Green bunting with a story

Bunting and celebration go hand-in-hand, but it can be planet-friendly and meaningful too! Transform some of your old clothes into a fun reminder of good times (or turn clothes with less happy connections into something positive)...

You don’t need a sewing machine to make bunting though it’s quicker. You could even use staples if sewing doesn’t appeal and you don’t need it to survive out in the rain.

Bunting was the first project our sewing machine was put to work with and turned out to be a really rewarding thing to make. With a mixture of old shirts of our own and some charity-shop finds (extravagent?!...it doesn’t seem to matter when the money’s going to a good cause), our tent was transformed into a thing of beauty on camping trips last summer. It does help that we were borrowing a bell tent which was beautiful in its own right, but the bunting added a sense of fun and personality. It’s a bit like having a dog - it seems to make people want to talk to you!

Suggested Task: Make your own bunting

Rummage through your own clothes and old bedding. Maybe make it more meaningful by asking your friends and family for donations of an item of clothing - even better if they can tell you their story about it.

Make a template of the shape and size you want from a piece of thick paper (thin enough to stick pins through).

Pin the template to the material and cut - pinking shears are best to reduce fraying if you don’t want to sew around the edges.

Attach directly to cotton tape or ribbon folded over the top edge of the bunting, sewing through all three layers, or fold the top edge of the material over string and sew (or staple!) down.

Hang it anywhere, indoors or out - whether for a special occasion or no occasion and share your stories about it here.

Your comments.

You’ve inspired me!  The combination of your post and the fact that I’m clearing through all the fabrics and general clutter of my workshop have got me going.  I’m planning bunting and outdoor cushions using old blankets as the padding.  Will I ever have time??

M x