leaving the top free with a 1/4-inch or 0.5-cm seam allowance. You can use either a sewing machine or hand-stitch the triangles together.
Leave the top open and remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure the thread. If you are making double-sided bunting, repeat this process with two more triangles, this time with the right sides facing each other.
Once you have sewn your triangles, it's time to snip the corners. Carefully snip the bottom point of the fabric about 2mm below the stitching, being careful not to cut the stitches. This will help the flag to lie flatter and create a sharper point once it is turned right side out. You should also trim the seams to reduce the fabric bulk at the bottom point of the triangle.
Now, turn your triangle right side out and use an iron to press it flat, taking care to ensure the seams lie right on the edges. If your flags are not sitting flat, you can topstitch the edges.
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Attaching the bias binding
Firstly, fold your bias binding in half lengthwise and iron it to create a crease. This will make it easier to work with and ensure a neat finish. If you are using double-folded bias binding, open it up and slip the raw edge of each flag up to the fold, pinning it in place. For single-fold bias binding or ribbon, fold it in half to encase the raw edges of the flags. Ensure the edges are matched up on either side, and place your flags 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart, depending on your desired spacing and the distance you need to cover.
Now, you are ready to sew the bias binding in place. Stitch along the open edge of the binding, securing the flags in the fold as you go. Use a zig-zag stitch for a durable finish. Continue sewing until you reach the end of the binding, backstitching at the beginning and end to reinforce the stitching.
Finally, trim any loose threads and give your bunting a final press with an iron for a crisp, finished look. Your wedding bunting is now ready to be hung and displayed!
Finishing touches
Now that you've done the hard work, it's time to put the finishing touches on your wedding bunting! Here are some ideas to make it look perfect:
Trimming and Ironing
Trim any loose threads to ensure a neat finish. Go over the bunting with an iron one last time to create a crisp finish.
Spacing
Before you start sewing, make sure to space out the flags evenly along the bias binding or ribbon. This will ensure a polished look for your bunting.
Backstitching
When you start and finish sewing the binding or ribbon, remember to backstitch to reinforce the stitching and ensure your bunting is secure.
Hanging
When hanging your bunting, consider suspending it in front of windows or over entryways for an inviting look. You can also drape it over fireplace mantels or shelving, or crisscross it overhead in a lattice pattern for a more elaborate setup. If your wedding is outdoors, you can hang the bunting between trees or weave it through fence slats to create a whimsical feel.
Embellishments
Add some extra sparkle to your bunting by incorporating wedding motifs like hearts, flowers, or doves. You can also add pearls, sequins, or beads. For a vintage or rustic wedding, consider using burlap and embellishing it with lace, pom-poms, or fabric rosettes.
Monograms
Personalise your bunting by printing or embroidering the couple's names or monograms. This will make your bunting unique and special.
Frequently asked questions
You will need a pencil or fabric chalk, a ruler or measuring tape, fabric, an iron and ironing board, and a sewing machine (although you can hand-sew if preferred).
First, create a template for the flags of your bunting. Then, cut your fabric according to the template, making sure to cut two triangles for each flag. Pin the two sides of the flag with the wrong sides facing each other, and sew the edges, leaving the top unsewn. Turn the flag inside out and iron it.
Cut your bias binding to the desired length of your bunting. Fold the bias binding in half lengthwise and iron it to create a crease. Open the binding and insert the top edge of a flag into the fold, pinning it in place. Repeat this process for all the flags, spacing them evenly along the binding. Finally, sew along the open edge of the binding to secure the flags.
