Felt Banners

This is a fairly simple activity for those individuals who can still wield a needle. The only supplies needed are felt of various colors, embroidery needles, a small embroidery scissor, and embroidery floss, and small dowels to act as hanging rods.

​This is most often a single individual’s activity that can be done in their room as a creative and engaging past time.​

Cutting felt around a pattern may not be possible for the individuals who want to participate so an activity therapist or volunteer could cut the pieces required and pin them to the desired felt background. When cutting the banner itself, remember to leave at least two inches at the top to form the pocket that will hold the dowel. Pin pieces to create the picture and fold and pin the pocket. The individual doing the sewing is then on his or her own until the task is complete. The dowel will need to be cut to the width of the banner PLUS 1/2 inch, as it must extend just a bit beyond the felt. Cut a slot into the small round end of the dowel and then slide it through the pocket. Choose a piece of yarn to act as a hanger and tie a knot on one end. Slide the yarn into the slot and pull it up so the knot is snug against the dowel. Pull the yarn straight across, measure to the other end of the dowel and tie another knot. Cut the yarn, fit it into the slot. You want the yarn to be pulled taut as it will stretch when the banner is hung.