Pennant Flags For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pennant flags are a fun and easy way to decorate for a wedding. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as cloth, paper, or plastic, and can be customized with different colours, designs, and graphics. Making pennant flags is a simple project that only requires straight stitching, making it perfect for beginners. To make pennant flags, you will need fabric for the flags and the hanging ribbon, pinking shears or a pinking blade, and a triangle template. You can cut the fabric into triangles and sew them together, leaving the top open to attach to the bias tape or ribbon. The pennant flags can then be spaced evenly or unevenly on the ribbon, depending on the desired look.

Choosing a theme

• Wedding Colours: Start by considering the colour palette of your wedding. Pennant flags are a great way to tie your colour scheme together. Decide if you want the flags to be in the same colours as your wedding party or if you want to complement those colours with different shades. You can also opt for a monochromatic look with different shades of the same colour or go for a contrasting combination for a bold statement.
• Wedding Style: The style and theme of your wedding can also guide your pennant flag design. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you might want to use twine or natural fibres for a more organic look. On the other hand, a modern or elegant wedding might call for sleek, satin ribbons and sophisticated colours. Consider incorporating elements like lace, burlap, or glitter to match the style of your wedding.
• Seasonal Elements: Think about the season in which your wedding will take place. You can incorporate seasonal colours and motifs into your pennant flag design. For instance, yellow, orange, and brown colours for an autumn wedding, or pastel shades and floral patterns for a spring celebration. You can also draw inspiration from the holidays, such as using red, white, and green for a Christmas wedding.
• Personalisation: Add a personal touch to your pennant flags by incorporating your initials, wedding date, or a meaningful quote or phrase. This can make the flags more unique and memorable. You can also include symbols or graphics that represent your interests as a couple.
• Location: The location of your wedding can also inspire your pennant flag theme. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you might want to incorporate seashells, starfish, or nautical themes into your flag design. Or, if you're getting married in a garden or outdoor setting, consider using floral prints or nature-inspired colours.
• Flag Shape and Size: Decide on the shape and size of your pennant flags. Traditional triangle-shaped flags are the most common, but you can also experiment with other shapes that fit your theme. For example, heart-shaped flags for a romantic theme or feather-shaped flags for a whimsical touch. The size of the flags will depend on the overall scale of your wedding decorations and the impact you want to create.

Remember, your pennant flags should reflect your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create for your wedding. Choose a theme that excites you and don't be afraid to get creative!

Selecting materials

Fabric

The type of fabric you choose will depend on the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Consider the theme and colour scheme of your wedding when selecting your fabrics. You can choose from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, linen, or even polyester. If you want a more luxurious and elegant look, consider using fabrics such as satin or chiffon. These fabrics drape beautifully and create a sophisticated aesthetic. On the other hand, if you're going for a more rustic or casual wedding theme, fabrics like burlap or cotton might be a better choice. They give off a more relaxed and natural vibe.

Colour and Pattern

When it comes to colour, you can go with shades that complement your wedding colour palette. This could be a few different shades of the same colour or a mix of colours that go well together. Don't be afraid to play with patterns as well. Mixing and matching different patterns and textures can add depth and interest to your pennant flags. Just make sure that the patterns you choose don't clash with each other and that they align with the overall style of your wedding.

String or Rope

The string or rope you use to hang your pennant flags will also contribute to the overall aesthetic. For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, consider using twine or jute string. This will give your pennant flags a more organic and natural look. If you want a more elegant or modern feel, opt for a classic string or ribbon. You can choose a colour that matches your fabric or goes with your wedding theme.

Other Materials

In addition to the main materials, you'll also need some other supplies. Scissors or a rotary cutter will be needed to cut your fabric into the desired pennant flag shape. A ruler or template will help you get precise measurements and angles. You can also use a hole punch to create holes in the flags for threading the string through. If you want to add extra decoration, consider using items like glitter, ribbons, or lace.

Remember, when selecting your materials, it's important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your personal preferences. Take the time to browse different options and don't be afraid to get creative!

Cutting the fabric

Firstly, select the fabric you want to use for your flags. Choose a fabric that complements your wedding theme and colour scheme. You will also need fabric for the hanging ribbon. It is recommended to use a variety of colours, patterns, and scales, including some small and large prints.

Once you have your fabric, cut it into the desired size and shape for your pennant flags. The standard size for pennant flags is 9 inches long and 7 inches wide at the top. Using a ruler and a rotary cutter or scissors, position your ruler at an angle to cut the fabric. Place the ruler at the 7-inch mark and the 3.5-inch mark and cut. Then, adjust the ruler to the bottom 3.5-inch mark and angle it up to the upper corner, cutting again.

Repeat this process to cut multiple pennant flags from your fabric. It is important to ensure that the salvage ends of the fabric are together before cutting. You can also use a template to ensure uniformity in size and shape.

After cutting the individual pennant flags, place two pieces of fabric together, with the wrong sides facing each other. Sew along the two long sides of the pennants, starting at the top and pivoting at the point. There is no need to sew the top closed as it will be attached to the bias tape later.

By following these steps, you will have a stack of pennant flags ready for the next stage of assembly. Remember to handle the fabric with care and take precise measurements to achieve the desired results.

Sewing the flags

If you are making single-sided flags, you can either leave the edges raw, or sew around the pennant, leaving a gap to turn it right side out. You will then need to hand-stitch the opening closed. This method is more time-consuming but will prevent fraying.

Once your pennants are sewn, lay them out in the order you would like them to hang. Open up the fold of your bias tape and insert your first pennant, closing the top layer of the tape. Bring to the sewing machine and topstitch over the tape and pennant. Insert the next flag before finishing the topstitching over the previous one, and continue in this manner until all the flags are attached.

You can space your pennants as close or far apart as you like, and you can make one long banner, or several smaller ones for more flexibility when hanging.

Hanging the banner

Once you have your string, you can start assembling your banner. If you are using pre-made pennant flags, they should have a hole at the top for you to put the string through. If you are making your own pennant flags, you will need to make two holes in the top two corners of each flag with a hole punch. Once the holes have been punched, stack your flags in the order that they will be hung, then start threading the flags onto the string. Make sure to put the first flag at the end of the string so that you have room to place the others.

Once your flags are threaded onto the string, you are ready to hang your banner! Make sure that your string isn't pulled tight so that the flags have room to move in the wind. This is what makes pennant flag banners so attractive.

If you are hanging your banner outdoors, you may want to consider using reinforced edges and double-stitched hems to make sure your banner can withstand all weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions