Large fabric banner

[incywincy]

I've been asked to make a large 2.5m banner for someone to use at shows/fairs. What would be the best fabric to use for the actual banner. I will be doing machine applique work onto it, so it needs to be machine friendly and reasonably thick.


Any ideas?? I was thinking of using a thick(ish) calico??

[lauralou1601]

I just went to abakhans and bought whatever fabric for mine! Its a kind of lycra/satin (fake satin!) material that doesnt crease easily, as it does spend most of its time in a plastic bag in my cupboard!

[silvermaid]

I would probably use heavy cotton or calico and wash it before you do the appliqué so it doesn't shrink later.

Melanie

[swirlyarts]

Yep I was going to suggest a heavy calico or how about linen. Ikea do a really good thick creamy coloured fabric that is relatively cheap - might be worth a visit?

[Scorch]

I used an old sheet! But then I was doing fabric painting, not embroidery...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tannison/172599606/in/set-72157594173861859/

[goldy1]

I think it would depend on how the banner was to be hung on what weight of fabric you use.

[incywincy]

Thanks for all your ideas I've just been down the market to speak to a few fabric suppliers and one guy said if I boil some thick calico in a pan it should shrink and have more of a canvas like quality. (?) Might test a bit first!
Not that I have a pan big enough to boil 2.5m of calico!!

It seems no one sells canvas by the metre anymore? I've looked everywhere on the net and in town

Goldy - I was going to put eyelets in each corner and centre (ends), so the lady can string it up?? Might have to ask how she would prefer it done.

Sometimes I wish I could say no - This is going to be a big job!!

I've added the image she wants adding to flickr - What do you think??

http://www.flickr.com/photos/incywincystitches/2592082855/

[goldy1]

Goldy - I was going to put eyelets in each corner and centre (ends), so the lady can string it up?? Might have to ask how she would prefer it done.

It's nopt so much the eylets which I think are a good idea but what it will be hung on.

Have you tried Abakans or fred aldous for canvas?

[JBJB]

Have you got a Dunelm near to you?

They do fantastic canvas/calico for about £3.00 a metre or something ridiculously cheap like that.

However, 2.5 metres would be quite heavy, so it depends on how they expect to hang it ... ?!?

[creativeclare]

Bit worried about using eyelets on something so heavy as bull weight calico.


I made banners for the Lichfield Mysteries a few years ago and used rip stop nylon. Light and cheap and also when outdoors the rain just ran off it rather than bein gabsorbed by the fabric and making it even more heavy.

I didn`t use eyelets but sewed tabs on instead.


I`ve got a HUGE preserving pan you could borrow!!!!

[ethel&edna]

If you're still going with canvas try Whaley's in Bradford (they have a website). I know college buy their art canvas from them, but they have every other kind of fabric under the sun. They will send samples out too.

[Scorch]

Goldy - I was going to put eyelets in each corner and centre (ends), so the lady can string it up?? Might have to ask how she would prefer it done.

I sewed hems, so it can be put on poles, or hung with a rope...

[incywincy]

Thanks again for all your comments - Well I got back to the lady with a price once I'd worked out fabric costs etc. And she has said yes So i'm off to the market tomorrow to buy lots of fabric and hopefully make a great (BIG) banner!!

Thanks for that link ethel

[incywincy]

Banner update -
The green seems a bit pale to me , but it was the closest I could find. What do you think?


Machine applique pea pod and yummy felt colours for the text

[glasskanvas]

I just went to abakhans and bought whatever fabric for mine! Its a kind of lycra/satin (fake satin!) material that doesnt crease easily, as it does spend most of its time in a plastic bag in my cupboard!

Sam, remind me to take you there next time you're up!