fabric bunting tutorial

We just celebrated Eloise's fourth birthday party this weekend. Oh, it was such fun. Four has just got to  be the cutest age. I will certainly have lots of photos to share, but I thought it would be fun to share a little "how-to" today.

I've made several cute buntings from scrapbook paper, chipboard, posterboard, etc. But, I decided I wanted something more permanent, something I could keep and use over and over again. Thus, I created my own pattern and this tutorial to share with you.

Let me know if you have any questions, or if I left out any critical steps, okay?

The pattern part is pretty easy. I think you all can come up with a triangle. I used an 8 1/2 X 11 piece of paper. First, I trimmed it to 7 X 8 1/2" (a rectangle), then simply used a ruler to draw both angles down the 8 1/2" length. I'm sharing the size in case you want to make your bunting exactly like mine. Of course, you could do any size (or width) triangle that pleases you.

Next, use your pattern to cut out two triangles from each fabric choice. My bunting has 20 different fabrics (20 fabrics = 40 triangles). I used vintage fabrics, cotton quilting fabrics, and even some old sheets. Hee. You need two pieces of each because this bunting is finished on both sides.

Place your two triangle pieces right sides together and stitch with a 1/4" seam. You only need to sew down the two angled edges leaving the top of the triangle open.

Next, trim the very tip of your triangle close (not too close) to the stitching. This will make it easier to turn and press the bunting piece and get a nice crisp point. Yep, turn and press all 20 pieces.

Here's where I probably did things a little different. Like I said, this bunting is finished on both sides. I plan to hang it from a tree, across the patio, etc. so I don't want a "back side" or "wrong side" to show. To do this, turn a 1/4" little hem to the inside of your triangle's top and press it in place. You don't need to hand stitch this closed. Hang on and you will see why.

Here's a closer shot of how I turned in that raw edge of fabric and carefully pressed it in place.

Now, for stitching, adjust your machine to stitch a nice wide zig zag. My bunting is sewn to 1" wide twill tape. See the photo to visualize how I have laid my triangle virtually on top of the twill tape and zig zagged it together. I sewed them in one long continous strip butting up the edges of each new triangle as I stitched.

This photo should show how the "front" of the triangle is zig zagged and the "back" shows the twill tape. I honestly can't say which side I prefer. They both look really nice.

Here is the lovely thing in action. If you look closely you can see where that blue daisy triangle on the far left has flipped over in the wind showing the twill tape side. But, guess what? It doesn't matter. This baby looks good from any direction.

I can't resist sharing a photo from Jessica's blog of Ello's party. (Thanks, Jess). Now I really need to get my photos from the party edited! :)

I hope you enjoyed the tutorial. I plan to do at least one a month to share with you. Lots of exciting plans for 2012. How is your new year shaping up?

Later.

 

Comments

[Kkcrafts]

My son's 4th birthday is coming up in a few weeks, and I was just tryIng to think of a good, sturdy project we could take to add to the impersonal decor they will at our venue. I LOVE this!!! His is a pirate themed party, but I'm confident I can find some scurvy-worthy fabric!! Thanks for the inspiration (and directions)!!

[able mabel]

I meant to make some of these for our craft sale but never got around to it. Maybe after we get the girls' room painted...would be darling to hang one over the crib.

[Annette A.]

love this fabric banner...so creative and fun

[Lauri]

SO BUMMED we couldn't make it..

[Nancy Taylor Jensen]

What a great idea! I used to sew all the time but had never thought of this idea. It looks beautiful waving in the breeze outside with the young children having fun. Love the photos.