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A “Thankful” Banner / Bunting

Last year I made a new “Thankful” banner / bunting for our fireplace. I had put up all of the “pretties,” but it was still missing something. So off I went to Michaels to see what inspired me. I came back with a few varieties of scrapbook paper and an idea. I wanted to combine my love for sewing with paper crafting, and at the same time add some fabric for texture. Before long I came up with a fairly simple plan. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through how to make this darling bunting.  It can be customized for any holiday or occasion simply by switching out the paper and fabric options, and the letters. Once you get the first one under your belt, you’ll fly through the rest.

Thankful Banner ... a Tutorial

Bunting Materials:

  • Scrapbook Paper … I used a heavier card stock for the base and a lighter weight print for the top.
  • Fabric Scraps (I used a different fabric print for each letter)
  • Two-sided fusible Wonder-Under
  • Scissors (sharp)
  • Glue stick or dual-sided scrapbook stickers
  • Twine or ribbon
  • Sewing Machine
  • Template file (attached). Cut out the letters before starting.

Instructions are for one letter. Repeat for all other letters. Picture will follow instructions.

I’ve created a template and letter document for you to download for your personal use. You can either cut out and use the template, or follow the measurements for cutting the foundation and top paper. I’ve also included the letters for “THANKFUL” for you to use. Click on the picture below to open and save the document to your computer.

Thankful Banner Templates and Letters ... part of the tutorial from SImplyFreshVintage.com

Step 1 … Cut the base 6″ x 9″. This should be a heavier card stock.

Thankful Banner - Step 1

Step 2 … Draw a horizontal line 1-1/2″ down from the top. This is your score line. If you don’t have a scorer, you can press heavy a couple of times with a pencil to put an indent in the paper.

Thankful Banner - Step 2

Step 3 … On the back, line up a ruler 3″ over and 2″ up from the bottom. Make a dot at the top right point of the ruler to find the center.

Thankful Banner - Step 3

Step 4 … Draw lines from the bottom corners to the center dot.

Thankful Banner - Step 4

Step 5 … Cut on the lines.

Thankful Banner - Step 5

Step 6 …  Cut your print paper 5″ wide by 6″ long.

Thankful Banner - Step 6

Step 7 … On the back of the print paper, line up the ruler 2-1/2″ over and 1-3/4″ up from the bottom to mark your center dot. (If you are using a directional print, make sure you are marking the bottom.)

Thankful Banner - Step 7

Step 8 … Draw lines from the bottom corners to the center dot.

Thankful Banner - Step 8

Step 9 … Cut on the lines.

Thankful Banner - Step 9

Step 10 …  Using a glue stick or scrapbook stickies, adhere the printed paper to the foundation piece.  Keep the glue away from the edges so that when you add the stitching the needle doesn’t get gummy.

Thankful Banner - Step 10

Step 11 … Cut out a piece of Wonder-Under about 4-1/4″ by 5″. Press it onto the back of a piece of fabric.

Thankful Banner - Step 11

Step 12 … Let it cool for a minute, then peel away the paper. Set aside. Be careful not to set your iron directly on the Wonder-Under … you’ll have a mess!

Thankful Banner - Step 12

Step 13 … Cut a piece of medium weight paper the same size as the Wonder-Under (about 4-1/4″ x 5″). This paper does not have to coordinate … it will not be seen. Trace one of the letters BACKWARDS onto the cardstock.

Thankful Banner - Step 13

Step 14 … Lay the cardstock with the letter drawn over the Wonder-Under and press.  This will give the fabric a little more stability which will aid in cutting.

Thankful Banner - Step 14

Step 15 … Using sharp scissors, cut out the letter.

Thankful Banner - Step 15

Step 16 … Using a glue stick or scrapbook stickies, center the letter and adhere it to the printed paper.

Step 17 … Take  your banner over to your sewing machine and stitch around the foundation and around the printed paper, as shown above. Play with your stitch size on a scrap piece of paper to get the stitch length you desire. I basically eyeballed about 1/4″ from the outside edge of each.

Thankful Banner - Step 16

Step 18 … Then stitch over the letter, about 1/8″ from the outside edge. When you get to the end of a segment, stop with your needle down, lift the lever, turn the banner, lower the level and continue.

Thankful Banner - Step 17

Step 19 … Pull all threads to the back.

 

 

Thankful Banner - Step 18

Step 20 … Tie them in a double knot and trim.

Thankful Banner - Step 19

Step 21 … (pretending those threads aren’t there) Fold over the top and glue or tape down along the edge, leaving a pocket to string  your twine or ribbon through. Repeat all steps for each letter.

Thankful Banner - Step 21

Step 22 … When you’ve finished them all, run your twine or ribbon, and hang them where desired.

Thankful Banner / Bunting

Thankful Banner / Bunting ... a tutorial from SimplyFreshVintage.com

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments. I hope you make your own “Thankful” banner / bunting. I’d love to see your pictures!

Here’s an amazing Fall Home Decor Tour filled with amazing projects that I know you will love!

 

Fall Home Decor Tour




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Comments

  2. What a lovely project and you rock for putting so many clear step by step tutorials in your post. For someone that loves a great DIY project but is a visual directions kind of gal this is perfect. Pinning this to look at making next month 🙂

    Reply

    • Thank you Tracee! I’d love to see yours if you make one 🙂 I’ll definitely stop by and see your wreath.
      Hugs & Blessings …

      Reply

  11. Beautiful! And it’s a great detailed tutorial.

    If you’re interested in new link parties, I’d love to have you over at Gingerly Made. There’s a party live now. Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  14. Encouraging children – actually reminding all of us – to be thankful is such a worthwhile idea. Shared your tutorial on a group crafts board on Pinterest. Came here via Crystal and Kelli’s Facebook group. I’ve saved your URL for the new CommentLuv bloggers lists I’ll be creating.

    If I can ever be of assistance please don’t hesitate to ask.

    Reply

  23. Oh Lani,
    I love all the detail you have on your banner. From the stitching, to the prints and patterns. It is a lovely Fall additon to any home. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
    Make it a lovely weekend.

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Wendy! I agree with you … we all have so much to be thankful for, every moment of every day!
      Hugs & Blessings …
      Lani

      Reply

    • Thanks Jann! I loved adding the fabric … it added the perfect amount of texture that I was looking for!
      Hugs …
      Lani

      Reply

    • Thank you Angie! It really is easy. I just pulled mine out from last year and it still looks like I just made it 🙂
      Blessings …
      Lani

      Reply

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