Easy Valentine’s Craft: DIY Heart Bunting

Make your own Valentine’s decor in under 30 minutes with this super simple paper heart bunting tutorial.

If you're looking for a simple and fun Valentine’s craft, this DIY heart bunting is a great easy project. Use our free paper heart template and easy-to-follow steps, to either sew or glue a valentine’s heart bunting. This tutorial will help you create a fun paper bunting no matter if you're a beginner sewist or just want a quick, Valentines craft to make with the kids. If you enjoy this project, you’ll find even more easy sewing patterns to inspire your next make HERE too.

Whether you’re just starting out with sewing and looking to build confidence with an easy beginner project or a busy parent who wants to create something special without the stress, this project is designed to be simple, fun, and totally achievable—even if you don’t sew often.

To make it even easier, I’ve put together a free heart bunting template so you don’t have to worry about measuring or drawing your own shapes. And the best part? You can use it to make 2 different styles of heart bunting by either sewing it together or use some glue for a no-sew version to make with the kids. So, no matter your skill level, you can create this easy Valentines paper heart bunting.

Sewing projects can sometimes feel a little intimidating, especially if you're just getting started. Maybe you worry about getting everything perfect, choosing the right settings, or whether your stitches will turn out the way you want. But sewing doesn’t have to be stressful! This project is all about enjoying the process, having fun, and making something by hand—without any pressure for perfection.

There are 2 styles of  DIY heart bunting you can make from this tutorial.

-          A classic style of hearts attached to a ribbon to hang horizontally

-          A 3D style of hearts joined together to hang vertically.

MATERIALS

For this easy project you will need;

• Cardstock/Paper – Choose red, pink, white, or patterned paper for a classic Valentine’s look, or mix and match colours to suit your style. Thick paper or cardstock is sturdy enough for sewing but still flexible enough to work with easily. Save time by using the printable patterned heart template, which you can download HERE.
• Ribbon – This will hold your hearts together and allow you to hang your bunting. A thin satin ribbon or string that will sit flat while you sew it works best.
• Scissors - A good pair of scissors will make cutting smooth and easy. If you have decorative-edge scissors, they can add a fun touch to your hearts!
• Paper Glue (For the 3D and No-Sew Version) – If you’re making the 3D heart bunting or skipping the sewing machine.
• Sewing Machine, Pins/Clips & Thread (For the Stitched Version) – A basic straight stitch is all you need. Choose a thread color that contrasts for a bold look or a neutral matching colour for a subtle finish.
• Free Heart Bunting Template – use our template with a choice of 3 different patterned hearts to choose from. Or use the shape as a guide to cut out your own hearts from plain/patterned cardstock.

➡️ Download the Free Paper Heart Bunting Template Here!

INSTRUCTIONS

Classic Paper Heart Bunting

This classic paper heart bunting makes a line of hearts horizontally, attached to a ribbon or string.

Step 1: Download & Print the Free Template

• Start by downloading the  free heart bunting template.
• Print it on regular paper or cardstock. Make sure your printer settings are on “actual size”.
• If you don’t have a printer you can trace the shape off your screen onto some thin paper or baking paper to use as your template. Make sure you are viewing the template at 100% so it is the correct size.
• Print/trace enough hearts for the length of your bunting – in this example we have used 8 patterned paper hearts, back-to-back to make them double sided. This makes a total string of 4 hearts in a row.

Step 2: Cut Out the Hearts

• Choose the patterned heart you would like to use from template, or use a mixture of all three.
• If you are using plain cardstock trace the heart shape onto your cardstock. You can mix and match colours or patterns for variety.
• Cut each heart out neatly with scissors.

Step 3: Assemble the Bunting

• Arrange half of your hearts pattern side down, leaving a small gap between each one, spacing them evenly.
• If you are using glue (not sewing), lightly glue each heart on the non patterned side.
• Lay your ribbon along the line of hearts, ensuring you leave some extra at either end to tie up your bunting.
• Place the other half of your hearts pattern side up on top of each heart (pattern side down).
• Press together with your hands if using glue. If using a sewing machine, clip the hearts together or pin along the ribbon line to hold in place before sewing
• Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, stitch each heart to the ribbon along the length of the ribbon.
• Continue stitching along the ribbon until you get to the end of the heart chain. Note – if you aren’t using a matching thread colour to your ribbon your stitching will be seen along the ribbon between the hearts.

3D Paper Heart Bunting

This 3D paper heart bunting makes a line of 3D paper hearts vertically, attached to a ribbon or string.

Step 1: Download & Print the Free Template

• Start by downloading the free heart bunting template.
• Print it on regular paper or cardstock. Make sure your printer settings are on “actual size”.
• If you don’t have a printer you can trace the shape off your screen onto some thin paper or baking paper to use as your template. Make sure you are viewing the template at 100% so it is the correct size.
• Print/trace enough hearts for the length of your bunting – in this example we have used 12 patterned paper hearts from the template, to make 4 of the 3D hearts in a chain.

Step 2: Cut Out the Hearts

• Choose the patterned heart you would like to use from template or use a mixture of all three.
• If you are using plain cardstock trace the heart shape onto your cardstock. You can mix and match colours or patterns for variety.
• Cut each heart out neatly with scissors.

Step 3: Assemble the Bunting

• Arrange your cut out hearts into piles of 3 – as you will need 3 heart cutouts to make each 3D heart.
• Take your first pile of 3 hearts. Place one heart cutout patterned side down, and glue half of the non-patterned side.
• Take your second heart cutout and fold it in half patterned sides together, unfold. Place half of the folded heart cutout over the glued section of your first heart – so you have 2 hearts glued together halfway.
• Glue the remaining non patterned sides of these 2 hearts.
• Take your third heart and attach patterned side up to the glued section, so you have a 3D heart shape.
• Repeat for remaining this process to make all the 3D hearts on your bunting (I have made 4 of the 3D hearts in this example).
• Gently fold each 3D heart flat. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, stitch each heart together through the middle fold vertically. Continue stitching each heart together one after the other to form a vertical chain.
• If you are using glue instead of a sewing machine, attach each heart to some ribbon/string along the center fold so they hang down vertically. Or glue the ribbon in place (down the middle of the heart) before attaching your third heart.

Your handmade Valentine’s decoration is now ready! Hang your bunting across a mantel, doorway, wall, or in a child’s room to add a sweet and festive touch.

💡 Extra Ideas: Personalize your bunting by writing messages on each heart, adding glitter or stickers, or you could also make one using felt or leftover fabric scraps too.

More Easy Sewing Projects to Try

If you enjoyed making this DIY heart bunting, why not keep the creativity going? Simple, beginner-friendly projects like this are a great way to build confidence in sewing while making something fun and useful. Whether you're looking for more beginner friendly sewing projects or a quick make to fit into your day, we have a range of easy sewing patterns you’ll love.

Here are a few ideas to explore next:

• Free Personalised Felt Crown Template – Make your own personalised felt birthday crown for the kids with this template and video sew along instructions.
• 5 in 1 Clip on Animal Tail Pattern – Fill your kids dress up box with fun with these easy to make clip on animal tails.
• Felt Nurse Crown – A great way to use up fabric scraps while making something cute!

Each of these patterns is designed to be a beginner friendly, quick and fun make, so you can enjoy sewing without the pressure of perfection and put a smile on your kids face with something you made just for them.

➡️ Browse Easy Sewing Patterns Here!

I’d love to see what you create! If you make this DIY heart bunting, share a photo and tag me on Instagram @schooza.makes —I can’t wait to see your beautiful makes!