Why I Make Pennant Banners (And Why You Might Want to Try It Too)

Let me start by saying this clearly: I am not a seamstress.
Not even close. I am in awe of the people who can sit down at a sewing machine and create magic. I am… not one of those people.

What I am is someone who cares deeply about sustainability – and that has become the motivation behind every little craft project I attempt.

Over the years, the “R’s of Sustainability” have evolved from the classic Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to a whole family of ideas that help us rethink how we live. Today, many educators use a version of 9 R’s:

Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Refurbish, Remanufacture, and Repurpose.

And if you look closely, most of them have one thing in common:

They encourage us not to bring more new stuff into our homes.

According to the LA Times, the average American household owns over 300,000 items.
Three. Hundred. Thousand.

It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed – and it’s also no wonder that things get tossed quickly just to make room for more.

So this past year, I decided to break the cycle. I pulled out my old sewing machine, signed up for an adult-ed class (true story: I dropped out after three sessions… we all have our limits!), and started making small things using what I already had. I began with scraps. Undonateable clothing. Old linens. Little squares and strips of fabric collected over the years – especially from my wonderfully crafty step-mother who made the sweetest outfits and toys when my daughter was little. Those leftovers turned out to be perfect for scrunchies, pouches, and of course… pennant banners.

My goal?

Not perfection.
Not Pinterest-level sewing skills.

Just learning, trying, reducing waste, and giving existing materials a new life.

And even if you don’t sew – or don’t want to – there are so many easy ways to support this mindset:

✨ Instead of buying disposable décor, consider picking up a cloth pennant banner from a local maker at a fall fair.
✨ Skip plastic, single-use party streamers and support a local shop that sells handmade alternatives.
✨ Turn “goody bags” into a fun craft at home – simple pouches that kids can help make (and actually reuse!).
✨ Shop small, shop local, and shop from people who often use recycled or upcycled materials to create beautiful things.

Within a 10-mile radius of my house, I can think of at least half a dozen makers who create scrunchies, pouches, banners, and thoughtful handmade gifts – many from repurposed materials. Chances are, the same is true where you live too.

So if you landed here by accident or by curiosity, but have zero interest in dusting off your old sewing machine – welcome. I hope you leave with one message:

Supporting local makers is one of the easiest, most meaningful sustainable habits we can adopt.

And if you are here because you want to give these projects a try and turn some of your own “300,000 items” into something new and useful…

Then let’s dive in.
Let’s rethink, reuse, and get creative – one pennant banner at a time.

DIY Fabric Pennant Banner Instructions

This simple, sustainable craft turns leftover fabric into festive décor you can reuse for birthdays, holidays, playrooms, and more. Each banner takes about 30 minutes (or less) to assemble once your triangles are cut.

Materials

• Bias tape – approx. 3 yards (2.74 m) long and ⅞” wide
• 30–34 fabric triangles (you’ll use about 15–17 finished pennants per banner)
  • Triangles should measure about 8″ across the top (width) and 8″ from top to tip (height)
  • Scraps work great! Choose coordinated colors/patterns if you want a theme.
• Thread
• Pins or fabric clips
• Iron
• Sewing machine (or hand sewing needle if sewing by hand)
• Scissors or rotary cutter
• Ruler or template (optional but helpful for uniform triangles)

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Instructions

1. Cut Your Triangles

If you haven’t already:

• Create a template (cardboard works but I tend to use a fabric triangle) for consistent size.
• Cut 30–34 triangles – you’ll put two together so choose the patterns that you like best to go back to back – this is a two-sided banner – so you can do a different theme for each side and have it for two entirely different occasions.
• These can all match or be a mix-and-match scrap collection.

2. Sew the Triangle Pieces Together

Each pennant is made from two triangles sewn together, right sides facing.

1. Place two triangles right sides together.
2. Pin or clip along the two long sides (leave the top edge open).
3. Sew along the two sides with a ¼” seam allowance.
4. Trim the tip of the triangle to reduce bulk (don’t cut into the seam!).
5. Turn the triangle right side out.
6. Use a blunt tool (pencil, chopstick) to gently push the tip to a clean point.
7. Press the triangle flat with an iron.

Repeat for all triangles you plan to use.

3. Prepare the Bias Tape

Bias tape will form the top of your banner.

1. Fold over the first 4 inches of the tape at one end to form a hanging loop and sew it closed.
2. Repeat on the other end.

This gives you a neat, ready-to-hang finish.

4. Lay Out Your Banner

Before sewing, arrange your triangles:

1. Open the bias tape like a book (it will naturally have a crease down the center).
2. Place your triangles inside the fold of the bias tape, sliding each top edge inside about ½”.
3. Space them evenly, or overlap slightly – your choice.
   • With slight overlap, you’ll typically use 15–17 finished triangles for a 3-yard banner.
4. Lay them out first to adjust your pattern/spacing.
5. Pin or clip each triangle in place along the entire length of the tape.

5. Sew the Banner Together

1. Starting at one end (after the loop), sew along the full length of the bias tape, stitching close to the lower edge of the tape to catch both sides and secure each triangle.
2. Continue sewing straight through until you reach the loop on the opposite end.
3. Back-stitch at the beginning and end for security.

6. Display and Enjoy!

Your banner is ready to hang! Use it for birthdays, playrooms, classroom décor, holidays, or anywhere you want a cheerful, sustainable touch.

Yay – you did it! Isn’t it amazing what a few scraps of fabric can become? Enjoy your pennant banners for birthdays, playdates, holidays, or just because. They’re beautiful, reusable, and completely waste-free. And this is just the beginning – so many more sustainable craft ideas are on the way.

If you make a banner of your own, share your ideas or photos in the comments below – I’d love to celebrate with you!

References:

MacVean, M. (2014, March 21). For many people, gathering possessions is just the stuff of life – Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-keeping-stuff-20140322-story.html