How to make a flag garland (bunting)

1. Materials & tools

Materials (For the standard size (10 flags))

• Main fabric (cotton or felt) — about 110 × 55 cm (for 10 flags; double if lined)
• Store-bought bias tape or ribbon (for the tops) — enough for the full length
• Optional: fusible interfacing (to stiffen the flags)
• Sewing thread

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Home” → “Flag garland (bunting)” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the flag top width, flag length and number of flags. Presets for mini, standard and large. Choose the count to fit where you'll hang it.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Decide the length
   From the space you want to fill, decide how many flags you need — roughly the flag top width plus 2 cm of spacing each.
2. Cut
   Cut one flag per pennant (two per flag if lined). Felt can stay single-layer. For the tape, allow the full length plus about 20 cm of tie at each end.

4. Sewing

4-1. Make the flags

1. If lining, place two layers right sides together, sew the two lower edges (leave the top open), clip the point and turn out.
2. In felt, use a single layer with raw edges. Trimming the edges with pinking shears keeps them from fraying and looks decorative.

4-2. Sandwich in the tape

1. Open the bias tape and tuck the flag tops in at even spacing, pinning as you go.
2. Sew the tape closed along its whole length, catching each flag. Leave a tie at each end to hook or pin it up.

✏️ Flag size and count are up to you: many small flags look delicate, a few big ones look bold. Instead of tape you can sew the flags onto yarn or jute twine for a rustic look.

5. Tips & variations

• Change colors by event: bright for birthdays, orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter.
• Add letters: applique felt letters onto the flags for a "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" banner.
• Change the shape: square or rounded bottoms work as well as triangles.