How to Make Bunting
How to make bunting
Bunting is the one decoration worth making rather than buying, because it lasts for years and you choose the colours. A five-metre fabric string takes an afternoon; a paper one takes half an hour with the children.
The standard triangle is 15cm across the top and 20cm deep. Every method below uses that shape, so the template works whichever route you take.
Below: the template, the three methods, how much fabric or paper you need per metre, and the mistakes that make homemade bunting look homemade.
Bunting and banners we stock
We don't sell fabric bunting — we make the banners, number balloons, toppers and confetti that hang alongside it, posted from the UK.
The template and quantities
- Standard triangle: 15cm along the top, 20cm from the top edge to the point. Shop this card
- Small bunting for a table or cake: 10cm across, 13cm deep. Shop this card
- Spacing: one triangle every 20cm, so five triangles per metre of tape. Shop this card
- A five-metre string needs about 25 triangles — 50 fabric pieces if you back them. Shop this card
- Half a metre of 112cm cotton yields roughly 12 to 14 triangles. Shop this card
- Bias binding: buy the length of the string plus 40cm for tying loops at each end. Shop this card
- Cut everything before you sew anything. Cutting is the slow part. Shop this card
Sewn fabric bunting
- 1. Cut triangles in pairs, right sides together, using a card template. Shop this card
- 2. Sew down both long sides with a 1cm seam, leaving the top edge open. Shop this card
- 3. Snip the point off the seam allowance so the tip turns cleanly. Shop this card
- 4. Turn right side out and press flat — pressing is what makes it look bought. Shop this card
- 5. Open the bias binding, tuck each triangle's raw top edge inside. Shop this card
- 6. Space them 20cm apart and pin the whole string before sewing. Shop this card
- 7. Sew one long line down the binding, catching every triangle. Shop this card
- 8. Knot a loop at each end for hanging. Shop this card
No-sew bunting
- Cut single-layer triangles from felt — it doesn't fray, so no hemming. Shop this card
- Fold the top 2cm over a length of ribbon and fix with fabric glue or hem tape. Shop this card
- Iron-on hem tape gives a firmer edge than glue and takes two minutes a triangle. Shop this card
- Pinking shears on cotton stop fraying well enough for indoor use. Shop this card
- For a rag-bunting look, tie 3cm fabric strips straight onto garden twine. Shop this card
- Cheapest version: cut triangles from an old duvet cover and glue them on. Shop this card
Paper and card bunting
- Print the template onto A4 card — two triangles per sheet. Shop this card
- Wrapping paper glued to card gives exact colours for a theme. Shop this card
- Punch two holes along the top edge and thread ribbon or string through. Shop this card
- Write a letter on each triangle to spell a name or the age. Shop this card
- Use card, not paper, if it's going anywhere near a garden or kitchen. Shop this card
- Laminate children's drawings into triangles for a keepsake string. Shop this card
What makes homemade bunting look bought
- Press every triangle before it goes on the tape. Shop this card
- Keep the spacing identical — the eye notices 3cm before it notices the fabric. Shop this card
- Use two or three fabrics on rotation, not eight different ones. Shop this card
- Back each triangle so no wrong side shows when it twists. Shop this card
- Trim the points properly; blunt tips are the giveaway. Shop this card
- Make one metre more than you measured. It always hangs shorter than expected. Shop this card
Happy birthday banners
The wall piece a balloon arch or bunting string hangs around.
Best Step-mum Ever Banner (Mothers Day Card)
£3.87
Best Nan Ever Banner (Mothers Day Card)
£3.87
Best Mother-in-law Ever Banner (Mothers Day Card)
£3.87
Best Mum Ever Banner (Mothers Day Card)
£3.87
Personalised Wedding Card With Doves Holding a Banner
£3.87
How to write it so it lands
- Cut every triangle before you sew a single one.
- Press them flat — it is the difference between homemade and bought.
- Make a metre more than you measured.
Where to shop next
- Balloon arch ideas
- How to make a balloon arch
- How to use a balloon arch kit
- How much helium for balloons
- How to hang bunting
- Party bag ideas for kids
- What to put in a party bag
- Party bag ideas for adults
- Birthday balloons guide
- Shop birthday balloons
- Birthday bunting guide
- Party decorations
- Buy party supplies
- Birthday party ideas
- Happy birthday banners
- Bunting & banners
- Cake toppers
- Table confetti
- Party bag fillers
- Birthday badges & party pins
- Birthday cards
- Photo booth prop ideas
Frequently asked questions
What size should bunting triangles be?
15cm across the top and 20cm deep is the standard. Drop to 10cm by 13cm for table or cake bunting.
How much fabric do you need to make bunting?
Half a metre of 112cm-wide cotton gives roughly 12 to 14 triangles. A five-metre string needs about 25 triangles, or 50 pieces if you back them.
How do you make bunting without sewing?
Cut felt triangles, which don't fray, then fold the top edge over a ribbon and fix with iron-on hem tape or fabric glue. It takes about two minutes a triangle.
How far apart should bunting triangles be?
About 20cm, which is five triangles per metre of tape. Even spacing matters more to how it looks than the fabric does.
How long does it take to make bunting?
An afternoon for a sewn five-metre fabric string, about an hour for no-sew felt, and half an hour for paper bunting.