Bunting can be easily sewn and draped just about anywhere – across a window or mantel, festooned across a wall mirror or doorway, proudly hung on a front door or lazily laid on a dresser or table. The message of the bunting wordlessly communicates a special happening be it new baby, wedding or graduation date, journey to retirement, sports championship or really any achievement or sentiment.

A celebratory, seasonal, milestone or heartfelt message can be sewn in a variety of ways, using yardage or fabric leftovers cut into uniform individual sections tapered to a triangular point or swallowtail, V-shape or even made of heart, cookie cutter or other distinctive shapes. The choices are of course endless.

Some buntings (garlands, pennants or banners) to consider:

Festive wedding buntings often contain the couple’s first names and happy date, or Mr. and Mrs. Last name. Create a template for the desired bunting shape, then cut out of fabric however many individual sections will be needed. Use a length of double fold bias tape (maybe quickest to use) for stringing the bunting shapes. Easiest way to cut many triangular (or other) shapes is to fold a long length of fabric in half lengthwise right sides together. Place the template with the pointed side toward the unfolded or raw edge. The folded width will determine the final size of the triangle. Mark the three outer points onto the fabric and continue marking the length of the fabric. Cut out all from each point up to the folded top of each triangle. Stitch the two cut sides leaving a small opening for turning on one of the sides. Turn right sides out and press. Slip each triangle top into the fold of the bias tape and sew each one onto the tape continuing until the end of the tape length as previously determined. Iron on letters can be used to spell out the names or letter stamps.

Baby bunting made of heart shapes with baby’s name lettered on each section is especially precious. Baby buntings made of fabric prints or colorful designs easily lends itself to fabric leftovers since only a few sections need be needed to spell a personalized sentiment or baby’s name. Ribbon can be used to string the bunting. A few antique or Victorian hankies can be used instead of fabric for each section as well. For those with embroidery skills baby’s name or a heartfelt sentiment can be hand embroidered onto each section. Embellish with lace or pom-pom trim if desired.

Celebration bunting can be made out of a riotous number of colors. Often no lettering may be needed, just the jumble of bold colors and prints can be a statement in itself. Choose a template or make one that is of a simple shape and let the fabric make the joyous declaration. Flat cotton twill tape can be used for sewing the bunting shapes onto as the tape is economical to use even if very long lengths are needed. Just stitch the top of the bunting shapes onto the flat tape using a long straight stitch.

If sewing for a seasonal bunting, choose fabrics and colors that often are traditional– burlap for fall, red and green prints for Christmas, snowy white and blues for winter, pastel prints for springtime, and ocean themes for summer. Sewing a bunting (or garland or banner) provides a burst of visual announcement that a special time has come.

Sew happy, sew inspired.