I am SUPER excited about this tutorial for DIY Bike Basket Bunting. A lovely Twitter friend pointed out this week, that most of my likes revolve around the letter B. Bicycles, Biscuits, Baking, Buttons…….this blog post continues that theme I suppose!
Begin by measuring the outer sides of your bicycle basket to determine the length of your bunting and how many flags you would like.
I started with a bunting flag template cut out of cardboard. I’ve been meaning to buy some perspex templates, but I haven’t got around to it yet. The template is smaller than ‘standard’ bunting, but you can choose the size depending on your basket size.
The fabrics I chose for my bunting were from the wonderful online fabric store Sew La La. It is run by the equally wonderful Kath, who offers impeccable service for every order, no matter how big or small. Make sure to check the shop out and say hi to Kath!
I stacked the fabrics on top of one another to make cutting out much quicker.
Using a rotary cutter, mat, steel ruler and template, I cut out 4 triangles of each fabric. This tutorial from the Purl Bee on using a rotary cutter may be useful if you haven’t used one before. However, you can also use a pair of fabric scissors to cut out the bunting flags.
Match the triangles together to make two flags in each pattern. Pin the flags together with right sides facing.
Stitch along the diagonal edges of each flag with a 1cm seam allowance. Trim back the point of each flag to allow a clean triangle when turning out. TIP: I used my small scissors to push the end of the triangle out.
Once all flags are turned out, press them with a steam iron. Using bias tape of your choice, arrange the flags at equal distance, fold the tape over and pin into place. Then stitch along the top of the bias tape to secure the flags in place.
You are now ready to attach the bunting to your bicycle basket. I used clear nylon thread to stitch through the bias tape and in to the gaps of the wicker. This helped to hold the bunting in place to prevent it from slipping down the basket.
Stand back and admire! Now I’m hoping the British summer rain holds off so my bunting can remain in tact! What do you think?
claireabelle x
You can also find this post at Shabby Art Boutique and Pin Cushion Creations!
Love your bike bunting, so pretty. I have crochet bunting on my basket…………..oops no I did have crochet bunting on it until some hideous thief stole my bike. Got the bike back hooray but not the bunting so currently it’s decorated with lovely crochet flowers! Might have a go at your pattern though looks really good!
Oh sorry to hear your bike was stolen
horrid isn’t it! But glad you got it back and have some crochet flowers on it. Sounds pretty!
Absolutely gorgeous! I love it! Now if only I had a basket on my bike…
x
Looks really pretty Claire and so easy to follow well done I will be trying buntings but I don’t have a bike so will be for home
Thanks! I think bunting really cheers anything up!
Beautiful Claire – you’ve inspired me to give fabric bunting a try this afternoon! I don’t have a bike, or a bike basket, so I’m going to use it to decorate the fireplace instead
) xx
That’s funny as you have inspired me to make crochet fireplace bunting!
Bloomin’ brilliant bunting beautifying your bicycle! I don’t have a bike so may instead buntify the dog (another ‘B’) x
A lovely idea. I don’t have a bike, either. But I can appreciate your handiwork : )
this is a great diy, love it!! my bike is looking pretty sorry for itself at the moment (darn rain!) so maybe i should think about making a little present x
I too love this. I do think that you should not make your bike look too attractive however. Just thought that I should attach some to the car so we can find it when parked in huge fields!!!
Good idea!
Gorgeous! I just bought a bike to it’ll be awesome on it!
Let me know if you try it!
Really pretty, now you make me want a bike plus a basket plus bunting. Do you plan to keep it here over the winter, or maybe make a christmassy one instead?
If you don’t have a bike or basket, I challenge you to find something different to make some bunting for
I may take it off in the winter if the crazy weather starts to ruin it.
That’s a very chic bike – and the bunting is so fitting!
I like your bike it looks extra special now you have the bunting on to jazz it up!
That is gorgeous bunting and I shall be looking out for others who use it on their bikes – maybe you’ll start a new trend? xx
Ooh I hope so!
Bunting on a bike basket – who’d have though it would work so superbly well? It is just gorgeous. Don’t hold out much hope for the weather though – here’s to an Indian summer!
It has already survived flash flooding and hail in Cambridge yesterday!!
Very nice bike basket bunting, and I love the way you present your tutorials- clear and beautiful
Thanks for stopping by! Glad the tutorials are clear
Great idea, and I love your photographs.
Lovely idea. Too many hills around here for proper bikes with baskets – bikes around here are all occupied by lycra clad people (think Lizzie Armitsted and her Olympic medal). Though some of them may look a bit better with bunting!
Still trying to rise to your challenge and think of something different to do with bunting
Someone suggested fireplace bunting – might do some crochet hearts for mine.
This bunting looks great and your photos are fab.
My bike doesn’t get enough of a workout to justify this but might have to do it anyway. Great pics, thanks.
It will make those rare bike rides more special, I’m sure!
This is very sweet. I don’t see a lot of bikes in the US with baskets on them, but I really like them.
Where I live, almost everyone rides a bike and baskets are essential for grocery shopping
Another great sewing tute in the handmade monday gallery!
love those little triangular cuties!
thanks for sharing!
I love this. Such a great idea
x x x x
Thanks Gemma!
Love the bunting, but completely fell in love with the bike ! Miss having mine, but round here is just not practical…
Yes we are lucky in Cambridge, the city is made for bikes!
Bicycle & Bunting ~ how perfectly fab they are together ~ I love them! What a lovely clear tutorial too. x
Great idea, I will have to put some bunting on my bike Daisy
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daisy-the-Fabulous-Bakers-Bike/296914487074147?ref=hl
Perfect! I was going to save up and get a California bike, it will look adorable with this
Very clever…it makes your basket so cheery!
I have bunting on my baby’s car seat! If it doesn’t move bunt it I say!!!
This is a good rule! Although, my bike moves
This is sooooo adorable!! How fun to put it on a bike….I always see them in babies rooms! I would LOVE to have you share this at my party!!
http://www.pincushioncreations.com/2012/08/homemade-by-you-27.html
Thanks Katie, I’ll stop by your party x
This is adorable!
There’s something about bunting that flicks my ‘thrill’ switch. I can’t ignor the allure! Village fetes, sports day at school, the queens silver jubilie (1977) and a thousand Sunday events which were made brighter by bunting- have created an auto-response from the mere sight of a flicker of bunting…fills me with childlike excitement. Thanks bunting.
I agree! It never fails to make something cheery
Pingback: Why I love Cambridge (and a yarn bomb) | claireabellemakes
Pingback: DIY Pom Pom Bike Basket |
Lovely. my bike basket is currently adorned in large fake flowers…! x
I love seeing baskets with fake flowers – so pretty!
Pingback: I want to ride my bicycle | Kat got the Cream