Make a Vintage-Inspired Pennant Banner Valance

Having trouble finding the perfect valance for a boy's room? Try this unconventional, no-sew window treatment that will emphasize a camp or collegiate theme in a bedroom or bonus room.

Original_Marian-Parsons-Pennant-Banner-Valance-Beauty2_v

Materials Needed:

  • felt quarters in different colors
  • felt letters and numbers in desired colors (with adhesive backing)
  • stiff felt pennants
  • felt fabric glue
  • scissors
  • permanent marker
  • straight twig slightly longer than length of window
  • two Y-shaped twigs
  • chop saw or hand saw
  • drill equipped with bits and drivers
  • four 1 1/2" wood screws

Create Design and Cut Felt

Position felt adhesive-backed letters in desired pattern on pennant (Image 1). Use felt in contrasting colors to embellish pennant, using pennant as a template and tracing with a permanent marker (Image 2). Using vintage pennant banners for inspiration, cut out stripes, rainbows and triangles to create an interesting design (Image 3). Tip: Plates, cups, bowls and lids make nice stencils for circles and curves (Image 4).

Create Layered Letters

Remove adhesive backing on letters and numbers and stick onto selected felt quarter (Image 1). Use sharp scissors to cut out letters, allowing contrasting felt backing to show, creating a layered look (Image 2).

Make Pennant Ties

Use sharp scissors to cut out four felt ties for each pennant. Ties should measure approximately 3/4" x 8", so they are long enough to tie around curtain rod.

Original_Marian-Parsons-Pennant-Banner-Valance-Step3_h

Glue Pennant Together

Apply felt glue to back of embellishments and press into pennant banner. Insert ties between two layers of felt and affix with more felt glue. Apply letters and numbers in same fashion until banner is complete. Allow glue to dry completely before hanging. Tip: Glue may show through felt while wet, but will not be visible once dry.

Make and Hang Stick Curtain Rod

Locate a straight stick a few inches wider than window casing and two Y-shaped sticks. Cut Y's to approximately 8 inches long, but adjust sizing to fit scale of the window (Image 1). Drill through Y-shaped sticks into wood window frame with self-boring wood screws (Image 2). Repeat with other Y-shaped stick, making sure stick looks level to the eye. Tie pennants onto stick to create valance (Image 3).

Next Up

How to Make Custom Dog Clothing

Learn how to make simple and stylish custom pet clothing for all sizes.

How to Make a Valentine's Day Fringed Heart Pinata

Whether you use it for a game or for decoration, this loved-themed pinata is sure to be a smash hit.

How to Make a Christmas Catnip Toy

Don't forget your furry best friend when making handmade gifts for the holidays. With just basic sewing skills, you can whip up a catnip-filled stocking-shaped toy as a surprise for your favorite kitty.

How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

Make Paper Teacup Gift Boxes With This Free Pattern

These adorable, handmade gift boxes are perfect for Mother’s Day or favors at a tea party. Download the free pattern and customize them to your heart's content.

Make a DIY Stock Tank Pool

This stock tank pool how-to will have you lounging in the summer sun in just one weekend — and for a lot less cash than you'd expect.

Make a Tie-Dye Shower Curtain

It only takes 24 hours to brighten up a basic bathroom.

How to Make a DIY Tufted Headboard From Pool Noodles

Pool noodles in the bedroom? Yes, it sounds sketchy but trust us — if you can handle a staple gun, you can make this dreamy DIY headboard. Dive on in!

Homemade Valance for Spring

Learn a simple way to freshen the house for spring.

Weekend Projects: Construct a Homemade Window Valance

Dress up your windows with elegant wood valances. They take less than a weekend to make and cost less than $100 in materials.

What's New in Handmade

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.