Make a pennant
Make a colorful paper or fabric pennant using scissors, glue, string, and decorations; practice measuring, cutting straight lines, and attaching a cord for hanging.
About this activity
Make a colorful paper or fabric pennant using scissors, glue, string, and decorations; practice measuring, cutting straight lines, and attaching a cord for hanging.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials on a clear work surface so everything is ready to use.
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Step 2
Choose whether to make your pennant from paper or fabric and pick one rectangle about 8 inches by 12 inches.
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Step 3
Use the ruler and pencil to measure and mark the top left corner top right corner and the center point of the bottom edge.
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Step 4
Draw straight diagonal lines with the ruler connecting each top corner to the bottom center mark to outline a triangle.
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Step 5
Cut along the drawn lines with scissors to make a neat triangular pennant shape.
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Step 6
Fold the top edge down about 1 inch to create a sleeve for the string.
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Step 7
Apply glue or tape along the folded edge to secure the sleeve so the string can slide through.
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Step 8
Thread the string through the sleeve so it runs along the top of the pennant.
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Step 9
Tie the two ends of the string together or make loops to create a hanger for your pennant.
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Step 10
Decorate the front of your pennant using coloring materials stickers sequins or other decorations.
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Step 11
Let any glue paint or wet decorations dry completely before moving the pennant.
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Step 12
Share a photo of your finished pennant on DIY.org so others can see your colorful creation.
Fun facts
How do you make a colorful paper or fabric pennant?
Start by drawing a triangle or rounded pennant shape on paper or fabric using a ruler and pencil. Cut along the lines with safety scissors (adult help for fabric). Fold over the top edge about 1/2 inch to create a sleeve for the cord and secure with glue, tape, or a few stitches. Thread string through the sleeve and knot the ends. Decorate with markers, stickers, ribbon, or glued-on shapes. Practice measuring straight lines and keeping cuts even for a neat finish.
What materials do I need to make a pennant?
Gather paper or lightweight fabric, a ruler, pencil, safety scissors, craft glue or fabric glue, and string or ribbon for hanging. Optional supplies: hole punch, stapler (adult use), markers, paint, stickers, sequins, felt shapes, and bias tape. For fabric pennants you might also want sewing needles and thread or a low-temp glue gun used by an adult. A cardboard template helps measure identical pennants for a banner.
What ages is making a pennant suitable for?
This craft suits a wide range: toddlers (3–5) can decorate pre-cut pennants with stickers and markers with close supervision. Kids 6–9 can measure and cut simple shapes with practice and help folding the sleeve. Ages 10+ can handle precise measuring, sewing, or using a low-temp glue gun with guidance. Always supervise scissors and hot tools; adapt steps and tools for each child’s motor skills and attention level.
What are the benefits and safe variations of pennant making?
Making pennants builds measuring, cutting, and fine-motor skills while encouraging creativity and planning. It reinforces basic math (measuring lengths and angles) and following steps. For safety, use blunt scissors, non-toxic glue, and have adults handle hot glue or staplers. Variations include fabric pennants with sewing, bunting strings of multiple pennants, themed sets for parties, or magnetic versions for fridge display. Adjust materials for age and skill.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of fabric, a ruler, or string if we don't have them?
If you don't have fabric, use heavyweight paper or a cereal-box cardboard for the 8×12 rectangle, use the straight edge of a book or a tape measure to draw the diagonal lines instead of a ruler, and substitute yarn, ribbon, or a shoelace for the string to thread through the folded sleeve.
My folded top sleeve won't hold the string and it keeps slipping out—what should I try?
If the 1-inch folded sleeve won't hold the string, press the glue firmly, clamp the fold with clothespins or heavy books while it dries, reinforce with tape along the folded edge, or sew a few stitches through the sleeve to secure it.
How can I adapt this pennant project for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, pre-measure and pre-cut the triangle and pre-fold the sleeve so they can safely decorate with stickers and washable markers, while older kids can measure the 8×12 rectangle, draw and cut the diagonal lines themselves and add sewing or grommets for a professional finish.
How can we extend or personalize the pennant beyond simple decorating?
Personalize and extend the project by stenciling names or shapes with paint, gluing sequins or fringe, adding a fabric backing and topstitching the sleeve for strength, or make a banner by repeating the steps and threading multiple pennants onto one long string.