With the Fourth of July upon us, it's a perfect time of year to show your Patriotic spirit.  While many of us will put up flags on the Fourth of July, a time honored tradition is to put up a patriotic Bunting.  I'm going to take you through the history of buntings, list the supplies that you will need to make your own bunting, tell you how to hang a bunting, and give you some other patriotic bunting ideas.  We don't have much time with the 4th so close, so 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 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 American flag, or as a half circle American flag.  This 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.   With its red, white, and blue banner, patriotic bunting can make a home look festive for the Fourth of July.

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

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.

1. Measure and mark with a pencil the fabric, and cut it.  Iron any wrinkles on each strip of fabric.
2. Thread red thread onto the needle, and knot at one end.  Pleat the top edge of 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 fabric is secured.  You may need to use a thimble to push the needle through the fabric.
3. 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.
4. Fold the blue fabric under two times, making an approximately 1/2-inch hem.  Iron it, and pin in place.  Begin sewing, and remove the pins as you sew.
5. 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.
6. Add grommets by using a grommet kit.
7. Hang up your patriotic bunting flag, and enjoy!

How To Hang a Patriotic Bunting

Hanging bunting flags is not as hard as it may sound.  With the right supplies, your bunting flags should be hung in no time. If your patriotic bunting has grommets, you should 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'd like.

Creative Patriotic Bunting Ideas

There are so 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 as creative as possible.

American Flag Swag

It looks like a bunting, but no, it is a flag swag.  Instead of looking like a half circle flag, it has the flag lined up together above a doorway.  To make this adorable American flag swag, line up flags on a clothesline.

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.

Triangle Patriotic Bunting

This type of bunting is hung in the shape of a half circle, but it is made out of triangular shaped flags.  Triangle patriotic buntings can be made from burlap bags, cotton, or even paper.

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 more buntings with other sayings on them if you'd like.

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 simply write "Happy 4th of July!"
• Flags can always add a patriotic look to your house.  You could either go with large flags, which you'd hang on a pole, or small flags that could sit in a jar.

Conclusion

I hope that this article inspired you to make your own patriotic bunting.   Just think of how nice it will look hanging from your house, barn, garage or deck.  I've gone over everything that you need to know to make your own DIY patriotic bunting.  So, what you waiting for?  Let's get crafting!