Guidelines For Making Fabric Church Banners

By Coleen Cote


Fabric church banners are a wonderful way to display messages and themes and add to the overall look and feel of a church. Some are used for informing people of service times or displaying the church name and logo. Others are used to convey scriptural messages and can be used throughout the year or at specific ceremonies or holidays. Outside banners are also sometimes used.

Some important details need to be decided on before staring to make a banner. Where it will be used and how big it needs to be are the first things that need to be considered. Banners that are intended for outside need to be bigger and should also be made from much stronger materials to ensure that it does not get worn easily.

Another important thing to think about is the purpose of the banner. One must decide whether it is purely informative or whether it is a special themed banner for a particular religious holiday. It may also be a verse or passage that could be used on most days.

One must also decide on the materials that will be used. Cotton fabrics work well for the main part. The actual design can be cut out of velvet or felt, or painted with fabric paint. Other adornments such as rope or gemstones can also be added.

Once the overall size has been decided, it is a good idea to cut the material a little bigger than the final size to allow for a hem. Also, remember to create a channel at the top as well so that a dowel stick can be slid in for hanging.

The design should then be carefully be planned out. Visual consistency and flow are important here, as is balance. Although the writing and image should be bold and big enough to see clearly from far away, having a lot of open space in between often creates a bigger impact. Simplicity works well because the overall look is not distracting or cluttered.

Once the design is finalized, it can be adjusted to the correct size in a computer program. It is then a good idea to get it printed to scale at a professional printer. This paper print out can then be used as a template. Cut out each element and use it to trace the design onto the bits of felt or materials of your choice and then cut them out. Bear in mind the importance of colors as this will effect the overall feeling that the banner evokes.

Take the cut out elements and place them onto the main piece of material to get an idea of what the finished product will look like. If you are happy with the layout, then begin assembling all the pieces with fabric glue or by sewing.

Once the glued pieces are all in place, fabric church banners should be left overnight to dry completely. The next day you will be able to step back and admire the fruits of your crafty work.




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