Are you ready to celebrate the long fourth of July weekend? Several of our neighbors have happily decorated their homes.Their festive spirit was contagious and a bit of a patriotic punch was added to Storybook Cottage. Here’s how you can create the easiest patriot party bunting DIY.
Inspiration
You can always find such great ideas on Pinterest. I was inspired by antique bunting and found a few tutorials. Normally I don’t try to reinvent the wheel unless I see an idea that perhaps can be improved upon. So I bring you the Easiest Patriotic Party Bunting DIY.
Disclaimer: the first bunting I made took about 3 hours. This was due to figuring out how to create the bunting and determining the measurements needed for the fabric. Math is not my strong suit. 🙂
The Easiest Patriotic Party Bunting DIY
To make the bunting you will need three different fabrics. I selected a red striped ticking, a blue diamond and a floral with a light background. (All fabrics used are vintage and from my personal hoard collection.)
I wanted to create a bunting that would fit over our front door which measures 44 inches across. The first strip of fabric to be cut measured 46 inches across (2 inches added for sewing allowances) and 5 inches down. This would create the top piece of the bunting, the casing, that when finished would measure 2 inches by 44 inches.
Next, you will need three strips of fabric that are 6 inches wide and then double the length you need plus 2 inches.
In my case since the doorway is 44 inches across I needed to double it to 88 inches (plus 2 inches for sewing allowance) which resulted in 90 inches (2.5 yards) total in length. I ended up with three strips of fabric each measuring 6” by 90”.
You are then ready to start sewing. I wanted to use French seams to join the fabric.
The first step is to sew the wrong sides together. I used 1/4” seam. It will look wrong but keep going!
You will then press the seam open with a warm iron, flip the fabric over and sew another seam.
This results in a seam that looks as good from the front…
…As it does from the back.
This is particularly important if you want to be able to wash the bunting as it will stop your fabric from fraying. Also, if you are hanging the bunting up, such as on a porch, the back of the bunting will be visible yet still look good.
Next, you will hem the sides and bottom of the bunting.
On the top edge of the fabric, you will run a gathering thread. Gather the fabric as tightly as you can.
Prepare the top casing by ironing a fold (1/4” to 1/2”) on all four sides. Then fold the casing in half lengthwise and press with a warm iron to create a center seam as shown.
You are now ready to join the banner of fabric (made from the three strips) to the casing.
Begin by placing the end of the banner in between the casing fabric. You will create a fabric sandwich as shown. Pin in place. Repeat on the opposite end.
Then take the center of the banner and do the same. Use as many pins as you need to hold the fabric in place.
Then sew the casing shut. Work slowly to ensure you do not catch any excess fabric.
Some of the other tutorials used grommets to help hang the bunting up which is a great idea. But what if you don’t have a grommet machine? Simply sew a buttonhole on either end as well as in the direct center of the casing.
You’re now finished!
A second banner was hung at the back gate as this is the primary entrance used by our family. It truly helps in creating a patriotic “Welcome Home”!
Have a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a holiday!
I’ll see you on Tuesday,
Laura
Your bunting looks awesome – love the fabrics you chose, Laura!
It almost looks like an apron, doesn't it?
Your bunting looks fabulous! Love the fabrics! Perfect for the upcoming holiday! Hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th Holiday! 🙂 ~Rhonda
This is so stinking cute!
Who says it the patriotic theme has to be deep red, navy blue and bright white.
The muted colors are a fresh, new idea!
You have the BEST ideas.
Laura, I love the fabrics you used! Makes it fresh and unexpected. It's really pretty!
Happy 4th!
Hugs
Cecilia
Laura this is absolutely darling! I love your cottage-y take on the patriotic theme. Sew cute! I think you should put a few in your etsy shop 😉
Gorgeous!! Alas, sewing is not a skill I possess….I envy all of you who do!
That is so pretty! I thought you had taken an apron and pinned it up to look like a bunting because your fabrics are so pretty that they'd make a great apron. 🙂
I'm loving the fabric you chose for your pretty bunting. Thanks for sharing the how to. Have a Happy Fourth!
I love your bunting! So traditional and yet NOT!
🙂 gwingal
That's adorable Laura. Hope you have a fantastic weekend. 🙂
Your bunting looks like an apron – lol! Sweet!
Laura,
This bunting is just precious and such a beautiful way to add festive cheer to your home.
Wishing you a lovely and Happy 4th of July weekend!
Laura- you are a gifted, creative seamstress.
You have created a beautiful patriotic bunting your way- which I love.
Oh, Laura, that's beautiful. You did a fantastic job.
And that front door…to die for!!
I agree with you about Pinterest. My daughter got married last October, so this time last year, I was scouring Pinterest for fun ideas.
Blessings,
Patti @ Embracing Home
LOVE it! The fabric selection makes it. 🙂
~Liz
What a cute bunting! Love all the mix of fabric and patterns. Happy 4th, Laura!…Christine
Hi Laura, oh this is just awesome. I love the mix of fabrics you used for your bunting and the tutorial was excellent. What a special compliment to Storybook Cottage.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy 4th of July! xo
Laura,
Your bunting is so pretty!! The fabrics that you chose are stunning!!
Thanks so much for taking the tme to visit and for your kind words!!
Hugs,Deb
Hi Laura, your easy sew bunting is fantastic and so creative…l love the pretty vintage fabrics you've used, by the way your sewing is incredibly neat and your seams so straight:-) l love how you've shown it used in other areas of your home and garden. Have a lovely week.
Bonjour chère amie,
Ce pas à pas pour une si belle réalisation ! merci pour ce partage…
En France nous n'avons pas l'habitude de décorer nos portes… Un peu cependant pour Noël depuis ces dernières années.
Moi j'aime beaucoup votre porte.
Je vous souhaite une belle fête.
Gros bisous ♡
Oh, this is adorable! You're so talented with sewing! And the fabric you chose really compliment each others.