Patchwork Bunting Tutorial

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

Today I have a fun summery tutorial for you! I'm showing you how to create this patchwork bunting! Who said bunting is just for celebrations?  Everyday is a celebration, so use this bunting anywhere you want to add a little sunshine!

This was originally published as a guest tutorial on the Art Gallery Fabrics Blog. 

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

I choose prints from the Creamy Gelato color way of Sugar by Pat Bravo for this project. The colors and prints just scream summer to me!

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Sewing Level: Beginner Friendly


Materials:
- 7 print fat quarters
- 1/4 yard of solid fabric
- Coordinating thread

Finished Size: Approx 80" long from tip to tip
Seam Allowance: 1/4" unless otherwise noted

Cutting:
From each print fat quarter:
- Cut (1) 4.5"x18" strip
- Subcut strip into (2) 4.5”x6.5” rectangles

- Cut (2) 2.5"x18" strips
- Subcut each strip into (6) 2.5"x2.5" squares

From solid fabric:
- Cut (2) 2”xWOF strips
- Trim both strips to 42" long

Instructions:

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

1. Choose six 2.5” squares and arrange them in three rows of two squares each.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

2. Sew the squares in each row together. Press seams open.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

3. Sew rows together. Press seams open.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

4. Choose a 4.5”x6.5” print rectangle. Place right sides together with your patchwork.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

4. Sew around three sides, leaving one short side open. Backstitch at start and finish.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

5. Clip the corners, turn carefully. Press.

Repeat steps 1-5 with remaining squares and rectangles until you have 14 bunting flags.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

6. Take solid strips and sew together along the short sides to create one long strip. Press seam open.

Fold down 1/4” (or so, doesn’t need to be exact!) on each short edge. Press. Topstitch.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

7. Take your strip and fold in half lengthwise, press.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

8. Unfold, and fold each raw edge into the center line you just created. Press.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

9. Fold in half again and press.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

10. Starting from the center of the strip, begin nestling the unfinished edge of each flag into the fold of your strip. Place first two flags on either side of the center seam, approx. 1/8” apart, pin.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

11. You may choose to alternate patchwork and plain sides like I did, or do all patchwork on one side and all plain on the other! Continue placing flags until all 14 flags are set.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

12. Starting at one end of the strip, begin stitching it closed with an 1/8” seam allowance.

Continue stitching across the strip, securing all the flats, until you’ve reached the other end and the strip is closed.

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by Jeni Baker on Flickr.

Voila! You’re done! Enjoy your fun summer bunting! :)

Patchwork Bunting Tutorial, a photo by jenib320 on Flickr.

If you make one, I hope you'll add a photo to the In Color Order Flickr Group!

Happy Sewing!