How to Make a Fabric Bunting Garland

Choosing the fabrics will be the hardest part of this quick sewing project. Pick two—or three or four—fabrics to use for the front and back of each bunting piece. We started with cotton fat quarters. (We needed seven.) If you're not using fat quarters, you'll need approximately seven 18x21-inch pieces of fabric. Layer your fabrics with the wrong sides together with interfacing in between. Pin the layers together to keep them from moving.

When all of your fabric pieces are pinned, print our downloadable template and use it to mark shapes for the bunting. Use a fabric marker or chalk to trace the shape onto the fabric, then trim away the excess fabric around the shape. If you have large leftover scraps, save them for one of these craft projects that use leftover supplies.

To finish the bunting pieces, use a sewing machine to stitch a 1/4-inch seam around the edge of each shape. Start in the top left corner, stitch to the bottom and back up to the top right corner, leaving the top edge of the shape open. Once you've finished stitching, use pinking shears to cut outside the stitching; do not cut along the open edge.

When you've finished stitching and cutting as many bunting pieces as you'd like to use, lay out the shapes in the order you want them to hang. To create a smooth, clean look, we used bifold bias tape to join the bunting pieces. Place the top edge of each shape into the bias tape fold and pin in place; the tape should be folded evenly over the front and back of each piece. Run the bias tape through your sewing machine, stitching the entire length to secure the fabric pieces. 

Leave extra bias tape at each end of your bunting for hanging it. The extra tape will allow you to tie the fabric garland from a stair rail, window, or across a table at your next birthday party. You can also hang it as everyday decoration in a children's room.