A wonderful craft project to work on as a group, this banner is perfect for any event or occasion.

What you'll need:

How to make it:

1. Check scale of computer drawing program's printing capabilities in printing out at 400% or 800% current page size with tiling. The lining material folded lengthwise will be four yards (144 inches) long by standard lining material width, usually 36, 45, or 60 inches. So, setup the page size for 1/4 of finished size (if printing at 400% scale) would be 36" wide x 15" tall based on a finished size of 144" long x 60" tall (measurement of lining material folded in half lengthwise). If setting up the page size for 1/8 of finished size (drawing program will print out at 800% scale), then 18" x 7.5" page size in the drawing program.
2. Design banner with shapes, logos, letters, etc., in drawing program and print out at 25% size, proofread, fax, etc. When done, print out at actual finished size by tiling (split complex paths, create outlines, etc., as needed for misprints), printing just the outlines of the shapes of the designs, all shapes with just a point or two stroke outline. Arrange all tiled sheets of paper on the floor at once and adjust as needed to fit together per original design, before taping together. Tape as accurately as possible.
3. Tape drop cloths or shower curtains to the floor with masking tape and leave plenty of extra space for paints, etc. Unfold lining material, lay half of it on top of drop cloths and tape down firmly. Lay the taped-together paper design on top, center, and tape down. Insert sheets of the tracing paper for sewing patterns under the paper and trace the outlines of the designs onto the lining material with a pencil or ballpoint pen.
4. Mix colors to match the colors of the design in containers. Add a tiny bit of white to lighten a mixed color, or a tiny bit of black to darken. Add a squirt of the anti-running agent and a little water to thin (e.g., one part water to four parts paint, per manufacturer's recommendations).
5. Since painting the design seems to be the most time-consuming part, it works well with people to help IMHO. Paint the inside edges of shapes first, then fill in the middle to help define them. Note that inexpensive fabric paint does not flow well for tiny intricate designs, thin black outlines around shapes of letters or designs or thin strokes in general, even with extra anti-running agent mixed in. Sprinkle glitter on shapes and as soon as a shape is painted, clean up the excess with a vacuum.
6. When dry, fold in half, pin the fringe to the bottom and sew up like a top-stitched pillowcase (right sides out), leaving gaps in the stitching for the rope or plumbing pipe to be inserted for support. Stitch another seam across the top (down from the top edge) with enough room for the rope or pipe to fit through.
7. Leave drawing the wind holes to last - this way they won't accidentally get painted or interfere with the design. The best areas are on the background where nothing is painted and towards the center. Draw around the lower half of a small plate or saucer with a pencil, neatly pin that area to the lower layer, then sew around 1/4" or so from the edge of the penciled half-circles and slit them on the pencil lines for the wind to pass through. Insert the rope or pipe through the top and knot or cover the ends.

Note: The flaps have to hang straight down so they won't show a hole when the wind isn't blowing!

Tips:

Since banners for fairs and parades are often done for and by an organization or group, there are various organizational considerations to keep in mind. For instance, paper consumption when trying to fit the design on one sheet of paper. Remember to take everyone's concerns into consideration for the design and involve them in the painting.

Notes: