Pennant Flags

Pennant flags are long, triangular flags that taper to a point, and making one is a relaxed felt craft. You cut letters, shapes and symbols from coloured felt, layer them onto a felt base and fix them down to spell out a motto, a name or a motif. The result is a bold, retro keepsake made for hanging on a wall.

Think of it as a souvenir you actually designed, rather than one you grabbed from a gift shop on the way out.

Ships have flown long, narrow pennants for centuries, and they're still part of life at sea. On land, felt pennants became the classic way to fly the flag for your team, your school or a place you loved, and people have collected them from trips and holidays for generations. They're back in fashion as retro wall decor, and a handmade one beats a shop-bought one every time.

Start with the base: a long felt triangle in a strong colour. Sketch your idea, then cut letters and shapes from contrasting felt, freehand or using templates. Felt is ideal because it doesn't fray, so every cut edge stays crisp.

Lay it all out before anything gets stuck, and shuffle the pieces until it looks right. Fix them down with fabric glue, or add a few stitches if you're feeling fancy. Fold over the wide end to make a sleeve, slide in a dowel or stick and add a loop of ribbon or string to hang it.

Short and punchy wins. A single word, a motto you live by, an in-joke with your mates or the name of your Patrol (the team you join when you arrive). Pair it with one strong motif, like an animal, a tent, a moon or a flame. Big letters, bold contrast and a bit of breathing space around everything make it readable from across a room. Save the long speeches for the campfire.

Completely. If you can use scissors, you can make a pennant. There's no painting, no tricky technique and no pressure. It's a laid-back, chatty craft, and many people find the cutting and arranging quietly absorbing. You'll leave with something that looks great on a wall and says exactly what you wanted it to say.

You might also like Patrol Masks, Screen Printing and Tin Embossing.

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