Bunting flags with felt hearts to add a festive Valintine's flare.

How to Make Beautiful Bunting Flags and Dollar Tree Garland

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Hello, I am Elizabeth and welcome to my blog. If you are a regular reader, welcome back! If you are a new reader, I extend a warm “hello” and welcome to you. 

My blog is a creative space where I share bits of my home life. These areas include homeschool lessons, English recipes, thrifted home decorations, DIY craft projects, and so much more.

This past weekend, I made bunting flags- with Valentine’s Day in mind. The challenge was like many others, to make my bunting flags (at least in large part), from thrifted fabrics and inexpensive materials. I adore giving myself challenges like these because they cause me to be creative in different ways. Using what I find, and what I have in my craft cupboard, reduces waste and creates an outcome I do not always expect. If this frugal project resonates with you, keep reading to find out how you can create the same look in your home space.

Please join me, and my Happy Hawks Homeschool crew, as we make fabric bunting flags on my grandmother’s sewing machine. If you are not keen on a sewing project, I have you covered as well. In addition to my bunting flags, I will also be making some simple (no-sew) Valentine’s garlands with Dollar Tree supplies. 

Let’s get started. Meet me at the dining table… (where much of my family life takes place).

~The Bunting Flag's Inspiration~

Many of you know how I love bunting flags. These little cuties where an item I fell in love with during my years living in England. Since my time living abroad, I have sewn many sets of bunting flags for various seasonal (and everyday) uses. You can read about some of my other bunting flag designs here. 

This bunting flag project was inspired by a lovely linen Valentine’s fabric that I picked up from my local thrift store. It was nestled under a few bolts of seasonal fabric, but the tiny, red hearts grabbed my attention. Bringing this fabric home, I unfolded it across my dining table and let my imagination take over. 

If I had simply gone to a fabric store and picked out my own fabric, I would have missed out on the challenge of making something beautiful from something I collected. To me, buying new is easy… but buying secondhand presents opportunities to grow my own personal style.

You may remember this photograph of my thrift hall last week (and my lovely Valentine’s fabric) which was the inspiration for the bunting flags.  I showcased the photo below in last week’s soft pretzel hearts blog- if you want to read about that here:

A stack of thrifted Valentine's finds: a cake stand, a ceramic vintage dog figurine, a heart wreath, and a piece of heart fabric.

~Making the Bunting Flags~

Making fabric bunting flags is a pleasurable hobby. While it does take a bit of time, it is rewarding to see the finished outcome. 

Bunting flags come in many different styles, shapes, sizes, and lengths. Generally, I work in odd numbers when making my bunting flags. For this project, I made seven flags. I wanted the bunting to be long enough to use as a hanging decoration- but also work as a table centerpiece. Thinking about the end use is always a good practice when making bunting flags.

After deciding upon the number of flags, I then consider the fabric. Do I want to use one fabric to make all of my flags? Or perhaps two or three different patterned fabrics? 

This is all a matter of personal preference. Often, I like to use alternating fabrics to create contrast and interest. Using alternating fabrics also reminds me of the English cottage style- as it allows for alternating stripes and florals- or perhaps a plaid, a stripe, and a floral.

Charming English cottages often layer fabrics into their design and seeing a mix of stripes, solids, and florals is a common, cozy look that is incorporated into many living spaces. So don’t be afraid to mix and match a little here. Choose what fabrics speak to you and make you feel happy and warm.

A basket and supplies for Valentine's bunting flags and valentines' garland.

~A Bunting Flag Pattern~

In order to make bunting flags you first need fabric and a flag pattern. 

I make my own bunting flag pattern out of cardstock. It is a simple triangular shape. Sometimes these patterns are smaller… and sometimes larger… depending on my project. But generally, I prefer the bunting flag patterns to be a medium size. Not too large and not too small. 

Thinking about the scale of the space you are using the bunting flags in- helps to decide the size as well. 

Floral fabric is turned inside out, and a bunting flag pattern is being drawn onto the fabric.
*Simple sewing supplies
A Bunting flag has been traced onto a pretty pink, floral fabric.
*Trace the pattern shape, making sure the fabric layers are pinned in place, before cutting the flag out.

~Preparing the Bunting Flag Fabric~

Ironing is a necessity in my sewing projects. (I may not always iron my own clothes, but I do iron my sewing projects… priorities.)

If I am using a thrifted fabric, I will wash the fabric first. (However, if the fabric has been previously cut, the frayed edges will become a huge mess if you put them in the washing machine/dryer- so be forewarned and consider gently hand washing and air drying.) 

Initially, I fold my fabric in half and iron pretty pattern sides together.  (Don’t forget to pay attention to the way your patterns run on the fabric.) You generally want the patterns to be facing up and down on the bunting flag- to suit the natural shape- but of course, this is based on personal preference. At very least, make sure all the flag’s patterns are going in the same direction. 

After this, place your flag pattern on your fabric and trace around the pattern. Before you cut out your pattern, pin the folded pieces of fabric together, so they do not move as you cut. (Sharp fabric scissors are a must!) Keep in mind, you are cutting through two layers of fabric (almost like making a pillow). This is so that the sewn pieces can be turned inside out and attached to the top of your bunting flag ribbon.

A bunting flag pattern is being traced onto a thrifted linen fabric with red hearts.
*The pattern is placed on the double layer fabric (pretty sides together or ugly sides facing out).
Bunting flags still turned inside out and ready to be turned right side out after ironing.
*Once cut out, leave the pins in to keep the layers as one.

~Marking the Fabric~

Now that the flags are cut out, you need to draw a line about 1/4 an inch in from each triangular edge (minus the straight top). This step can be done with Tailor’s chalk or a pencil. The markings are made on the inside of the fabric so you will not see this when the flags are turned right side out. 

The marked line is the line you will sew on the sewing machine. (It acts as your guide- helping you to sew a straight line).

Neatly sew along the line, remembering to backstitch at the top edges each side.

*Note: I use the edge of my pattern cardstock to act as my straight edge, but a ruler works too.

A straight edge is being drawn onto the bunting flag to make a sew line that will be visible at the sewing machine.
The bunting flag is being sewn on a vintage sewing machine.
A linen thrifted fabric is being sewn into a bunting flag.

~Iron and Turn~

The next step is to iron the flags and turn inside out. The right sides of the fabric will now be facing you. I like to use a pencil eraser to gently push into the corner of each bunting flag. 

Taking the time to iron the flags out straight and smooth. 

A bunting flag is being turned inside out, using a pencil eraser, to press the corner piece out.
Bunting flags are cut out of the fabric and ready to be sewn on the sewing machine.
*The edges are sewn- but the tops of the flags remain unsewn.

~Attaching the Bunting Flags~

Now you will choose your top strand. You can use a double bias tape, a ribbon, or you can even sew a very long, thin strip of fabric lengthwise to create your top. This is where you can be creative. 

Lie your flags up along your top strand (the top of the flags will be open and unsewn.). I like to leave 8-10 inches on each end to be able to tie my bunting onto a mantel or hang on a wall. I generally space my bunting out an inch or two in between flags. However, some people have their bunting flags touching, while others separate their flags by four or five inches. Again, this is all about personal preference and desired style.

Tucking the bunting flags in between the bias tape layer or folded in half lengthwise ribbon. Pin the bunting flags in place. Now it is time to go to the sewing machine and carefully sew the top strand of your bunting flag. 

After this is complete, you will have an assembled bunting flag garland. Congratulations on your hard work! Now the garland is ready to further decorate or use as centerpiece.

Bunting flags are attached to a top layer and pinned in place.
*Pin the flags inside the double bias tape layer.
A decorative finish is added to the tops of the bunting flags before attaching to the top.
*I added a fun thrifted squiggle trim to the top of my bunting flag. Totally not necessary... but I thought it added a fun feminine flare to the overall look.
The finished Valentine's bunting flags are completed with a pretty bow.
*I also added some felt hearts from the Dollar Tree. However, I only taped these hearts on so that I could remove them when using the bunting flag set not during the Valentine's season.

~How Cute a Finished Bunting Flag Is~

I love using bunting flags in my children’s rooms, on my fireplace mantel, down the center of my table as a decoration, in the kitchen, down the hallway, in an entryway, or draped over the top of a piece of furniture, a door frame, or a mirror. The sky is the limit.

*To see bunting flags in my boy’s room click here. To see my paper bunting flags, click here. As you can see, I do love a good bunting flag!

I personally believe bunting flags add an adorable old English charm to any space. How fun it is to make a bunting for every season (or occasion) that can be swapped out for a new design later in the year. Experimenting with patterns on prints, and different accessories, brings me much joy.

The Valentine's bunting flags hand beautifully on a wooden bookcase- adding charm and interest.
*With the felt hearts...
Valentine's Bunting flags hung on a cream-colored wardrobe in a bedroom.
*Without the felt hearts.
Bunting flags are draped over an old, golden mirror and are helping to decorate a dresser space.
*As you can clearly see, I do like to stage my decorations in about ten different places before deciding on their final home.
A close up of the Valentine's bunting flags draped over an antique mirror.
*All the little textural details create the enchantment for me.
A pile of bunting flags on a cake stand- perfect for a Valentine's decoration in any home.
*All this photograph needs is some lovely Valentine's cupcakes.
A stack of complete bunting flags looking beautiful on an antique side table from England.
*What a charming gift these would make.
A pink floral bunting flag complete with Valentine's heart and pink ruffle finish.
The finished bunting flags displayed side by side with alternating fabrics.

~Dollar Tree Garlands~

I enjoy a bargain just as much as the next person… but how fun to create something simple and lovely without spending a lot of money. Therefore, over the next few weeks, I will be sharing more of my thrifty, DIY Valentine’s ideas with you all in future posts. 

These garlands range from paper to wooden hearts. If sewing is not up your alley, perhaps these easy valentine’s crafts will be. 

Seasonal craft items are amongst my favorite things to look for when shopping at the Dollar Tree. There are lots of sweet ideas that can come to life through Dollar Tree supplies.

Valentines craft supplies
Craft supplies are laid out on a dining table- ready to create Valentine's art.

~Heart Doily Garland~

Vintage-inspired paper doilies are a favorite find. I love how they mimic a craft of a time gone by…your grandmother’s doilies. In my home, I love to use vintage doilies as a part of my home’s decor. They give off the English cottage vibes.

If you are interested in seeing more doilies ideas, I have made a modern version of a doilies here- that you may enjoy reading more about. 

Valentine’s heart doilies are the iconic vintage valentine. Sometimes we buy these paper doilies for the children to create their own valentines for their friends. 

Here is a simple idea on how to use these inexpensive, paper doilies to make a garland. All you need is a ribbon for the top strand, the doilies, some bows, and glue. So easy and so sweet.

Paper heart Doilies are attached to each other to make a Valentine's garland from the Dollar Tree.
Wooden hearts from the Dollar Tree have been painted and threaded with lace to create a valentine's garland from the Dollar Tree.
Heart Doily DIY Valentine's garland from the Dollar Tree.

~Wooden Hearts Garland~

These wooden”ish” hearts are perfect for valentine’s crafts. I bought two packs of these Dollar Tree hearts last year. I painted some of the hearts with a blush-colored pink paint. After this I simply used a ribbon to thread through the tops of the hearts. With two pink bows tied at the ends, a perfect Valentine’s garland was created. 

I like to use this wooden heart garland to decorate our girl’s room. I layered these wooden hearts with my (previously made) nursery rhyme bunting flags. These nursery rhyme bunting flags were made with a curtain panel- that my sister gifted me. 

To see that post click here:

A close-up photograph of the wooden Dollar Tree garland and the paper doily heart garland.
*The Dollar Tree wooden hearts came in this natural color. By adding a bit of paint and layering the painted, and non-painted, hearts- a sweet pattern was created.
A close up of the Dollar Tree, wooden heart garland.
*Photo overload... but how cute are these handmade crafts together?
The wooden heart Dollar tree garland looks beautiful displayed on top of a little girl's wardrobe- acting as a decorative accent.
*This wardrobe came from England. We bought it secondhand and my husband painted it. I always smile when I see it, as it was one of the earliest pieces we bought for our oldest daughter's room.
The finished wooden heart, Dollar Tree garland is being displayed on top of a girl's wardrobe.
*Beauty in the details.
The Dollar Tree garland is hung with another handmade bunting flag set.
*Collected, special items flank the wardrobe top with nostalgia and love.

~Until Next Time~

To conclude, I hope you leave this post having been inspired to create a little Valentine’s beauty of your own. Using simple fabrics, papers, and inexpensive craft supplies from the Dollar Tree- you too can create a whimsical Valentine’s decoration for your home. 

Plus, fabric bunting flags and Dollar Tree garlands are easy and inexpensive to create. So, get out there- and make some lovely decorations of your own.

Tune in next week- where I plan to share more Dollar Tree craft ideas- and maybe even a delicious Valentine’s cake recipe that you don’t want to miss. 

If you are enjoying my stories, please subscribe to my blog. Feel free to share this post with those you feel may enjoy a bit of Valentine’s inspiration. Let me know in the comments if you have any guesses as to what my next Valentine’s crafts may be… based on the photo below. I would love to hear from you.

Also, check out my Facebook and Pinterest pages for further inspirations.

I hope to see you all next week.

~Elizabeth~

Craft supplies from the Dollar Tree are laid on a table to begin making Valentine's art.
*To see more of the items (in the above photograph) transformed into more Valentine's art -tune in next week.

2 thoughts on “How to Make Beautiful Bunting Flags and Dollar Tree Garland”

  1. Marie Branscomb

    Elizabeth, what about using the sewing machine to run a stitch on frayed fabric edge before washing? I am sure you thought about that and would be another step.

    1. Elizabeth

      That is an excellent idea! It is one more step- but yes that could solve the problem of the frayed edges. Maybe another time I will try that.

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