How to Make Christmas Praise Banners

How to Make Christmas Praise Banners

1. Decide on Size and Fabric.

We selected a 54" upholstery weight fabric with a diagonal design.

We purchased 2 yards (6 feet).

2. Decide on the words and lettering.

We selected a lightweight silk in a solid gold color. The fabric needs to be heavy enough that the background fabric will not show through. We also decided to make our own template for lettering. PEACE, LOVE, and JOY were the praise words we selected. We purchased 1 5/8 yards of fabric and double sided bonding.

3. Cut and hem the banner.

We chose to make the banner in 3 pieces. I simply divided the fabric into 3 equal pieces and cut - remember to keep the grain of the fabric so that the selvedge edge is on the sides. This will keep it from stretching while hanging. Next turn under the two side edges 1" twice, pin, and press. Then stitch evenly down both sides. Tape an index card to your sewing machine to help keep your seam even. You will have six of those same seams so it helps to make the job quicker as well as the seams uniform.

Hem the top and bottom next by turning under those edges 1 " pin, and press. You may stitch the first banner casing but wait before stitching the remaining two casings until you have hung the hanging and checked to see if the diagonal pattern matches closely. You may need to make additional adjustments to make sure that the length needs adjustments also. We made our banners all about the same length but you make want your banners to be of different lengths.

Turn under the top edge an additional 2 inches and stitch. This forms the casing for the top of the wall hanging.

The hem of the bottom will be a point by bringing the two corner pieces together in the center back. Pin, press, but do not stitch until the project adjustments are acceptable. Then stitch using the same seam allowance for the sides and hand hem the center.

We added a tassel to the bottom of each point. Simply tack at the point and into the center back seam.

4. The Lettering.

First, press the fabric. Then follow the instruction on the bonding. The instructions had us to press the bonding fabric to the lettering fabric on the wrong side. Next we drew the letters on the paper (remember you are working in reverse when drawing the letters. Next, cut out the letters and space them onto your banners. Remove the paper backing and press onto the banner using directions from the bonding. The use of a pressing cloth helps to protect your iron. Sew around each letter using a machine satin stitch to give a finished appearance and extend the life of the project.

5. Hanging.

We chose a 48 " adjustable curtain rod with finials. (Walmart on clearance for $16.00). We chose to use T pins to hand the wall hanging so that it will hang closer to the wall.  Hanging the project closer to the wall will reduce movement due to air-conditioning and increase the life of the project. We did not line our banners. However, banners may be lined and draped for a different effect.

6.  Consider the Cost

This project is not cheap. The upholstery fabric is $29.99 per yard. The lettering fabric is $19.99 per yard. The bonding varies depending on the brand but figure about $6 to $10. The tassels we selected ran $1.99 each but there are several different sizes and styles to choose from and the price is just as diverse. It took 3 large spools of thread at $1.99 each.  (Watch for sales and coupons - we were fortunate and got our upholstery fabric at 40% off - watch for remnants too if you are not in a hurry for your project.)

7.  Let Us Praise Him!

Praise Banners are becoming more and more popular. They are not just for Christmas and holidays any longer. Praise is always becoming to a child of God.