Pointed Banner Tutorial
Do you have a majestic finish that deserves better than a frame? This is your sign to try something new! In this tutorial I'll show you how to create a pointed banner finish in a few easy steps. It's the perfect way to give some extra flair to your finished project 💫📜
Works For Many Designs!
I created this tutorial for my Wild Horses pattern, but you can use it with any design you love! It works especially well with patterns that have some kind of natural border built in - the purple border in Wild Horses is perfect for this, as it gives you a clear reference point to measure all your edges from.
This tutorial works equally well with my Art Nouveau Fox pattern:
Measuring & Marking
Determining Margins
Before we do anything, we need to decide on our margins: In other words, how much empty fabric you want to show around your stitching. This is a personal choice, so take a moment to fold your project and play around with it until you're happy with how it looks.
Drawing Stitching Lines (On The Backside Of Your Work!)
Once you've settled on a size, mark your stitching lines with a (chalk) pencil on the backside of your work (very important!). I like to mark the edges roughly first, then go back with a ruler to draw the full lines cleanly (see images below).
For the the Wild Horses pattern, I've added 5cm/2in along the sides and bottom of the purple border, including the slanted edges. For any other pattern, look for a natural or visual border and use it as your reference point, marking an equal margin along the sides and bottom.
One important thing: skip drawing the top line! That fabric needs to stay long so it can wrap around the dowel later.
Cutting Excess Fabric
Once your sides and bottom edges are all stitched and all pins are removed, you can go ahead and cut off the excess fabric. You can get quite close to the stitching line here.
Again, be sure to leave the fabric at the top alone, as we'll need this!
Inserting Your Padding
Ironing
Now for the fun part: Turn your work right-side out and take a moment to admire it! Doesn't it look so good?🤩
This is also the perfect time to give your work a good iron on both sides. The edges may be standing up a little from the stitching inside, and ironing now will flatten them out nicely. It's also your last chance to remove any creases, since ironing after the padding is inserted isn't recommended. Not all padding handles heat well!
Cutting & Inserting Padding
Cut your padding to size. I recommend trimming slowly and placing it on your banner every now and then to check the fit. You'll want a snug fit that won't stretch your fabric! Don't trim the top edge too short: The padding should extend as far up as the sides and bottom margins, so it fills the banner all the way to the top.
For my version of this banner I used 3 layers of extra stiff polyester felt, but any padding will do: Regular (wool) felt, or batting/wadding all work great!
Once your padding is the right size, slide it into your banner and flatten it out, making sure it sits neatly into all the corners.
Adding The Dowel
Folding Time!
Time to take care of that top edge you've been so patiently leaving alone!😉 If you have enough fabric at the top, you can fold it over just like you're wrapping a present! Have a look at the image to the left. Fold one corner in, then the other, so a neat diagonal point forms in the middle. Then fold that point down and over - but before you do, slip your dowel into place.
Securing The Edge
Looking good, but we still need to secure everything! Take a thread of your choice (I used 2 strands of DMC 939) and whip stitch along the folded edge, piercing both your Aida/linen/evenweave and the backing fabric as you go (see image below). A blanket stitch works here too. Work your way around the edge and voilà, you now have a neat, secure back that'll last!
Your Finished Banner
You did it! You've created a beautiful, timeless banner that's majestic as heck!🪡 Go hang it somewhere it can be properly admired, your work deserves to be shown off!
Find both patterns below!
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Mossy Frog - PDF
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