Comic Book Bunting: DIY Party Banner Guide

Comic book bunting is a fun, budget-friendly way to add a pop of color and nostalgia to a party, bedroom, or comic-themed event. Made from old comic book pages (or printed copies), this simple banner uses folded paper triangles strung onto string or ribbon. It’s an easy craft that takes about 30 minutes and requires only basic supplies.

What You’ll Need

Old comic books or printed comic pages (at least 10-15 pages for a 6-foot banner)
Scissors or a paper trimmer
Ruler
Pencil (optional, for marking)
String, twine, or ribbon (about 6-8 feet / 1.8-2.4 meters)
Glue stick or double-sided tape
Hole punch (optional, if you prefer to thread the string through holes)
Clothespins or binder clips (optional, for hanging)

Step-by-Step

Prepare your comic pages. If you’re using actual comic books, carefully tear out the pages. If you’re printing pages, use standard 8.5×11 inch (A4) paper. You can also use glossy magazine pages for a different look.
Cut your triangles. Decide on the size of your bunting flags. A classic size is about 6 inches (15 cm) wide at the top and 8 inches (20 cm) long. Use a ruler to mark a rectangle of that size on each page, then cut out the rectangle. You can stack several pages and cut them all at once to save time.
Fold each rectangle in half. Take each rectangle and fold it in half crosswise (the short sides together) so you have a smaller rectangle. This fold will be the top of your flag, where the string will sit.
Cut the triangle shape. Starting from the folded edge, cut diagonally from the bottom corner of the folded edge up to the top corner on the opposite side. When you unfold it, you’ll have a diamond shape, but when folded, it looks like a triangle. Actually, let’s make it simpler: cut a diagonal line from the bottom of the fold to the top corner on the open side. When you unfold, you get a triangle with a folded top edge.
Unfold and lay flat. Open up the triangle. You’ll now have a triangle shape with a fold at the top. This fold will create a small pocket that can slide onto the string.
Fold the top edge over the string. Take your string or ribbon and lay it along the top edge of the triangle (the folded edge). Fold the top 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of the triangle over the string, and press down to create a crease.
Secure the fold. Apply glue stick or a small piece of double-sided tape inside the folded flap, then press it down firmly over the string. Make sure the string is not glued to the paper, just the flap is glued to itself. Alternatively, you can punch two holes near the top corners and thread the string through the holes.
Repeat for all flags. Continue adding flags to the string, spacing them about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) apart. You can vary the colors and patterns as you go.
Let the glue dry. If you used glue, let it dry completely for about 10 minutes before hanging.
Hang your bunting. Use clothespins, binder clips, or simply tie the ends of the string to hooks, nails, or furniture. Drape it along a wall, across a window, or above a dessert table.

Common Mistakes

Cutting triangles without a fold: If you cut out separate triangles without a fold at the top, you’ll have to glue the string to the paper, which can look messy and may not hang straight.
Using flimsy paper: Thin paper like newsprint tears easily. If you’re using actual comic pages, they are usually sturdy enough, but if you’re printing, use cardstock or heavy paper.
Not spacing flags evenly: Uneven spacing can make the banner look haphazard. Measure the distance between flags or use a piece of tape as a guide.
Gluing the string to the paper: If you glue the string itself, the flags won’t slide and the banner will be stiff. Always glue the flap to itself, leaving the string free.

Tips

Mix and match: Use different comic titles or genres for a varied look. You can also mix in solid colored paper for contrast.
Laminate for outdoor use: If you’re hanging the bunting outside, laminate the flags or use contact paper to protect them from moisture.
Make it reversible: When you cut the rectangle and fold it, you can place two different comic pages back-to-back before folding, so each flag has a different pattern on each side.
Use a paper cutter: If you have a paper trimmer, it will make cutting straight lines much faster and easier.
Add letters: You can cut out letters from other pages and glue them onto the flags to spell out a name or message.

Troubleshooting

Flags keep sliding off the string: If you used the fold-over method, make sure the flap is glued down securely. If you used holes, make sure the holes are not too large for the string. You can also tie a knot on each side of the flag to keep it in place.
The banner sags in the middle: Use a stiffer string like twine or wire, or add extra support by taping the middle of the banner to the wall.
The paper tears when folding: If your paper is delicate, use a bone folder or the back of a spoon to crease the fold gently. You can also reinforce the top edge with a strip of tape before folding.
Flags look crooked: Make sure your initial rectangle is perfectly straight. Use a ruler and pencil to mark the cutting lines. When folding, align the corners exactly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of paper? Yes, you can use any paper, but heavier paper like cardstock or glossy magazine pages will hold their shape better. Avoid thin newsprint as it tears easily.
How many flags do I need for a 6-foot banner? If you space flags about 2 inches apart, you’ll need about 20-24 flags for a 6-foot (1.8 m) banner. If you want them closer, you’ll need more.
Can I make the bunting without a hole punch? Absolutely. The fold-over method doesn’t require holes. You can also use tape to attach the flags to the string, though it may look less neat.
How do I hang the bunting? You can use removable hooks, nails, or simply tie the ends to furniture. For a party, you can also tape it to the wall with painter’s tape.
Can I use this technique for other themes? Yes, you can use wrapping paper, scrapbook paper, or even old maps or sheet music instead of comic books. The technique is the same.
Is it safe to use with young children? Yes, but scissors are sharp, so adult supervision is needed. You can also pre-cut the triangles and let kids glue them onto the string.

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