Stitch a colourful bunting

1. Use the template from page 83 to draw five pennants onto turquoise linen using a fabric maker or pencil. On three of the shapes – referring to the image as a guide or creating your own design – draw a cluster of six circles with a seventh in the centre.

2. On the remaining two shapes sketch a square, with diagonal lines running from corner to corner and a circle inside each. To the centres of each of the circles stitch a decorative gem or button. Thread an embroidery needle with two strands of thread and, beginning at any part of the design, chain stitch along the lines, varying the thread colours on each piece.

3. Once the embroidery is complete, cut out the pennants. Use the templates to cut backing fabric for each from purple cotton and tack the two layers together, close to the edges. Stitch satin bias binding along the edges, except for the top.

4. Fold a 40cm piece of red linen in half lengthways, then press each of the long edges under by 1cm. Trim the strip, if necessary, to measure 1m in length. Pin lengths of braid and ribbon along one half of this strip and stitch into place by hand or machine. Turn each short end under by 1cm for a neat finish.

5. To assemble the bunting, evenly place the tops of the flags along the seam allowance of the top strip and tack into place. Fold the long strip in half and stitch through the layers to secure the pennants. Sew a length of frilled braid or lace along the lower edge to cover the join, if desired.

6. To finish, hand stitch a length of beaded braid along the sides and top, creating loops at each of the corners and intervals along the top edge as you work. These will prove useful for hanging the bunting from doors or pinning to walls.