WHAT A BUNT...ing tutorial worth reading

Skill level: Beginner
Time: ​1 hour

I know, I know - you're completely over bunting. Now more rampant than rats, rabbits and Cher impersonators combined, I get that this post is coming in 3-5 years too late.  I'm stubbornly sharing it here for two reasons:

1. I bloody love bunting
2. I once purchased a lovely string of bunting, only to realise - not three weeks later upon picking up  needle and thread - that it is easier to make than a sandwich (my general reference point for life). Yes, I'm still miffed.

So, on the off chance that you are some sort of homewares luddite walled up in a lighthouse without any access to the modern world (but somehow to this blog...sorry) here is my guide to ever-so-lovely bunting:

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You will need:

• My perfect bunting template (download free here)
• Fabric of your choice (you can use a single pattern or throw caution to the wind with alternating, or completely unique patterns across each flag. You rebel, you)
• 25mm cotton herringbone twill tape (you know - the stuff of apron ties or canvas bag handles? Aussies, head to Spotlight and Brits to your local sewing store/haberdashery or simply Google for loads of options online).  Order your desired bunting length - 3m, 5m or 10m works well.  You could also use ribbon, bias binding, hemming tape or a strip of fabric - 25mm is a good width for folding over and sewing in your bunting flags nice and secure - but whatever you have (string works) is absolutely fine.
• Pinking shears
• Dressmakers pins
• Threaded sewing machine

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Method:

Step 1:
Print and cut out your template. Use ordinary household scissors as cutting paper will blunt your pinking shears / fabric scissors and this would be unforgivable. Keep the template handy after cutting as it will work as a spacer between flags.

Step 2:
Pin the template to the fabric and cut two of the desired number of flags to fill your length of tape/ribbon (allowing for ties at either end).  Being that I'm a naturally gifted mathematician, I have calculated this for you:

• 2 x 6 flags for 3m length
• 2 x 11 flags for 5m length
• 2 x 23 flags for 10m length

If you're clever with your pattern placement, you can make your fabric go a llllooongggg way. By positioning the angled cuts next to each other, cutting the side of one flag will create the first side cut for the next flag. 

Step 3: 
Right sides facing out, pin flag front and back together (back-to-back) and sew along the sides. You needn't bother sewing along the top as this will be captured later. Continue with all flags.

Step 4:
Iron your herringbone tape in half along the entire length (this is optional but makes flag placement much easier).

Step 5:
Starting 30cm in for 3m or 5m lengths and 40cm in for a 10m length, pin your first flag into the folded tape. Using the template as a spacer (I think flags are often sewn too close together), continue until all flags are pinned.

Step 6: 
Sew along the full length of your cotton tape to close the gap and secure all of your bunting flags. Iron the whole shebang and cut away any threads.

Step 7:
Bake a shed load of cakes, biscuits and teeny-tiny sandwiches. String the bunting around your house and invite all your pals around to enjoy said cakes and copious pots of tea in achingly fine cups and saucers. And... you're done!