How to Make Decorative Fan Bunting

Measure the width of the area where you want to install the bunting. If you want to make several buntings and string them together over a large area, determine how wide you want to make each bunting. For a 72-inch opening, you will need a fabric length of 72 inches and a width of about 36 inches. You can make the bunting fan smaller, if desired.

Cut five strips from fabric that are 9 inches by 74 inches. Sew the fabric strips together along the long edges using a ½-inch seam allowance.

Fold the bottom edge up ¼ inch, then iron in place. Fold the edge up another ¼ inch, then sew in place using a ¼-inch seam. Repeat the process for the two short sides of the fabric.

Mark the center of the top stripe with tailor's chalk. Face the wrong side of the fabric up. Mark a line on the fabric every 5 inches. Each 5-inch segment will become a box pleat.

Start in the middle of the fabric. Bring the left-hand mark 5 inches away from the center mark to the center mark. Repeat for the right-hand side. Pin the fabric in place with straight pins. Repeat the process for all other pleats, making several 5-inch pleats in the top of the fabric.

Smooth out the bottom portion of the fabric under each pleat so that it lays evenly between the two pinned points. Pin the pleats flat against the fabric.

Sew the pleats in place, using a ½-inch seam allowance. Remove the pins as you sew. Iron the pleats flat after sewing.

Cut a 3-inch by 72-inch rectangle of fabric. Fold the edges over ¼ inch and iron in place.

Sew the two short hems using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Place the wrong side of the rectangle facing the wrong side of the fan. Align the bottom edges of the long side of the fan with the ends of the rectangle. All of the pleats should rest in the middle of the rectangle.

Sew the rectangle to the back of the bunting using a ¼-inch seam allowance. Do not sew the short sides to the fan. Slide a tension rod or string through the bunting pocket to hang it.