Fall Banner With Fabric Flags Plus Paper

Create this large scale "FALL" banner from fabric & paper

using svg cut shape templates to trace and cut

base triangle and shield flags from burlap or canvas fabric.

Then prepare your fabric with iron-on fusible web,

place on the cutting mat (Silhouette Cameo suggested; others may work)

and let the cutting machine do the detailed work!

Other features of this banner include dimensional paper rosette

and layered letters.

This project will soon be available exclusively

from SnapDragon Snippets, first through SVG Attic,

and later through the SnapDragon Snippets website.

 CONSTRUCTION:
Assembly highlights shown here refer specifically to a banner constructed using fabric elements. If can also be constructed completely from paper (card stock).

1. Cut the 2 flag base shapes from "waste" card stock using the cutting tool.

2. Use the cut template to pencil trace the shapes from your selected fabrics.

 The sample project uses sparkle polka dot burlap purchased (2014) from JoAnn Fabrics for the shield shaped flags that hold the FALL letters, and "Document" print home dec canvas fabric for the end flags.

 3. If you are using a fabric that frays (like burlap and course canvas) you will want to treat the edges with Fray-Check, which is a liquid "glue" that can be applied with the applicator tip bottle it comes in. Squeeze a narrow margin at the edge of the fabric right after cutting then let the solution dry. Use a liner on your work surface to catch stray solution. Allow to dry before adding fused shapes

Fray-check is available in the notions section of fabric and craft stores. It sill stiffen the fabric edge, and only slightly darken the edge, but is essential for projects like this.

 4. Prepare a fabric panel the size of the flag shape plus and extra 1/2" to 1" for cutting margin. Cut and apply lightweight or heavy weight fusible web such as Heat N Bond to the fabric backside, remove the paper backing, then position and attach to cutting mat. Test and adjust cut settings (I use the Cameo "cotton print" setting then adjust the blade to "5"), then cut the decor banner shapes. 


5. Position on fabric base shape and use hot iron to fuse in place. Follow fusible web manufacturer's directions.

6. Prepare fabric sections for layered maple leaf shapes as described in Step 4 above, determining a fabric panel size that can cut the two large or the two inner leaves together at one time, plus the cutting margin for the entire panel.

Here you can see the leaf shape being weeded on the mat once it has finished cutting.

7. Position (centered side to side, and roughly top to bottom) the larger outer leaf and fuse in place on the canvas flag shape.


8. Position the inner leaf on top of the base leaf with even outer offset margin, taking care that this very flimsy shape lays properly before applying the hot iron to fuse it.

9. Position and sew ribbon to the top edge of the flags to assemble the banner.

For this project, I used TWO ribbon layers so that the top edge of the flags are encased between. First I attached the ribbon top edges together, then I inserted the flag top edge between, pinned in place, then stitched the layers including the back ribbon edge. I used approx. 1.5 yards ribbon for the streamer, duplicated for the second back layer.

READ Step 16 BEFORE PROCEEDING

10. Prepare the rosette. Each rosette will require TWO perforated strips. Complete one for each of the "FALL" letters.

Fold each strip in accordion fashion, beginning at the non-tabbed end. Tab end is indicated here by my pointing finger. It has slanted top and bottom edges, and will be attached to the other strip used for the one rosette being assembled here.










Fold back and forth, first perforation as "mountain" fold and second as "valley" fold, across the full length of each of the two strips.

11. Complete the first seam. Overlap the straight edge of the first strip (at left) until it aligns as the tab perforation line of the second strip (at right). Glue in place.

12. Form the combo strip into a ring, face side outward, then overlap straight edge and opposite tab perforation line as in Step 11 to complete the second seam.

13. Prepare to form rosette and attach stabilizing front center circle. Hot glue is recommended for its quick grab, so have your gun heated before proceeding.

Push one edge of the rosette ring in to the center, allowing the accordion folds to adjust as you do so, but keep control of the whole length or it will get out of shape easily.

14. Apply hot glue at the inner edge of the strips assembly, where the circle shape will cover it completely, WHILE YOU HOLD the rosette folds relatively closely bunched.

15. Quickly center the first circle cover and immediately push in and adjust the folds so that the center gap is as small as you can get it. Hold until the glue is cured.

16. Once the first side is completed, repeat the cover circle adding process on the second side, applying hot glue at the center where it will be covered (including IN the gap if you wish), then quickly adding and centering the circle shape. Hold until glue is cured.

Complete four rosettes.

17. Position rosette (centered) over the decor banner and hot glue in place (or use other secure and sturdy adhesive).

18. Layer each of the "F A L L" letter and offset shapes and glue. Position each in order over the rosette shape on its flag and attach in place. (You may wish to try to hide the rosette's center circle cover as much as possible as you select each letter's final position.)

Here once again is the completed banner.

Trim ends to your required length - depending on where it will hang or be otherwise displayed.