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You are here: Home / Denim / How to Make Festive Upcycled Denim Bunting

How to Make Festive Upcycled Denim Bunting

17th May 2018 by Claire Armstrong 86 Comments

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Nothing makes a garden or patio look ready for a party than a bit of bunting. I always associate bunting with summer fairs and garden parties.

This denim bunting I originally made a few years ago for the Queens Diamond Jubilee, we had a street party.

How to Make Patriotic Upcycled Bunting Two Different Ways

The upcycled denim bunting I originally made was Union Jack bunting, but as most of my blog audience is American I’ve also made a Stars and Stripes version just for you! It was quite easy to adapt my flag bunting design from Union Jack to Stars and stripes as they are both red white and blue.

So whether you celebrating the Queen’s Birthday, the latest Royal wedding or the 4th of July there is a bunting for you!

Upcycled Flag Denim Bunting

The bunting features in the A to Z of denim crafts.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to see my disclosure policy.

What you need to make your denim bunting

  • Old pair of jeans. I just use the legs of the jeans, (so you can save the pockets to make a fabulous denim pocket organiser.)
  • Ribbon scraps, I keep all ribbon scraps from presents and packaging and have quite a collection of especially red ones from Valentine’s gifts. If you haven’t got any you can normally by a variety pack from your craft store.
  • Red ribbon, various sizes and patterns.
  • Off white / cream bias binding
  • Navy blue bias binding
  • Fabric Mod Podge
  • Denim sewing machine needles
  • Scissors,or rotary cutter, thread, cardboard & sewing machine.
Upcycled denim bunting 2 ways

Depending on how long you want your bunting will determine how many pairs of jeans and how much ribbon.
 

How to make your upcycled denim bunting

1. First, make a triangular cardboard template the size you want for your bunting. Use this template as a guide for cutting out your denim. Personally, I prefer to use a rotary cutter and board to cut my denim, but scissors are fine, just a bit slower. You will need 2 denim triangles for each piece of bunting one for the front and the other for the back.

2. Secondly lay out your ribbon, depending on what flag you’re making. You can either sew your ribbon flag design to your denim triangles or the easy option is to glue them with fabric Mod Podge. Gluing instead of sewing does make your bunting a little stiffer but this is no bad thing.

3. I have 2 graphics to show you how to make your upcycled denim bunting, one for Union Jack bunting and one for Stars and Stripes bunting. They are both practically the same except for how you arrange the red and white ribbon.

Also, you note there are stars on the American bunting. I used a die to cut out these stars from some spare white ribbon. If you don’t have a die cutter you can always use a star stamp instead.

Upcycled Denim bunting stars and stripes
Upcycled denim bunting Union jack

4. After you have glued or sewn your ribbon pieces into place, get a blank triangle of denim and pin these 2 pieces right sides together. Sew round the sides leaving the top open. Trim off an excess ribbon, and turn right side out. You will need a pencil or something pointed to push out the tip of your triangle.

5. To sew your denim bunting triangles together in a long garland, fold over your blue ribbon and pin this to the top of your triangle. Make sure that you place the denim in between the ribbon fold. Then simply sew your denim bunting flags to the blue ribbon. All you need now is a party!

upcycled denim bunting in union jack and stars and stripes flag design
Upcycled denim bunting- Full tutorial including one for Stars and Stripes.

 
I first made my Union Jack denim bunting in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee when we had a street party. I got it out again for the royal wedding in 2013. It’s been sitting in a drawer since then but will be back on display next weekend for Harry and Megan’s Wedding

If you are looking for more upcycled denim projects check out my page.

Filed Under: Crafts, Denim Tagged With: 4th of July, 4thofjuly, bunting, denim, denim bunting, flag bunting, fourth of July, fourthofjuly, independence day, jeans, jeans bunting, jubilee, Patriotic, patriotic bunting, ribbon, Stars and Stripes, Union Jack, upcycled, upcycled bunting, upcycled denim, upcycled jeans

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda at Mixed Kreations

    9th June 2019 at 8:55 pm

    Both of these are so cute, and I believe that they could be left hanging all year round.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      10th June 2019 at 6:21 am

      Thank you. I could leave them out but it’s kind of fun just getting it out for special occasions.

      Reply
  2. Julie

    27th May 2018 at 11:20 am

    So much fun, you can keep this kind of bunting for ever and just whip it out for auspicious occasions!
    Did you watch the wedding last week? I loved it, watched the whole thing in my PJ’s with tea and toast. Perfect!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th May 2018 at 1:07 pm

      Thank you. Yes I watch the whole thing whilst having a traditional English breakfast round a friend’s and I loved every minute of it.

      Reply
  3. Ceri

    12th May 2018 at 11:10 pm

    So talented! With Harry’s royal wedding coming up British and American Bunting would be perfect!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      13th May 2018 at 6:16 am

      Thank you. That’s true I didn’t think of that I can put both up together for Harry and Megan’s wedding.

      Reply
  4. T'onna | Sew Crafty Crochet

    4th July 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Hey Claire! I’m stopping by to let you know that I featured your bunting from the Celebrate the USA Link Party!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      4th July 2017 at 9:17 pm

      That’s great. Thank you so much!

      Reply
  5. Susanne

    18th June 2017 at 2:46 pm

    Claire, you are the queen of denim up-cycles!! These are so cute!! Thank you for sharing with us at Create and Celebrate!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      18th June 2017 at 8:56 pm

      Thanks Susanne I can’t resist a bit of recycling jeans.

      Reply
  6. Mary

    9th June 2017 at 2:13 pm

    Claire is it possible that I didn’t comment the first time around? I love the Queen! I was watching the Crown a few months ago and it was very good. Dr Who married to the Queen! You know I love everything you do! And this is no exception. Love those cute little stars!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      9th June 2017 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you Mary, I loved the Crown can’t wait for the next season. I’m sure you could adapt it and make a Greek flag perhaps bleach the denim!

      Reply
  7. Jen

    8th June 2017 at 4:19 am

    I definitely have some denim that needs a new lease on life. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th June 2017 at 10:18 am

      I just love finding different ways to recycle old jeans.

      Reply
  8. Leanna

    7th June 2017 at 3:50 am

    These are both very well done, It awesome that you celebrate the queens 90th birthday. Cucumber sandwiches are a favorite of mine as well, but I don’t know what Pimm is. I am going to guess its an English Ale or tea?

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th June 2017 at 6:21 am

      Thank you Leanna. Pimms is an English fruity spirit that you make into a kind of punch with lemonade and you add strawberries, cucumber and lemon and mint. It’s a very popular drink a to events like Wimbledon or any big summer party.

      Reply
  9. Amberjane

    6th June 2017 at 7:43 pm

    I love bunting and I would still use denim and cute ribbon even though I am in Ireland 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th June 2017 at 9:54 pm

      I’m sure you could make it look Irish somehow.

      Reply
  10. Carol ("Mimi")

    6th June 2017 at 6:38 pm

    This is wonderful way to re-use old denim fabric and create a patriotic tribute for July 4 curb appeal.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th June 2017 at 7:29 pm

      Thank you so much, I make the Union Jack ones for royal celebrations like the Jubilee.

      Reply
  11. Cecilia

    5th June 2017 at 4:00 am

    Super cute bunting! Thanks for sharing @Vintage Charm!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      5th June 2017 at 6:51 am

      Thank you

      Reply
  12. Helen at Pleasures of the NW

    4th June 2017 at 10:15 pm

    I love the hearts on the stripes! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      5th June 2017 at 6:54 am

      Thank you, you can get some lovely red patterned ribbon.

      Reply
  13. Katy SkipTheBag

    4th June 2017 at 2:48 pm

    These are so fun and festive! Thanks for sharing on the #WasteLessWednesday blog hop!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      4th June 2017 at 8:25 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  14. Beverly

    30th May 2017 at 7:44 pm

    What an adorable bunting. Love upcycling old jeans. So great for Memorial weekend and all the other holidays coming up.
    Bev

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      31st May 2017 at 6:14 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  15. Monroe

    8th July 2016 at 2:35 am

    Oh my! This bunting is cute beyond words! I love it! I love upcycled denim projects, and I adore the heart ribbon you used. I’m pinning this to my Patriotic Pins board. I’m inspired and may make my own denim bunting soon! Thanks for sharing this wonderfully creative idea!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th July 2016 at 6:29 am

      Thank you ! You should make some, like denim it’s really robust. I’ve had the same denim bunting for years.

      Reply
  16. Beverly

    26th June 2016 at 1:11 pm

    Your bunting looks terrific. Thanks for the tutorial and for sharing at our Celebrate the USA Party. Pinned and Tweeted.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      26th June 2016 at 4:58 pm

      Thank you ! Some great 4th July crafts on it.

      Reply
  17. Pam @Threading My Way

    25th June 2016 at 9:33 am

    What a fun way to use up small pieces of denim, Claire. As always, a great tutorial.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th June 2016 at 9:58 am

      Thank you very much apreciate the complement.

      Reply
  18. Name*

    19th June 2016 at 6:04 am

    Great job Claire, perfect weight for outdoors, love that it isn’t delicate looking like other versions! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      19th June 2016 at 7:27 am

      Thank you ! Yes t is very robust.

      Reply
  19. Christine at Must Love Home

    16th June 2016 at 3:32 pm

    Loved your bunting project..what a super recyle idea!!You have been Pinned, Tweeted and Posted to Facebook! Your post will be featured this week at the Friday Favorites Link Party. The party goes LIVE on Thursdays at 7PM at mustlovehome.com I hope to see your there! Hugs – Christine at Must Love Home

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      16th June 2016 at 3:52 pm

      Thank you so much ! That is great news, I look forward to seeing it.

      Reply
  20. Cristina at Ava's Alphabet

    16th June 2016 at 12:47 am

    What a darling idea! I would never have thought to use denim. I just love your finished product. Thank you for linking up to Family Joy Blog Link-Up Party. Have a great week!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      16th June 2016 at 6:13 am

      Thank you very much !

      Reply
  21. LydiaF

    15th June 2016 at 12:37 pm

    What a fun project! It really catches my imagination and I love the idea of hanging it from my balcony. Thanks for sharing with us at Creatively Crafty #ccbg. I’ll be featuring it in this week’s link up. Enjoy the week!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      15th June 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you very much, I look forward to seeing it !

      Reply
  22. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel Vintage

    13th June 2016 at 5:03 pm

    I love all your denim projects Claire. Your bunting looks fantastic! Love that you did the 2 versions. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Charm.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      13th June 2016 at 9:31 pm

      Thank you very much ! I just love working with denim.

      Reply
  23. Denise

    10th June 2016 at 4:50 pm

    Love the idea of upcycling old jeans into bunting. I would be gluing mine as I am not great at sewing. Love the American Flag version too. Thanks for linking.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      10th June 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Thank you !

      Reply
  24. Michelle Leslie

    10th June 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Gorgeous and your tut is brilliant. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      10th June 2016 at 8:08 pm

      Thank you that’s good to hear.

      Reply
  25. Laura

    10th June 2016 at 2:31 am

    Claire , you are so talented-
    I love the buntings you created.
    Thank you for sharing at Thoughts of Home.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      10th June 2016 at 6:12 am

      Thank you so much, I’m pleased you liked them.

      Reply
  26. Laura Ingalls Gunn

    10th June 2016 at 12:42 am

    What a darling bunting! I love the idea of using a star stamp. Thank you for so faithfully joining us at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. You are a treasured blogging friend.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      10th June 2016 at 6:12 am

      Thank you, you are kind !

      Reply
  27. Katja

    9th June 2016 at 2:15 pm

    Hello, just found your blog by mistake. I adore your huge variety of beautifully selfmade things. I’ m also a fan of denim and often asked myself how to get a further use out of my family’s old jeans…now I’ve got plenty ideas.
    Wish I had only a quater ( or even less) of actually put into practice self made projects in my home. Thanks for your shared inspirations 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      9th June 2016 at 2:45 pm

      Thank you so much ! Lovely to hear that you like the stuff that I make, it’s great to know that I give people some ideas. I’m working on some more denim projects so watch this space.

      Reply
  28. Sadie Seasongoods

    9th June 2016 at 1:26 pm

    It looks fantastic- great job!!! Thank you so much for linking up to Talk of the Town. 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      9th June 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you so much !

      Reply
  29. Joan

    8th June 2016 at 10:36 pm

    I never think to use denim in my crafts. After seeing yours, I think it just might make an appearance. Very cute.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      9th June 2016 at 6:34 am

      Thank you ! I keep all my old denim to use for craft, It’s a great fabric.

      Reply
  30. Becky

    8th June 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Love how you pieced these together, cute! Thanks for sharing on Talk of the Town!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th June 2016 at 8:26 pm

      Cheers and thank you.

      Reply
  31. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled

    8th June 2016 at 12:47 pm

    Very cute! Love the use of mismatched ribbon. And your heart pins are super fun. Visiting from Handmade and Handcrafted party.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th June 2016 at 12:52 pm

      Thank you very much !

      Reply
  32. Keri

    7th June 2016 at 11:24 am

    Claire, I just love this bunting!! What an amazing repurpose!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th June 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Thank you very much ! It’s going to be out this weekend for the official Queen’s Birthday celebrations.

      Reply
  33. Lucy ~ Patina Paradise

    7th June 2016 at 5:47 am

    Your bunting turned out great! I especially love the British flag bunting with the polka dot and gingham ribbons. Glad you were able to join us this month and how sweet for you to include the American flag in your bunting. :o)

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th June 2016 at 6:24 am

      Thank you so much. It was easy to do as we share the same colours.

      Reply
  34. Amy @ StowandTellU

    7th June 2016 at 2:19 am

    These are so festive and adorable. I would hang them all year round. I love how you mixed up the design with different ribbons and such. Have fun celebrating the Queen’s 90th!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th June 2016 at 6:21 am

      Thank you ! It will probably be a tradional celebration with cucumber sandwiches, Victoria sponge cake afternoon tea and perhaps a glass or 2 of Pimms.

      Reply
  35. Kim Jones

    7th June 2016 at 1:40 am

    Hi, Claire

    Really cute bunting! Denim was a great choice and idea! My grandmother is also British and she will be 92 this June 9th!!!!!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th June 2016 at 6:22 am

      THanks ! Wow older than the queen that’s impressive, only 8 more years and she’ll get her telegram.

      Reply
  36. Tammy

    6th June 2016 at 1:36 pm

    You bunting is adorable…love the use of the denim! Pinned

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th June 2016 at 1:56 pm

      Thank you ! I do love to use denim.

      Reply

Trackbacks

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