Easy Scrappy Triangle Bunting

Do you love the look of bunting but aren't keen on cutting out lots of triangles to sew together? I always loved the look of it, the cheery vibe of bunting strung across a room, or the patio for a party, but I was never very keen on making it because it meant either making paper templates for the triangles, or finding a ruler that made the right size flag. But, I recently learned this fabulous trick from one of my readers (Marie of Miss Allen Makes), and she gave me permission to share it here.

Did you know you can make a quick and easy bunting with just a single seam for each flag? And it doesn't require cutting any triangles!

You start with squares (scraps are perfect for this, or precuts), fold them in half, sew one seam, and turn them right side out. The seam ends up in the middle of the back, and all you have to do is press them well and sew on some binding to enclose the top. You can't get much faster, and easier, than this!

I made this cute little Easter bunting for my fireplace in just under 2 hours, if you don't count me running out to the shop to get some bias binding because I didn't feel like making  my own.

Materials you need for scrappy bunting

You'll need:

• A number of assorted fabric squares (see sizes below)
  
• Homemade quilt binding, or purchased double-fold bias binding.

Flag sizes:

• 10" squares make flags that are about 8" across the top
• 8" squares make flags that are about 6" across the top
• 5" squares make flags that are about 4" across the top (that's what I used in my Easter fireplace bunting)

How long should the bunting be?

To start, measure how long of a bunting you'll need for your space. Decide how large you want your flags to be, and how much space you want between the flags. Add the width of one flag plus the space between two flags together. Divide your full bunting length by that number. This will give you the number of flags you'll need to make.

To calculate how much binding you need, multiply the width of the flags by the number of flags. Multiply the amount of space between flags by the one less than the number of flags. Add those two numbers together, then add a generous amount (8"-12" at least) to each end (so add that number twice). This is your total length. Those extra 8"-12" are to tie into loops to hang it up, so if you want the flags to go right up to the nail (or whatever you are hanging the bunting from) then make it a bit shorter, and if you need some extra length to reach the nail, add more.

Step by step bunting how-to

1.Cut the square to size and iron it. You can starch it, too, if you'd like a crisper look. I used a pastel collection of scraps in pink, purple, blue, yellow and green for an Easter-y feel.

2. Fold the square in half on the diagonal, with right sides together, and pin one side.

3. Sew a 1/4" seam down that side. Backstitch at the start and end of the seam so it doesn't accidentally open up.

4. Trim back the point, being careful not to cut into the stitching.

5. Turn the bunt right side out, using a point turner or a knitting needle to make sure the point is nice and pointy.

6. Flatten out the bunt so that the seam is down the middle of the back, and press. 

7. Fold the overhanging point at the top into the opening and give it another good press. And that's it already, your flag is done. That was quick and easy, wasn't it?

8. Repeat this to make as many flags as you need.

9. Use clips to hold the flags in the binding so that the top opening is encased. Measure between the flags so they are all evenly spaced.

10. Sew the binding closed, across the top of all the flags. You'll only sew this binding once, unlike a quilt where you sew on one side first, then fold over and sew the other side. This one goes on in one go.

11. Tie loops at the ends, hang it up and enjoy!