How to make bunting – a fun and playful way to brighten up your space

Turn scraps of fabric into a pretty decoration with our quick and easy craft idea for making bunting

This weekend is the perfect time to learn how to make bunting. On Friday our houses and streets will be flooded with bunting to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Want more craft ideas? READ: How to create a dreamy wall hanging with a ball of yarn

But bunting isn't just for one weekend, it is the perfect way to brighten up a room all year round. From livening up an alfresco dining area to add a fun touch to your child's room.

Not only is it pretty and playful, but it is also an easy DIY project to use up any old piece of fabric. You can transform anything from old clothes and bedding to pieces of antique lace into this gorgeous room accessory.

Trail bunting around a wrought iron bed for some chic country style, or pin it to a row of shelving in a home office to brighten up the room. Hang it around the garden for a real British summertime feel, ready for those barbecues and picnics in the sunshine.

How to make bunting

bundle of blue floral printed bunting

(Image credit: Future PLC/Alun Callender)

It couldn't be easier to make, plus it's a fun activity for all the family. We've created a simple step-by-step guide to show you the ropes. So choose your fabric and let's go...

You will need

  • Fabric
  • 13mm-wide bias binding tape
  • Pinking shears
  • Needle and thread

 Step-by-step

white wall with rose colour printed bunting

(Image credit: Future PLC/Claire Lloyd Davies)

1.Draw a triangle on some cardboard and cut it out to use as a bunting template. You may prefer longer, narrower triangles, or shorter, wider ones. The choice is up to you!

2.Pin the template to your fabric and cut around it using pinking shears to avoid fraying. Repeat until you have enough flags for your desired bunting length.

blue wooden wall with white lace cloth bunting

(Image credit: Future PLC/ Alun Callender)

3.Evenly space the flags along the bias binding tape, folding the shortest edge over, and pin in place securely ready to sew.

4. Sew on the flags with a straight stitch, leaving at least 40cm of tape free from flags at each end for hanging your bunting proudly on display.

outside bunting decoration

(Image credit: Future PLC/Alun Callender)

There you have it, your very own handmade bunting!

Why not try experimenting using different patterns and fabrics? You can ad ribbing to the bunting, or accessorise the triangles with letters and shapes to truly personalise your creation.

Related: See how rainbow bunting for VE Day is giving these residents a reason to smile

Personalised bunting makes great gifts - why not try sewing someone's name on to the triangles, or create your own 'Happy Birthday' bunting?

Deputy Editor

Jennifer is the Deputy Editor (Digital) for Homes & Gardens online. Prior to her current position, she completed various short courses a KLC Design School, and wrote across sister brands Ideal Home, LivingEtc, 25 Beautiful Homes, Country Homes & Interiors, and Style at Home.