How to Make a Wooden Bunting: Step-by-Step Guide

Wooden bunting is a charming, rustic decoration made from small wooden flags strung together on a cord or wire. It’s perfect for parties, nurseries, porches, or seasonal decor. This guide will walk you through creating your own wooden bunting from scratch, including cutting, sanding, finishing, and stringing the flags. You’ll need basic woodworking tools and a little patience, but the result is a durable, reusable decoration that adds warmth to any space.

What You’ll Need

Thin wood plank or plywood (about 1/4 inch / 6 mm thick, any species)
Jigsaw or bandsaw (or a handsaw with fine teeth)
Sandpaper (grit 120 and 220)
Drill with a small bit (1/8 inch / 3 mm) for holes
Twine, jute cord, or thin wire (length depends on desired bunting length)
Wood finish: paint, stain, or sealant (optional)
Paintbrush or rag for applying finish
Pencil and ruler or template
Safety glasses and dust mask
Clamps (optional, to hold wood while cutting)

Step-by-Step

Design your flags. Decide on the shape and size of your bunting flags. A classic triangle is easy, but you can also make rectangles, pennants, or scalloped shapes. For a standard bunting, each flag might be about 6 inches (15 cm) wide and 8 inches (20 cm) long. Draw a template on cardboard or paper, then cut it out.
Transfer the template to wood. Place the template on your wood plank and trace around it with a pencil. Arrange the shapes close together to minimize waste. If you’re making multiple identical flags, you can trace one and then use it as a guide for the next.
Cut out the flags. Using a jigsaw or bandsaw, carefully cut along the traced lines. Take your time, especially on curves or corners. If using a handsaw, clamp the wood to a workbench for stability. Always wear safety glasses.
Sand the edges. Start with 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the cut edges and remove any roughness. Then switch to 220-grit for a finer finish. Sand the faces too, if needed, to remove any splinters or imperfections. Wipe off the sawdust with a dry cloth.
Drill holes for stringing. On each flag, drill two small holes near the top edge, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top and 1 inch (2.5 cm) from each side. The holes should be large enough for your cord to pass through easily, but not so large that the cord slips out. A 1/8-inch (3 mm) bit works for most twine.
Finish the wood (optional). If you want to paint or stain your flags, do it now before stringing. Apply a primer if painting, then two coats of paint or stain, letting each coat dry completely. For a natural look, apply a clear sealant like polyurethane or beeswax to protect the wood from the elements. Let everything dry fully.
String the flags. Cut a length of twine or wire that is about 1.5 times the desired finished length of your bunting (to allow for loops at each end). Thread the twine through the holes of each flag, working from one end to the other. Space the flags evenly, leaving a gap of about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) between them.
Secure the ends. Tie a knot at each end of the twine to keep the flags from sliding off. If you want to hang the bunting, leave a long tail on each end for tying to hooks or nails.
Hang and enjoy. Your wooden bunting is ready to display. Use it indoors or outdoors, but remember that unfinished or sealed wood may weather over time if left outside.

Common Mistakes

Using wood that’s too thick. Thick wood is heavy and hard to cut, and the bunting may sag or pull down the cord. Stick to 1/4 inch (6 mm) or thinner.
Not sanding enough. Rough edges can splinter and catch on clothing. Sand thoroughly, especially the corners.
Drilling holes too close to the edge. If the holes are too near the top, the wood can crack when the bunting is pulled taut. Keep them at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the edge.
Spacing flags unevenly. Measure the gaps between flags to keep the bunting looking neat. Eyeballing it often leads to a lopsided result.
Skipping the finish. If you plan to use the bunting outdoors, skipping a sealant will cause the wood to gray and warp quickly.

Tips

Use a template made of sturdy cardboard or plastic for tracing multiple identical flags.
For a more polished look, slightly round the bottom corners of each flag with sandpaper.
If you don’t have a drill, you can use a hammer and nail to make holes, but drilling is cleaner and safer.
Choose a cord that contrasts with the wood for a decorative effect, or use a clear fishing line for a floating look.
To make the bunting reversible, paint or finish both sides of the flags.
Consider adding a drop of wood glue to the knots on the back of each flag to keep them from slipping.

Troubleshooting

The wood splits when drilling. This usually happens when the bit is too large or the wood is brittle. Use a smaller bit, and drill slowly. You can also clamp a scrap piece of wood behind the flag to support the exit hole.
The flags slide along the cord. Tie a small knot on each side of each flag, or use a drop of hot glue to hold them in place. Alternatively, string the flags through the holes twice (like a loop) to create friction.
The bunting sags in the middle. Use a stiffer cord like wire, or add more flags to distribute the weight. You can also hang the bunting with a slight upward angle to compensate.
The paint bubbles or peels. This is often due to moisture in the wood or lack of primer. Sand the surface, apply a primer, and repaint in a dry environment.
The flags are not uniform. If your cuts are uneven, trace the template carefully and cut slowly. You can also sand the edges to match the template after cutting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood is best for bunting? Lightweight woods like pine, cedar, or basswood are ideal because they are easy to cut and won’t weigh down the cord. Plywood is also a good option, but check that it doesn’t have voids that could crack.
Can I use a Cricut or laser cutter to make wooden bunting? Yes, if you have access to a laser cutter or a Cricut with a knife blade, you can cut intricate shapes from thin wood sheets. Just follow the machine’s instructions for wood thickness and settings.
How do I make the bunting weatherproof for outdoor use? Use a weather-resistant finish like exterior polyurethane or marine varnish. Apply at least two coats, and consider using stainless steel or plastic hardware for hanging. Bring the bunting indoors during harsh weather to extend its life.
Can I make bunting without a drill? Yes, you can use a hammer and a small nail to punch holes, but drilling is safer and cleaner. If you don’t have a drill, you can also attach the flags to the cord with small clothespins or clips instead of threading them.
How many flags do I need for a 6-foot (1.8 m) bunting? If you space flags about 4 inches (10 cm) apart, you’ll need around 15-18 flags for a 6-foot length. Adjust the spacing and number based on your desired look.
Can I make bunting from recycled wood? Absolutely! Old pallets, crates, or scrap wood can be sanded and cut into flags. Just make sure the wood is clean, dry, and free of nails or screws.

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