How to Make an Outside Canvas Banner

Canvas banners make distinctive exterior home decorations and can garner attention across rented space in an outdoor market or at a campsite or event. You can create durable, portable signage for a relatively small expense if you use heavy-duty canvas and weather-resistant design materials such as silk-screening or canvas appliqués. Fly your banner from one or more poles or suspend it from a tree or structure overhang. This will increase the visibility and durability of your banner without adding significantly to your cost.

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Canvas
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Design template
• Laser copier
• Pins
• Fabric
• Scissors
• Rope
• Fabric protector
• Pole or dowel (optional)
• Fabric paint (optional)
• Silk screen equipment (optional)

1. • 1
     Purchase heavy-duty canvas that is at least 5 inches wider and taller than you want your banner. Wash and dry the canvas. Iron out any wrinkles.
   • 2
     Turn the bottom edge under by one-half inch and then another half inch and pin flat. Sew a quarter inch from the edge.
   • 3
     Turn the left edge under by one-half inch and then under again 2 inches and pin flat. Sew a quarter inch from the edge all the way to the top and across the top of the tube. Turn the right edge under by one-half inch and then by another half inch and pin flat. Sew a quarter inch from the edge.
   • 4
     Turn the top edge under by three-quarters of an inch and then under again 2 inches and pin flat. Sew one-half inch from the edge. Do not sew across the end of the tube.
   • 5
     Create your banner design with pen and paper. Take the finished design to a copy shop and have them copy the design in reverse on a laser printer. (They can also enlarge the copy if you drew it smaller than needed on the banner.) Have the copy shop provide you with at least three copies of your design in the appropriate size.
   • 6
     Transfer your design to the canvas by ironing one of the copies onto the banner. Use a medium iron heat. Use a second copy to cut the design apart and use as a pattern to cut out fabric pieces to create applique pieces for your banner. An applique will make the most durable design option. Fabric pieces allow you to add color and variety to your banner using patterned fabric pieces.
   • 7
     Pin the fabric pieces in place and stitch around the edges of each piece individually with an appliqué stitch. When the canvas is complete, spray with fabric protector.
   • 8
     Insert a braided rope into the top tube that is twice as long as your completed banner plus 6 inches. Tie the ends of the rope together and sear the ends if your rope is a synthetic material to prevent it from fraying. Hang the banner using the rope.