To Sew Or Not To Sew

There are three ways to finish a banner; sew it, weld it or tape it. Seems pretty simple doesn't it? Well it isn't and we know this because people ask us all kinds of questions on the subject. Questions like "Can you sew these panels together to make one big banner?" or "What if I just tape the pockets in-house? Will that work?" or "What's stronger, sewing or welding?"

The sewing machine, one of the most important inventions of mankind and going strong since about 1810, has a warm gooshy place in the banner industry. It can do a lot but it can't do it all, here's a run down of the DOs and DON'Ts:

Do's

Sew anything indoors, it will last forever no matter what kind of thread is used. Where there is no sun, there is no UV breakdown of thread. Hemming all around; but if it's outdoor and large ask for some seatbelt webbing reinforcement.Back to back pole banners with sewn pockets, also ask for webbing but on the sides only.Use a special sewing machine called a serger (not to be confused with Sergio) to sew stretch fabrics so that the seam stretches with the fabric

Feel free to call us if you have any questions about sewing banners, sewing machines and threads.

Dont's

Use cotton or clear (like fishing line) thread for outdoor banners, it won't last more than a month.

Sew multiple panels together to make a larger banner. Always get multi-panel jobs welded.Ask for sewn pockets on big outdoor banners and billboards.Use double sided tape instead of sewing for pole banners, they fall apart right quick.

A RULE OF THUMB

Sewing is reasonably strong, cheap and fast.

Welding is strong but slower and expensive.

Tape requires no tools but can be finicky; you can only use it on smaller banners. 

If you have any banner related questions feel free to contact us.

Arash EjtemaeeChief Banner Problem Solver