I thought that was good enough.
But, I understand kids like to be festive. I sure did when I was their age. I went fabric shopping last year a few days before Halloween, looking for some very specific charm packs, and while I didn't find them, I did find that my local shop had their Halloween fabric on sale for 40% off. I picked up a couple cuts and planned right then and there to make a Halloween banner, like a birthday banner I made a few years ago.
And, I thought, since it's a really easy project, that I'd share here how I make banners! I know there are faster methods, but I like mine to be really finished. Quick, lightweight banners don't often have finished edges, and I like mine to be durable. It doesn't take that much longer to make them right.
Before I get to that, though, I wanted to point out two tools that I used with my second banner that made it so much easier. They aren't essential, and I certainly wouldn't suggest you go out and buy them for this one project, but I love them and they make a lot of projects I do a lot easier. And, no, this isn't a sponsored post in anyway, nor are any links affiliate. I just wanted to share about my tools.
The first is my Silhouette Cameo. I struggle with it, to be honest, but on the whole, I'm pleased with it. It doesn't always make perfect cuts like some people will have you believe, and I'm sure part of that is me and not understanding the settings. But, it does a pretty darn good job and it's far better (and easier) than anything I could do with a pair of scissors.
The second is my Bernina Top Stitching Foot, #10. I use this foot so much. I just love it! It helps me keep my stitching close and even. I use it anytime I want to be a little more precise, even if I'm not technically "top-stitching."
Now, onto the banner!
First, decide what style and size you want. My birthday banner uses triangles that are 9 inches tall, and for my Halloween banner, I decided to use 5x7 inch rectangles. Think about your space and where you'll hang it. My birthday banner is probably a little big as it hangs down a little low where we walk. Also make sure to think about what you want it to say. Happy Birthday and Happy Halloween are what I picked, but for Christmas, you could pick a lot of different phrases. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Peace, Ho Ho Ho, Joy (that one would be super quick!), or anything else you could think of.
Second, pick your fabrics. If you have a stash, this is a great way to use it, as you'll only need a little bit of fabric. I opted to get 1/3 yard cuts of the new prints I bought because I wanted to make sure I had at least 9-1/2 inches and sometimes the cuts get wonky. I always buy slightly more fabric than I need, just in case. But really, depending on how many prints you want to use, you really only need around a 6x8 inch piece of each. Perfect scrap buster. Cut out as many as you need, plus a backing for each. The backing can be plain as it shouldn't be seen if you hang it on a wall. I cut out 16 5-1/2x7-1/2 pieces for my Halloween banner and 16 backing pieces.
Third, pick your font and your lettering fabric. When I made my birthday banner, I printed out the letters from my computer and then traced the mirrored image onto fusible interfacing, then cut them out by hand. For my Halloween banner, I used my Silhouette Cameo and cut them out. You'll want to make sure that your lettering fabric has a good contrast to your banner fabrics so that your lettering will be visible (I missed the mark on a couple prints in this banner). Keep in mind a few things when you pick your font. It should be wide enough to top-stitch on, and if you're cutting it out by hand, you'll need something that you actually can cut out. I like to go for chubbier fonts so they are easier to work with, and so that they will be more visible on the banner.
Fourth, fuse the letters to the banner pieces. I measured up from the bottom and tried to center them as best I could, but since it'll be hanging and they won't be lined up and scrutinized, don't fret too much over this.
Fifth, topstitch the letters down. Technically, this is optional, but I like to make sure what I make is durable. If you're going to take the time to hand make something, you should do it right.
Sixth, sew the banner pieces to the backings along two sides and the bottom, right sides together. Leave the top open.
Seventh, clip the corners (but not the stitches!) to reduce bulk. Turn the pieces right side out and press.
Eighth, prepare your bias tape. Determine how long you want your piece(s) to be and cut enough 2-1/2 strips to be that length. I decided mine needed to be 120 inches for the longer one and 110 inches for the shorter one. You can always trim this down if it's too long, but it's more irritating to try to make it longer, and it needs to be long enough to have a couple feet of excess on either side of the banner pieces so you have room to tie it. Sew the strips together, ensuring the right sides are all on the same side of your strip, and press the seams open. press the two short ends in so the raw edges will be enclosed. Press the strip in half length-wise. Open it, and press both long edges in to the center pressed line. Refold the tape and press well so that the raw edges are enclosed.
Ninth, Find the middle of your bias tape strip and the middle of the banner pieces. Working from the middle out, pin the banner pieces into the bias tape. Once you are happy with the position, take the banner over to your sewing machine and top stitch the bias tape closed, making sure you catch all the edges.
And you're done! Not too bad, right? And what you have is a banner that can be used for many, many years to come. I've pulled out my birthday banner for numerous birthdays for the past 4 years, and it looks as good as the day I made it. There won't be any frayed edges to worry about, or fusible peeling off.
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