How to Make Pennant Flags | Use Art to Advocate for Important Causes

Our creative prompt today is inspired by this post from the Autry Museum of the American West about the women’s suffrage movement. I don’t remember how I stumbled upon this educational resource but it has been in my “Post Ideas” bookmark folder for awhile and today is the day it comes to light.

Let’s first take a moment to recognize that the women’s suffrage movement was problematic and the 19th Amendment did not guarantee the rights of all women to vote, just white women. That’s trash. Absolute garbage. Most of American history is bad and this is no exception.

I believe we can acknowledge the tainted past while embracing the use of art, specifically pennant flags, for advocacy and self-expression.

Suffragettes used pennants to express their support for women’s rights and advocate for the right to vote. Their pennants weren’t flashy or overly decorative- instead they were clear and bold so people could read them from a distance. Pennants were carried through parades and were made out of fabric, whatever was available and affordable.

If you were a women in the 1910’s, you would take certain things into account when making a pennant for a parade. You had to carry your pennant for a long time, so how heavy could it be? What kind of fabrics and stitching techniques could withstand the weather? Materials could be expensive and crafting pennants required time, so what resources could you afford?

We’re using paper and writing utensils to make our pennants, rather than textiles and thread, so we have different considerations. Here are some things to think about before getting started:

• Shape: Pennants can be various shapes and sizes, although they tend to be triangular. The template at the end of this post demonstrates a variety of shapes. I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t design a modern pennant with a unique shape- be bold and imaginative.
• Typography and Letter Size: Some Suffragette pennants had more flair than others, sporting stars or the likeness of women. Many of their pennants were a solid background with large words comprising the entire shape.
• Color: You’ll probably want high contrast between the background of the pennant and the writing so it can be easily read.
• Message: This is the most important part! The design details are fun and all, but they’re only in service to your advocacy. A pennant’s message is short, only a couple of words long, but effective.

Necessary (and Recommended) Art Supplies and Materials

• Paper (or fabric) for the base of the pennant
• Scissors for cutting out the shape of the pennant
• Writing utensils: markers, crayons, pens, colored pencils, pencils, etc. for writing your message and decorating
  • If you’re making a pennant from fabric, you could use fabric markers, embroidery floss, or more fabric to add words and/or images
• Extra supplies for extra pizzaz: paint, yarn, stamps, stickers, beads, pipe cleaners, feathers, glitter, etc.
• Wooden rod and glue, tape, or staples, if you want to make your pennant into a parade accessory

How to Make a Pennant: Start Creating!

1. Choose a cause to support.
2. Brainstorm a short message about the cause you’re representing. Try to keep your message limited to four words for maximum impact.
3. Download and print a pennant template from the end of this post or draw your own pennant directly on your paper or fabric.
4. Cut out the pennant shape.
5. Decorate your pennant: Color the background, write your message, add images or additional flair.
6. Wrap the short, straight edge of the pennant around the wooden rod and secure it with glue, tape, or staples.