Created by: Maker, Fran Gulick
Hi there – It’s Fran from Cotton and Joy! I’m here today to share a fun and quick project you can make as a decoration for your sewing room or as a gift – an enamel pin banner!
This project’s inspiration came from my own need for a new enamel pin banner. I’ve had one hanging in my sewing room for years but it’s not almost completely full so it’s time for a new one. I debated buying one but then I had the idea to just make one, and I adore how it turned out. I honestly want to make a few more just to hang around (with or without pins!) or as a gift!
Any who, without further ado, let’s get started!
Materials
- One 8″ (finished) block
- ⅓ yard fabric for the background, cut the following pieces:
- (2) 8 ½” x 2″ side borders
- (2) 11 ½” x 5″ top/bottom borders
- (1) 11 ½” x 18″ back
- ½ yard fusible stabilizer (I used Pellon SF 101), cut the following pieces:
- (2) 11 ½” x 18″
- Dowel
- 20″ of twine
- Coordinating thread
- Rotary cutter, cutting mat, and ruler
- Fabric marking pen
The fabric used in this project is Essence by Fran Gulick for Riley Blake Designs.
Instructions
Before getting started you’ll need an 8″ (finished block). I didn’t have one just sort of laying around (surprisingly!) so I made a Sawtooth Star – you can make one following this tutorial from Brittany Lloyd of Lo and Behold Stitchery.
- Piece the Banner Front
Once you have the block 8″ (finished) block done, add the sides borders to it, pressing the seams toward the background. Then add the top and bottom borders, once again pressing toward the background.
The front of the banner should now measure 11 ½” x 18″
2. Fuse Interfacing
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, fuse the interfacing to the banner front from Step 1, as well as to the banner back fabric.
3. Trim Banner Pieces
After fusing the interfacing, trim the banner’s front and back pieces to 11 ½” x 18″.
Then, on the banner’s front piece, mark the center on the bottom edge. Then, mark 3″ from the bottom on both sides. Draw a line connecting the side markings with the bottom’s center creating a downward point. Trim on the drawn line, and discard the excess.
Repeat this process with the banner’s back piece.
4. Sew the Edges
Place the front and back of the banner, right sides together, and pin in place. Then, sew around the sides and bottom using a ¼” seam allowance. Leave the top of the banner open.
Turn the banner inside out through the top opening, carefully pushing the corners and bottom point out. Press the banner to ensure the edges are nice and crisp.
Optional: topstitch around the entire banner’s sewn edges. I didn’t do this and I kind of wish I had, but it’s totally up to personal preference.
5. Finish the Banner
To finish the banner, first fold the open top ¼” twice and stitch close. Next, fold the top of the banner over roughly 1 ½” on the back and stitch down, sewing through to the front of the banner, to create the dowel sleeve.
Last, but not least, push the dowel through the sleeve and tie the twine on either side. Hang and enjoy!
