Free Pattern for Patriotic Banner Garland

Because many patriotic holidays take place during the warmer months, the summer time is the perfect time to celebrate American heritage. This patriotic pennant garland decoration will be appropriate to brighten your home from Memorial Day to Flag Day to The Fourth of July to Labor Day. Perfect for a party or a picnic, but just as nice as a touch of summer fun indoors, here is how you can make your very own red, white and blue banner decoration, made from felt.

You will need:

Red, white and blue craft felt

Double fold bias tape

A sewing machine and basic sewing supplies

First, cut the triangle shaped pennants from the felt. My triangles are 6" long and 4" wide at the top. An easy way to cut these is to mark a rectangle 16" X 6". On one long side of the rectangle, make tic marks every 4". On the opposite side, measure 2" in from the end, then make tic marks every 4" from there. This will result in two set of marks, offset by half from each other. The use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut them apart from one mark diagonally to the mark opposite it. Or mark the lines with a disappearing pen and then cut them apart with scissors.

After cutting the triangles to form the patriotic pennant garland, prepare and mark your bias tape. Measure in 6" from the end and make a mark using a disappearing pen. From this mark, measure and mark the rest of the length of double fold bias tape every 5".

To sew the patriotic banner decoration, start sewing the double fold bias tape closed with the sewing machine set to a wide and long zigzag stitch. Sew right down the middle of the bias tape, and when you reach the first mark, open the bias tape, place the first pennant against the fold, lining the edge of the triangle up to the mark, and then sew the bias tape closed onto the top of the triangle, holding everything smooth and flat. Repeat this process for every triangle as you sew up to each mark. When you reach the end of the bias tape, continue to sew it flat to the end.

To finish the red, white and blue pennant garland, fold the 6" of bias tape at each end to the back and stitch it down, forming a hanging loop. Remove the disappearing ink with water or just wait for them to fade, and your patriotic pennant decoration is ready to adorn your home or picnic!