Monday, April 16, 2012

Bunting: The Tutorial

I made yet another bunting.
 This time for a baby boy. 
This project is simple enough that I felt comfortable with making a tutorial.
Here is what you need:
various pieces of fabric, for the front and back 
(around half a yard each, your stash would work great)
scissors
ruler
pencil
paper
At least 3 yards of extra wide double fold bias tape
thread 
(sewing machine)
needle
pins
dressmakers pencil or chalk
iron 
ironing board
 
 
 


Here we go!

Start out by making a simple pattern from card stock or any think sturdy piece of paper. 
I made my isosceles triangle 8 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches. I folded my paper in half so I only had to cut two sides. So when the paper is folded in half only cut half the length on the top (4 1/4 inches instead of 8 1/2 inches)

Then choose fabric to your liking (I used a cottons and some flannels). 
Cut out 8 triangles using your pattern for even pieces.
I found that 8 is a good number for the spacing for the bias tape length.

  
The backing fabric can be whatever you want it to be. I used a solid because it will most likely be hung on a wall. And the backing makes it a little sturdier and lay flatter.

  
Then cut out 8 pieces of the backing.
Then pin together.
Right side together on the inside.

  
Then using a 3/8th seem allowance, sew the two longer sides together. Leave the top open.

  
Then cut the tip of the triangle, and fold the triangle right side out.
(this helps flatten and "sharpen" the tip)

  
Once the right sides are out, use a pencil tip to poke out the tip to a point.
Then it's ironing time!

  
Press!

  
Try to not have the back fabric showing after pressing it flat with the iron. It can be a little trying, but some patience and care, you won't have the back showing.

  
The front of the flags after ironing.

  
The back sides.

Now here's the fun part. (not really, it's just tedious)


 I use the whole 3 yards of double fold bias tape. It's a pretty good length and you don't need to add any extra to it.

Now, line up where you want to put your flags at on the tape. I spaced mine out 5 inches, it gave it a nice spacing between the flags and doesn't look crowded.

Then I pinned them into place in between the fold of the tape, so the rough edge will be sandwiched in and out of site.

Start at the very beginning of the tape and sew all the way to the end to seal the edges and sealing the tape closed.
This is the easiest part.

To hide the raw edges of the tape, sew a bottom to the end so nothing is left hanging out.


Finished!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. It's the second one that I have done and it's a little lengthy. But I hope that the instructions where clear and not confusing. If there are any problems or question about this tutorial, please let me know. :)
I would like to make more in the future and share with everyone.









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