Old-Fashioned Christmas Bunting Pattern
This old fashioned Christmas bunting is a timeless holiday decor item that you can use year after year! With an easy to follow pattern, you will be on your way to creating your own family heirloom in no time!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Meaning of the word Noel
The word “Noel” is significant during the Christmas season and comes to us from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.” In modern times it is defined as “Christmas” or “a Christmas carol.” The classic Christmas carol, “The First Noel,” is a beautiful contemplation on the birth of Christ.
My heart behind the pattern
I love the term Noel for this banner because it has such a rich, old-fashioned feel to it. It makes me think of Louisa May Alcotts, “Little Women” … a time when things were simpler and people were more grateful…even amidst hardship.
When I set out on this project, I really didn’t intend to create an embroidery pattern. I knew I wanted something classic and romantically old-fashioned. I also wanted something a bit different from my first pattern, The Birthday Banner. So, I decided to go with a solid linen fabric which meant the letters would need a little dressing up.
Well, long story short…I’ve fallen in love with embroidery. It’s been the absolute best hobby for me to do as a young mom. It’s easily transportable and I can set it down at a moment’s notice without worrying about losing my place. Now please hear me…I’ve done very little embroidery in my life prior to this… I was truly a novice when I started this project. And if I can do it…you can too! It turns out having the right pattern can really make a huge difference.
Materials Needed:
Pattern – This PDF pattern can be dowloaded today easily be printed at home. Make sure to print at %100 scale (not “scale to fit”)
Fabric – 1/2 yard of 54 inch wide fabric or 3/4 yard of 44 inch wide fabric and matching thread
Lining (optional) – 3/4 yard of 44 inch wide cotton fabric, muslin, or drop cloth. I personally really like the drop cloth as it gives a bit of structure to the banner adding to its sophistication and elegance.
Double fold bias tape – 84 inches of ½ inch double fold bias tape OR 1 package of ½ inch double fold bias tape, 3 yards per package (I love keeping a large bulk roll of double fold bias tape around in a neutral off-white, but for this project I went with a single package in deep red)
Felt – 2 pieces of 8 ½ x 11 inch felt in white and white thread
Thread – White for the letters, and coordinating thread for the pennons and bias tape.
Two sheets of printable embroidery paper – This is such a cool product! I used Sticky Fabri-Solvy by Sulky. Print with the “fabric” side up.
Embroidery floss – 4 skeins of your choice green embroidery floss for the greenery and 2 skeins of your choice of red embroidery floss for the stars and berries.
Tools Needed:
Sewing Machine
Pins
Sewing Shears
Sewing gauge or tape measurer – I’m a huge fan of a sewing gauge, especially for projects like this!
Embroidery Hoop – 6 inch embroidery hoop.
Embroidery Needles and Scissors
Optional but Helpful: Rotary Cutter with Self-healing Mat and Sewing Ruler
What does the pattern include?
Fully printable instant downloadable pdf pattern
Instructions for sewing bunting
Embroidery guide for hand embroidery (basic knowledge of embroidery is needed)
Helpful notes and tips throughout!
Embroidery stitch tutorial video coming soon! Watch as I demonstrate the stitches used in this exact pattern!
How to display your bunting
As I was thinking of the different ways this could be styled in a home, several ideas came to mind….
From the mantel – This is how I currently have ours on display. However, if you had stockings hung up, this may not be the best place for it (we have several mantels in our home, so I am just using the non-stocking mantel)
Above the kitchen window – Often during the holidays we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and this bunting would add so much Christmas charm to this very utilitarian space.
In a doorway – You could even place it in the doorway to your front door for a party…I just wouldn’t leave it overnight as you don’t want it to get damaged….you put a lot of work into this beautiful heirloom.
On the wall – You could even do a little gallery wall around it!
Suspended in a corner of a room – I’m not entirely certain what I think of this idea, but depending on what other decorations you have, this could possibly look cute!
On the tree – Another one I’m unsure of, but I feel as though this may be something the victorians would have done.
There are so many possibilities! Let me know your ideas in the comments!
As always, with love,
Ashlei
