With the Fourth of July upon us, now is the perfect time of year to show your patriotic spirit. While many hang flags on the Fourth of July, a time-honored tradition is to put up patriotic bunting. I am going to share with you through the history of buntings, list the supplies that you will need to make your own bunting, show you different ways to hang a bunting and share some other patriotic bunting ideas. Let’s get started.
History of Patriotic Bunting
In the 17th century, bunting was a type of lightweight worsted wool fabric used for making flags by the Royal Navy. The origin of the word is uncertain. The word bunting was also referred to as ship bunting. Today, bunting is a festive decoration that can be made from fabric, plastic, paper, or cardboard. Bunting flags may be described as a round, or a half circle American flag. The half circle flag is also called a bunting swag. Bunting can be used for any occasion, but patriotic bunting is probably the most popular bunting. A red, white, and blue banner, patriotic bunting can make a home look festive for the Fourth of July.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Supplies Needed for Making Your Own Bunting
- Red cotton twill fabric, 7″ long x 30″ wide
- White cotton twill fabric, 7″ long x 60″ wide and 2″ long x 40″ wide
- Blue cotton twill fabric, 7″ long x 55″ wide (2 strips)
- White cotton all-purpose thread
- Red cotton all-purpose thread
- Scissors
- Yardstick
- Pencil
- Pins
- Grommet kit
- Hammer
- Needle
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Ironing board
Photo Credit: Create and Babble
How To Make Your Own DIY Bunting
Buntings are a great patriotic decoration to add to your yard. Below, I’ve included the instructions for how to make a patriotic bunting. Let’s get started.
- Measure and mark the fabric with a pencil and cut it. Iron any wrinkles on each strip of fabric.
- Thread red thread onto the needle and knot at one end. Pleat the top edge of the red fabric and pinch tightly with your fingers. Insert needle in the pleats and pull through until the knot catches. Stitch back and forth through pleats until the fabric is secured. You may need to use a thimble to push the needle through the fabric.
- Next, pleat the white fabric and use pins to connect it to the bottom edge of the red stripe. Fold the seam over so that the right sides are together and raw fabric edges are facing the same direction. Begin sewing and move the pins along the way. Pin and sew the blue strip to it next.
- Fold the blue fabric under two times, making an approximately 1/2-inch hem. Iron and pin in place. Begin sewing, and remove the pins as you sew.
- Press the 4 x 40-inch strip of white fabric with your iron. Fold both the left and right sides under one inch, and fold the bottom edge less than 1/2 inch. Press the hems. Fold the white header strip over the top of your bunting. Sew it into place.
- Add grommets by using a grommet kit.
- Hang up your patriotic bunting flag, and enjoy!
Photo Credit: HGTV
How to Hang a Patriotic Bunting
Hanging bunting flags is not as hard as it may sound. With the right supplies, your bunting flags can be hung in no time. If your patriotic bunting has grommets, you will be able to hang the bunting onto nails. The most common place to hang bunting flags is on deck railings, but you can hang them anywhere you would like to decorate.
Creative Patriotic Bunting Ideas
There are many creative ways to display and make buntings besides the traditional half circle flag shaped bunting. Below I’ve included some ideas to get you started. Remember to let your imagination run wild and be creative!
American Flag Swag
An American flag swag looks like a bunting but it is called a flag swag. Instead of a half circle flag, flags are lined up together above a doorway, alone a fireplace mantle, or anywhere else you would like to decorate. To make this adorable American flag swag, simply string up flags on a clothesline and hang.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart
Flag Pull Down
A flag pull down is often called a bunting, despite that fact that it looks nothing like the half-circle shape of a bunting. Looking like a large curtain, a flag pull down is often hung on the porch, right before you enter the house.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Triangle Patriotic Bunting
This type of bunting is often hung using strong string or rope but is made out of triangular shaped flags. Triangle patriotic buntings can be made from burlap bags, cotton or other fabric, or even paper.
Photo Credit: Days Of Chalk and Chocolate
Buntings with Patriotic Sayings
Patriotic buntings with sayings on them can add inspiration and beauty to your home. As you can see in the picture below, this bunting has the words, “God Bless America” hovering over red, white, and blue bunting. You can make buntings with other patriotic sayings on them as well.
Photo Credit: Amazon
Other Fourth of July Decorations to Decorate Your Home With
Besides patriotic buntings, there are many other accessories to decorate your home with for the Fourth of July. Below, I’ve included a list of decorations that you may want to use.
- Patriotic flowers can make a nice centerpiece for your table. You may want to decorate the jar with red, white, and blue colors.
- Red, white, and blue balloons can make your house look very festive. Balloons can be a great addition to a Fourth of July party.
- A Fourth of July table runner can help decorate your table. Click here to find out how to make your own Fourth of July table runner.
- Painted stars on the lawn can add creativity to your yard. To paint stars on your lawn, simply cut out a star from a piece of paper, lay the paper on your lawn, and spray paint into the paper. Remove the paper, and you should have a star shape. Continue doing this throughout your yard. To learn more about painting stars on your lawn, click here.
- Chalkboards with patriotic sayings on them can make your decor look extra creative. Such sayings could include, “Home of the Brave,” “Land of the Free,” “God Bless America,” “Let Freedom Ring,” or even “Happy 4th of July!”
- Flags can always add a patriotic look to your house. You can use large flags which can hang on poles or small flags grouped in a jar or pot.
Photo Credit: Martha Stewart
Conclusion
I hope that this article has inspired you to make your own patriotic bunting or to decorate for the Fourth of July using flags, buntings, swags, stars or anything else patriotic. Just think how festive these decorations will look either hanging from your house, barn, garage, patio, or deck, or placed throughout your yard. I’ve gone over everything that you need to know to make your own DIY patriotic bunting. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get crafting!
