How to Make Bunting

September 7, 2026

Learning how to make bunting is a simple and rewarding way to brighten up any celebration or room. By using a printable bunting template, you can easily cut perfect triangles from fabric or card to create your own bespoke decorations. Whether you want to sew a durable cotton string or discover how to make bunting with paper in just a few minutes, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential materials, measurements and techniques.

Quick answer: to make bunting, cut triangles (about 20cm wide by 25cm long) from fabric or card, space them 5-10cm apart, and fold bias binding or tape over the top edge, then sew, glue or staple it closed.

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.

How to make fabric bunting (sewn)

Creating your own sewn decorations is a wonderful way to use up leftover fabric scraps. This traditional method produces a durable, double-sided decoration that can be packed away and reused year after year. All you need is some colourful cotton, coordinating bias binding and a basic sewing machine to stitch together professional-looking flags.

Cut two triangles per flag, right sides together.
Sew down both long sides, leaving the top open.
Turn out, trim the point and press flat.
Pin flags into folded bias binding and sew along the length.

How to make bunting with paper (5 minutes)

If you are short on time, learning how to make bunting with paper is the perfect quick craft. This incredibly fast, no-sew method is ideal for last-minute parties or for keeping children entertained on a rainy afternoon. Using just a few simple folds and some string, you can transform ordinary sheets of colourful card into festive party decorations in less than five minutes.

Fold a sheet of card and cut triangles along the fold for diamonds.
Hang the diamonds over string so they fold into triangles.
Fix with a dab of glue or tape on the inside.

How much bunting do I need?

Before you begin cutting your materials, it is important to calculate exactly how much bunting you need to cover your chosen space. Measuring your walls or garden fences accurately ensures you prepare enough fabric or paper triangles. A few simple calculations will help you work out the correct length of tape and the number of flags required to achieve a beautiful, natural drape.

Measure the space and add 20% for drape.
At 20cm flags with 10cm gaps, you need about 3-4 flags per metre.
10 metres of bunting needs roughly 35 flags.

The template and quantities

Getting the proportions right is the secret to beautiful homemade decorations. Using a standard bunting template ensures every single flag is uniform, which makes the finished string look balanced and neat. Whether you are crafting mini table decorations or large garden flags, understanding the standard measurements and spacing will help you calculate exactly how much material to prepare.

Standard triangle: 15cm along the top, 20cm from the top edge to the point.
Small bunting for a table or cake: 10cm across, 13cm deep.
Spacing: one triangle every 20cm, so five triangles per metre of tape.
A five-metre string needs about 25 triangles — 50 fabric pieces if you back them.
Half a metre of 112cm cotton yields roughly 12 to 14 triangles.
Bias binding: buy the length of the string plus 40cm for tying loops at each end.
Cut everything before you sew anything. Cutting is the slow part.

Sewn fabric bunting

If you want your decorations to last for years, a sewn fabric finish is the best option. This classic method involves sewing double-sided triangles to prevent fraying and ensure the flags look neat from every angle. Following a few simple steps, from stitching the seams to pressing the fabric, will help you achieve a crisp, high-quality finish that looks just like a shop-bought garland.

Cut triangles in pairs, right sides together, using a card template.
Sew down both long sides with a 1cm seam, leaving the top edge open.
Snip the point off the seam allowance so the tip turns cleanly.
Turn right side out and press flat — pressing is what makes it look bought.
Open the bias binding, tuck each triangle's raw top edge inside.
Space them 20cm apart and pin the whole string before sewing.
Sew one long line down the binding, catching every triangle.
Knot a loop at each end for hanging.

No-sew bunting

You do not need a sewing machine to create gorgeous decorations for your home. Our easy no-sew bunting methods are perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick crafting project. By choosing materials that do not fray or using clever adhesive alternatives, you can assemble a beautiful, durable garland in a fraction of the time it takes to sew one.

Cut single-layer triangles from felt — it doesn't fray, so no hemming.
Fold the top 2cm over a length of ribbon and fix with fabric glue or hem tape.
Iron-on hem tape gives a firmer edge than glue and takes two minutes a triangle.
Pinking shears on cotton stop fraying well enough for indoor use.
For a rag-bunting look, tie 3cm fabric strips straight onto garden twine.
Cheapest version: cut triangles from an old duvet cover and glue them on.

Paper and card bunting

Crafting with card is a brilliant, budget-friendly alternative to fabric. It is particularly useful if you want to know how to make bunting with paper for a specific theme, as you can easily match the colours to your party invitations or wrapping paper. It also allows you to personalise each flag with custom lettering or numbers for birthdays and anniversaries.

Print the template onto A4 card — two triangles per sheet.
Wrapping paper glued to card gives exact colours for a theme.
Punch two holes along the top edge and thread ribbon or string through.
Write a letter on each triangle to spell a name or the age.
Use card, not paper, if it's going anywhere near a garden or kitchen.
Laminate children's drawings into triangles for a keepsake string.

What makes homemade bunting look bought

The difference between a slightly messy school project and a beautiful, professional-looking garland lies in the details. By paying close attention to a few simple finishing touches, you can elevate your homemade creations. From choosing the right colour palette to perfecting your flag spacing, these professional styling secrets will ensure your handmade decorations look absolutely immaculate.

Press every triangle before it goes on the tape.
Keep the spacing identical — the eye notices 3cm before it notices the fabric.
Use two or three fabrics on rotation, not eight different ones.
Back each triangle so no wrong side shows when it twists.
Trim the points properly; blunt tips are the giveaway.
Make one metre more than you measured. It always hangs shorter than expected.

Key things to remember

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.

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.

What is the easiest way to make bunting?

Paper or card triangles folded over string - no sewing and about 10 minutes for a few metres.

Can you make fabric bunting without sewing?

Yes - use fabric glue or iron-on hemming tape to fix the flags inside the binding.

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