Making a Panel

Not your first rodeo? Here’s what you need to know!

Cut panel fabric: 5' 4" x 3' 4" (64" x 40").
Consider backing the panel if you have used lightweight fabrics such as quilting cotton or recycled sheets.
Hem all four edges, ensuring the panel measures 5 feet wide
by 3 feet tall.
Create your statement on the panel.
Attach ribbons or large upholstery grommets to each corner.
Add your name and date to your creation.

New to this? Follow our detailed directions!

1. Design your panel.

The goal is to answer the question - "What does democracy mean to me?" Make a sketch to refine your ideas - use your imagination and creativity! Consider using both text and images. What is meaningful and impactful to you? Think about how your panel will look from a distance. Will it draw viewers in to examine it further?

2. Gather materials.

Sources of materials are all around you and no special skills or tools are needed to make apanel. One note: unless it is specifically made for fabric, glue is not recommended for attaching things to your panel. If you wish to use glue, look for products marketed as fabric glue (ex. Aleene’s) or iron-on fabric adhesives (ex. HeatnBond).

You’ll need:

Non-stretch fabric for the body of the panel
Assorted fabrics, threads, fabric markers or paint, lightweight objects, etc.
Ties or grommets for corner connections**
Needle and thread (or sewing machine)
Scissors, yardstick or measuring tape

Your finished panel must be 5 feet wide,by 3 feet tall.

(These are the dimensions of a U.S. flag for household use.) To ensure the edges of the panel do not ravel or fray, you'll add 2 inches to each side to allow for hemming. Therefore, cut the panel fabric 5'4" x 3' 4" (or 64 inches by 40 inches).

**Please include a method for attaching your panel to other panels when displayed; ties or large grommets are the best method.

Ribbon, sturdy strips of fabric, seam binding, twill tape, cording, or similar materials can be used as ties. Large drapery grommets and setting tools can be found in hardware stores, craft/hobby shops, and some "big box" retailers.

3. Hem the raw edges of the panel.

Fold each fabric edge over 1 inch, then fold over again to enclose the raw edge. Sew around the folded edges to secure.

4. Create your statement on the panel.

Use fabric, fabric makers, and paint to make your design come to life. You may also add found objects (eg. buttons, patches, trim) to the panel as long as they are sturdy, lightweight, and can be securely attached to the panel.

5. Consider backing your panel.

Panels made of denim, canvas, or other heavy fabrics are unlikely to need a backing. However, if you use lightweight fabric, such as quilting cotton or an old sheet, adding a backing will ensure your panel’s durability.

Cut a piece of fabric 5' 1" x 3' 1". Turn each fabric edge over 1inch and attach to the back of the panel with a whip stitch or running stitch, enclosing the folded edges.

6. Attach ties or grommets to panel corners.

Cut 4 pieces of the material you are using for ties, each 20" long.
Fold each piece in half.
Sew the center of a strip to each corner of the panel.

Grommets work best on heavier fabrics such as canvas, denim, or upholstery fabric. Follow the product instructions for securely installing the grommets if you go this route.

7. Label your creation!

On the back, lower right corner, attach your identifying label. If multiple people contributed to the panel, be sure to include them all, as well as the name of the group, if applicable. (A printable label is available on the UWS website.)