Crafting Wedding Bunting: Mr. & Mrs. Banner Guide

Wedding bunting is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day. Whether you're looking to decorate a wedding cake or add a unique touch to your reception, DIY Mr and Mrs bunting is a fun and easy project. With just a few simple steps and some creativity, you can create beautiful bunting that will wow your guests and make your wedding day even more memorable. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of making your own wedding bunting, from choosing the right materials to adding those special finishing touches. So get ready to unleash your crafty side and let's dive into the world of wedding bunting!

Choosing your fabric

When choosing your fabric, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and the impact you want your bunting to have. If you're going for a rustic or natural look, burlap or hessian fabric is a great option. It has a textured, earthy appearance that will complement a rustic or outdoor wedding theme. If you want a more elegant or refined look, consider using cotton linen or a fabric with a subtle pattern, such as polka dots. This can add a touch of sophistication to your bunting while still keeping it classic and elegant.

Another important consideration is the colour of your fabric. You can choose a fabric that coordinates with your wedding colours or opt for a more neutral option like white or ivory. If you want your bunting to stand out, consider using a darker or brighter colour for the fabric. If you're going for a more subtle look, light or pastel colours can be a better choice. You can also play around with different textures and patterns to create visual interest.

The weight and thickness of the fabric are also important factors to consider. A heavier fabric will create a more durable and sturdy bunting, while a lighter fabric will be more delicate and may be better suited for indoor use. If you're using a thicker fabric, make sure to adjust the amount of fabric you cut for each triangle, as thicker fabric will add more bulk to your bunting.

Finally, think about the ease of working with the fabric. Some fabrics may be easier to cut, sew, and work with than others. If you're a beginner, it might be best to choose a fabric that is not too slippery or delicate, as this can make the process more challenging. Also, consider the type of paint or writing you will use on the fabric and ensure that it will show up well against the colour and texture of the fabric you choose.

Creating the stencil

The first step in making your wedding bunting is to create a stencil for the letters "Mr & Mrs". You can do this by first selecting a font that is easy to cut out and sew. Common word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, can be used to type out and size the letters, ensuring you have one letter per page.

Once you've selected and sized your font, print out the letters. Cut around each letter to create a template that you can use to trace onto your chosen fabric. It's important to ensure that your fabric and letters are facing the right way to avoid ending up with a mirror image when you cut them out.

Place the fabric letters onto a rectangle-shaped piece of fabric, measuring around them to ensure they are centred. Pin the letters in place, then carefully sew around them using a zig-zag stitch. This will secure the letters onto the fabric.

At this point, you can also add a backing to the bunting by placing another rectangle of fabric on top of the front, with the right sides of the fabric together. Pin the two pieces together and sew around the three edges, leaving the top edge unstitched. Turn the rectangle right-side out and gently tease out the corners to create a neat finish. Press the fabric with an iron to remove any creases.

Transferring the stencil

Firstly, you will need to decide on the material you want to use for your bunting. A popular choice is burlap, which can be easily sourced and provides a rustic and charming look for your wedding decor. Iron out the fabric to ensure there are no creases before beginning the stencilling process.

Next, you will need to create your stencil. You can do this by printing out the letters in your desired font, ensuring they are the correct size to fit your bunting triangles. Cut out each letter carefully to create a template. Alternatively, you can draw the letters by hand if you are confident in your handwriting skills.

Once you have your stencil, it's time to transfer the letters onto the fabric. Place the stencil on top of your fabric triangle and use a piece of chalk to trace over the letters. Chalk is a good option as it is visible on the fabric but not permanent, so any mistakes can be easily corrected. Ensure that your fabric is facing the right way to avoid transferring a mirror image.

After you have traced all the letters, carefully remove the stencil. You may need to reposition it multiple times, depending on how many letters are in your word. Check that the letters are correctly placed and centred on the fabric before moving on to the next step.

Now it's time to paint! Using a small, detailed brush, carefully paint over the traced letters with your chosen colour. You can also use a paint marker or a Sharpie for a more precise and consistent line. Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the bunting flags further.

By following these steps, you will have successfully transferred the stencil onto your "Mr and Mrs" wedding bunting, creating a beautiful and personalised decoration for your special day.

Sewing the bunting

Now that you have your materials and your letters are ready to go, it's time to start sewing your Mr and Mrs wedding bunting!

First, cut out as many triangle shapes as you need for your bunting. For "Mr. & Mrs.", you will need six triangles. If you want to include your wedding date or the new shared last name, be sure to cut out additional triangles.

Next, you'll want to brush your burlap triangles with Mod Podge to prevent fraying and stiffen the fabric. Alternatively, you can brush the Mod Podge onto the burlap first, let it dry, and then cut out your triangle shapes. This may make it easier to cut, as the fabric will be stiffer.

Once your triangles are ready, print out the letters or font you want to use, ensuring they are the right size to fit on the burlap triangles. Tape the sheet of paper to a window, and then tape the first burlap triangle over the printed sheet. You should be able to see the letter through the burlap, which will help you trace it. You can also use stencils or a silhouette machine if you have one. If you have nice handwriting, you can simply write directly on the burlap with chalk.

After you've traced or written your letters, carefully paint over them with your chosen colour. You can use a small detailed brush, a paint marker, or a Sharpie. Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Now it's time to sew your ribbon or bias tape to the triangles. You can also use a hot glue gun if you don't want to sew. Space each letter with a width of about three fingers between them, then measure the total length and add on extra material to tie each end of the bunting. Pin the ribbon or bias tape to the bunting pieces, and then carefully sew it closed and to the bunting. Repeat this process near the edge of the folded edge of the tape for a neat, finished look.

And that's it! You now have beautiful, handmade Mr and Mrs wedding bunting ready to decorate your special day.

Adding the finishing touches

Now that you've cut out your fabric, it's time to add the letters. If you're confident in your handwriting, you can simply write the letters straight onto the fabric using a permanent marker or fabric paint. Otherwise, you can print out the letters in your desired font, cut them out, and use them as a template to trace onto the fabric. Place the paper letters onto the fabric and carefully trace the outline with a pencil or fabric chalk.

If you're using a stencil, carefully place it onto the fabric and secure it in place with tape. Using a small paintbrush or sponge, gently dab fabric paint over the stencil. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the stencil.

Once the letters are complete, it's time to assemble the bunting. Cut a length of ribbon or twine that is long enough to string all the triangles with some excess on each end for hanging. You can use a simple needle and thread to sew the ribbon to the tops of the triangles, or for a quicker method, use a hot glue gun to attach the ribbon.

Space each triangle evenly along the ribbon, leaving a small gap between each one. Once all the triangles are secured, your bunting is ready to hang!

If you're feeling extra creative, you can add some embellishments to your bunting, such as small flowers, pearls, or ribbons. You can also experiment with different colours and fabrics to match your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions