Pennant Tutorial

Create a simple decorative fabric pennant for a child’s room. Read the full tutorial before beginning and adjust the dimensions if you want a different finished size.

Materials

• Two pieces of fabric measuring 35 × 40 cm each; cotton canvas works well.
• A 35 cm wooden or metal rod.
• Approximately 35 × 35 cm of adhesive contact paper.
• Scissors or a cutting machine.
• A brush and fabric paint in your preferred color.
• An iron, pins, and sewing supplies or fabric adhesive.

Instructions

1. Prepare the fabric. Press a 1 cm fold along each side of both rectangles, leaving each piece approximately 33 cm wide. Press a 2 cm fold along the top edge.
2. Shape the point. Mark the center of the lower edge. On both sides, mark a point 14 cm above the bottom edge. Fold or draw diagonal lines from these side marks to the lower center point, press the folds, and cut away the excess fabric. Repeat for the second piece.
3. Create the stencil. Choose a drawing, word, or phrase for the front of the pennant. Print or sketch the design on paper first, then transfer it to the contact paper and cut it out carefully. A simple design is easiest when cutting by hand.
4. Apply the stencil. Adhere the contact-paper stencil to the front fabric piece. Smooth it thoroughly so there are no bubbles or loose edges where paint could seep underneath.
5. Paint the design. Apply fabric paint through the stencil. Allow the paint to dry completely, then peel away the contact paper carefully.
6. Assemble the pennant. Place the two fabric pieces together with their finished sides facing outward and their reverse sides touching. Sew around the outline. The pieces may also be joined by hand or with a suitable fabric adhesive.
7. Make the rod pocket. Fold the upper edge toward the back and secure it to form a channel wide enough for the rod. Insert the wooden or metal rod to finish the pennant.