A couple weeks ago I got a request from a client to make a pennant banner (or bunting) out of some old dresses she'd been saving. I thought it was a great idea, and I'm guessing that she probably isn't the only one out there who'd like to have a reusable keepsake like this one.
So. This tutorial will take you through the process of making your own. They really are very straight forward and fun. The skill level is beginner to intermediate.
The first thing you'll need to make is a cardboard template.
I made a template for a flag that was 5x6 inches, but you can adjust the tutorial to fit any size flag.
Supplies:
cereal box (for the cardboard)
pen or thin tip marker
clear grid ruler
scissors
Start by drawing a horizontal line with the ruler. This will be the base width of the flag. Mark the starting point, the ending point, and the exact center of the line. I marked my line at 0 inches, 5 inches, and 2 1/2 inches.
Then, line up your base line with one of the horizontal lines on your ruler. Adjust your ruler so that the straight edge intersects with the center mark on your base line.
Measure out the exact length you want for your flags, and mark it on this line.
Mine was 6 inches.
Now, connect the starting and ending marks of the base line with the top mark of this new line to make the sides of the triangle.
This is the finished size of your flag. But we're not quite done yet. We still need to add seam allowance. Line up the edges of the triangle with the quarter-inch line on your grid ruler. On my ruler these lines are orange. Mark 1/4 inch seam allowance around the entire triangle.
Notice at the tippy top of the triangle, I measured 1/4 inch from the point and drew a line across. This is not totally necessary, but it will save a little time trimming the point, and it makes for a more professional-looking template.
Now cut out your template (outside the seam allowance) and you are ready to roll!
You might want to just jump in without waiting for the second part of the tutorial, and of course that's fine. But I've made so many of these that I might just have a hint or two that could save you some time and headache.
Stay tuned for pt 2: "sewing your pennant banner".
