So far, I have sub-contracted out all my banner substrates. I want to begin sewing my own. Do I need a special machine to sew the material, or can I use a regular sewing machine? What type of thread do I need? Any techniques I should know? What are the pros/cons of using the tape versus sewing? Thanks for any help!
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Sewing a banner Hem
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Personally I don't care, but a lot of people like to get a warm fuzzy feeling first so you may get more answers if you do something like this first...Hi, my name is xyz, I like cats and dogs, I'm in this business just to be your new best friend, I charge high prices and I'm not a low-baller and I have tons of software and equipment and I'm an expert in it's use!...
CheapVehicleWrap
New Member
Welcome!
Research industrial sewing machines, Maybe try eBay before they too go under (don't think it wasn't in the business plan from the get go).
Research industrial sewing machines, Maybe try eBay before they too go under (don't think it wasn't in the business plan from the get go).
Air Art Girl
New Member
welcome.
tape the hem. no need to stitch for the average banner
tape the hem. no need to stitch for the average banner
Tim Aucoin
New Member
I'm also use tape... and I'm not a "beginner"... go figure!!! 
BigfishDM
Merchant Member
DIGITAL360
New Member
Just give it to grandma see what she can do with it
seaserpent
New Member
I guess you've never had the pleasure of hanging around a really good banner operation. It's a treat. Heavy duty double needles with specially made metal track things where the banner folds and just slides right through. Super fast. Fellers has them set up this way. Their tables are giant air hockey types with the holes so the banner glides around. They can lay a flat banner on the table, sew an edge, spin it around on the air cushion and have that thing sewn so fast if you blink you missed it. We're lucky to have Fellers near by.
I'm with saktrnc, If you are a small shop with small budget a $200 Walmart Singer Machine works ok on 13 oz. material. Notice I said "ok". The corners where it is layered 4 times will be the slow part but if you only do a banner or 2 a week and you use heavy needles with marine grade thread it does the job. Double needles industrial machines that cost a couple of thousand by far look better and are faster but a few banners and a couple of thousand doesn't jive. Sub it out if you are looking for that type of look. As much as I think it looks much better most people do not even notice. For the one that comes along that you think will, sub.
IMO
IMO
Pat Whatley
New Member
Apply tape to the entire length of the banner but leave the paper backing on. Fold the banner over until the edge is aligned where you want it to end up. Apply any kind of weight at all to the doubled part of the banner but not over the taped edge. I use a 2x4 simply because it was handy the first time. Now just pull the paper off the tape, sealing it down as you go. When you get to the end of your weight just stop, slide everything down, and keep going. Taping a 30' pocket would take about 5 minutes with no puckers.
smdgrfx
New Member
Only problem with making pole pockets using banner tape - they don't last very long outside. Not in Texas. The heat gums up the tape and it falls apart. I bought a used sewing machine this past year. It's not a double needle, but it is industrial. Look hard and you will find some good deals to be had. I bought a Juki. They say it's one of the best. Learning curve is not too bad.