Burlap Banner Basics: Diy Wedding Décor

Burlap banners are a popular choice for weddings, with their rustic look adding a natural warmth and texture to the decor. They can be easily customised to suit the style and theme of your wedding, and can even be reused for honeymoon decor. To make a burlap banner, you will need materials such as burlap fabric, twine, paint, scissors, stencils, and ribbon. The process involves creating the letters or design, tracing or stencilling them onto the burlap, painting or colouring them in, and then assembling the banner by stringing the burlap pieces together. You can experiment with different shapes for the burlap pieces, such as triangles, squares, or swallowtail flags, and add embellishments like lace or ribbon for a more sophisticated look.

Cutting the burlap

Before you start cutting, decide on the desired shape and size of your burlap pennants. Popular options include swallowtail, square, rectangle, triangle, or circle. For a wedding banner, squares or triangles are common choices.

If you're a beginner or want to save time, consider using pre-cut burlap sheets or card stock. These can be easily found at craft stores and will save you the hassle of cutting the burlap from scratch.

When cutting the burlap, always use sharp scissors or a craft knife. Fabric scissors are an excellent choice as they provide precision and sharp cuts. Cut slowly and carefully to achieve straight lines and your desired shape. If you're cutting multiple pieces, use a template to ensure consistency.

If you're creating a banner with pointed ends, like swallowtail or triangle shapes, fold the burlap in half before cutting to ensure symmetry. Cut from the fold to the corners, creating a symmetrical point.

For square or rectangular pennants, cut out your desired width and length. If you want a more unfinished, rustic look, you can fray the edges of the burlap by gently pulling out a few strands along the edges.

If you're using a stencil to create letters or designs on your banner, position the stencil on the burlap before cutting. Secure it with tape, ensuring the cardstock is flat and won't shift during cutting. Cut out the letters or shapes using a sharp craft knife, being careful to follow the lines of the stencil.

Remember to plan the number of pennants you need for your banner and cut accordingly. For a wedding banner, you may want a longer banner with more pennants to spell out your message.

Choosing a font

• Consider the theme and style of your wedding: If you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might want to choose a font that reflects that, such as a handwritten or script font. If your wedding is more formal or elegant, you might opt for a serif or sans-serif font.
• Legibility: Choose a font that is easy to read from a distance. You want your guests to be able to see and read your banner clearly. Avoid fonts that are too intricate or fancy, as they may be difficult to read, especially from a distance.
• Size: The size of your font will depend on the size of your banner. Make sure the font is large enough to be seen, but not so large that it overwhelms the banner. Play around with different sizes until you find the right balance.
• Experiment with different fonts: Don't be afraid to experiment with different fonts until you find the one that feels right. Print out a few options and see how they look on the banner. You can also ask for feedback from family and friends to get a second opinion.
• Keep it simple: It's generally best to avoid overly decorative or ornate fonts, as they can be difficult to read and may detract from the overall design. Stick to clean, simple fonts that complement the rustic charm of the burlap.
• Consider the colour: The colour of your font will also play a role in its legibility and overall aesthetic. White paint is a popular choice for burlap banners, as it creates a crisp, clear contrast. However, you may want to experiment with other colours that match your wedding colour palette.

Remember, the font you choose should reflect the style and theme of your wedding and be easy for your guests to read. By taking the time to select the right font, you can create a beautiful and cohesive addition to your wedding decor.

Painting letters

Painting the letters on your burlap banner is a simple process, but it does require some preparation.

First, you'll need to decide on the letters you want to include in your banner. For a "Mr. & Mrs." banner, for example, you'll need two M's, an R, and an S, as well as an ampersand symbol. You can print out these letters in your chosen font and size, cut them out, and use them as stencils. Play around with different fonts until you find the one that suits your banner best.

Once you have your letters, you'll need to secure them to the burlap. Tape can be used to secure the paper letters to the burlap, with the letters facing down. You can use regular Scotch tape, or you could opt for painter's tape if you have some.

Now it's time to paint! Use a paintbrush and acrylic paint to carefully fill in the letters. Be generous with the paint to ensure that the letters stand out and are solid and bright. White paint is a popular choice for burlap banners, but you can choose any colour you like.

After painting, you'll need to let the paint dry. Depending on how much paint you used, this could take around 30 minutes. Once the paint is dry, carefully remove the paper letters, and your painted banner letters are ready!

Attaching the twine

To attach the twine to your burlap banner, you can use a few different methods depending on the look you want to achieve and your crafting preferences. Here is a detailed guide on four methods:

Weaving Method:

This method involves weaving the twine in and out of the burlap fabric at regular intervals. Cut a minimum of 12 feet of twine, and start by inserting the twine upward through the burlap about 1 inch from the top. Weave the twine at about 1-inch intervals. If the end of the twine loses its sharpness and becomes difficult to insert, snip it at an angle to make it easier. Shimmie the burlap letters down the twine carefully as you attach additional squares. Leave about 3 feet of twine at each end of the banner for easy hanging.

Glue Method:

For this method, you will need a hot glue gun and some extra burlap or ribbon. Line up your burlap squares in the correct order and flip them over. Apply two drops of hot glue on either side of each square and attach your twine. Make sure to leave extra ribbon or twine on both sides for hanging.

Stitching Method:

If you are comfortable with sewing, you can fold the base of each burlap square by about half an inch and string them together with jute or twine. Use stick pins to attach the twine to the folded burlap. You can also stitch the edges of the burlap squares with a contrasting thread for added decoration.

Clothespins and String Method:

This method is ideal if you want to be able to rearrange your banner or reuse the burlap squares. Cut out your burlap squares and attach the letters using letter stencils. Then, use clothespins to secure the burlap squares to a length of hemp string or twine. You can space the squares as close or as far apart as you like and easily rearrange them if needed.

Adding decorations

Paint and Stencils

Use paint and stencils to add letters, designs, or other decorations to your banner. You can print out letters or designs and trace them onto the burlap, or use pre-made stencils. Fill in the stenciled designs with paint, being careful to keep the paint from going under the stencil. You can use regular paintbrushes or foam brushes, depending on the look you want. Let the paint dry completely before handling the banner.

Ribbons and Fabric

Ribbons and fabric can add colour, texture, and visual interest to your banner. Choose ribbons in different patterns and textures, such as satin, sheer, grosgrain, striped, gingham, or chevron. Cut the ribbons to your desired length and tie them between each burlap pennant, or glue them in place. You can also add fabric flowers, buttons, or lace for a more decorative touch.

Lace and Twine

For a more sophisticated look, add some white lace to your banner. You can glue or sew the lace onto the burlap pennants. Twine can also be used to give your banner a rustic feel. Weave the twine through the burlap at regular intervals, or use it to string the pennants together.

Glitter and Stickers

For a glitzy effect, spread glitter over chipboard letters and attach them to the banner with Mod Podge. You can also use fabric letters, iron-on transfers, or stickers to add words or designs to your banner.

Be Creative

Feel free to experiment with different materials and techniques to create a unique banner. You can use an X-ACTO knife to cut out letters or designs, or try stamping, gluing, or sewing on decorations. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity flow!

Frequently asked questions