Brighten up your garden with bunting

Set the scene for your summer party using oddments of brightly coloured fabrics

Bunting is surprisingly quick and easy to make for a special occasion or children's party, and could be used in a child's bedroom afterwards.

From a mix of leftover fabrics, cut triangles measuring 20cm across the top by 25cm long.

Neaten sides of triangles if you want the bunting to be long-lasting - it's not necessary if the bunting is for occasional use only.

Press a long length of 2.5cm-wide white cotton tape in half lengthwise.

Slip tops of triangles inside folded tape and stitch in place with triangles positioned 5cm apart.

Cushions with simple envelope-style covers made from remnants make garden furniture extra-comfortable to sit on.

How to make:

For the front, cut a square of fabric the size of the cushion pad plus 1cm all around.

For the back, cut two rectangles each half the size of the pad plus 2cm in width and 6cm in depth.

Press under and stitch a hem on one long edge of both back pieces. Overlap hemmed edges.

With right sides together, lay back on top of front. Stitch around outer edges taking 1cm seam allowances. Turn right side out and press.

Complete the look by smartening up an old garden table with a bold check PVC-coated fabric cut to size.

Cotton fabrics for bunting and floral cushion from a selection at The Cloth House (020 7437 5155). PVC check fabric, stripe and check cushion fabrics, teapot, cup and saucer all from Laura Ashley (0871 230 2301). Garden table and chairs, glasses, jug and jars all from Rosehip (020 7385 9638).

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