DIY Sweater Embossed Christmas Banner

Learn how to make a custom holiday banner with an awesome sweater embossed texture. This simple paper project makes the perfect little decoration for your home during the holidays or for any winter celebration!

Who else loves sweater weather?? I’m so excited that sweater weather has finally arrived here that I’m crafting up a sweater inspired banner to celebrate.

This cute and simple paper banner almost looks like it was knitted thanks to it’s sweater embossed design. I think it would be perfect for an ugly sweater party or really any winter decor. Ready to get crafting?

Supplies needed to make your own embossed holiday banner:

• Embossing Machine (I used my Cuttlebug)
• Darice Sweater Embossing Folder
• Cardstock (I used Coredinations Sandable Cardstock in Picket Fence and Cardinal)
• Sandpaper
• Electronic Cutting Machine (I used my Silhouette)
• Self-Adhesive Foam
• Baker’s Twine
• Wool Beads (optional)

Step One. Cut Banners and Letters from Cardstock.

The first step is to cut out the flags or banners from the white cardstock and the letters from the red cardstock. I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut my flags and letters, but you could also easily cut them by hand or use dies if you have them.

Be sure to cut your flag pieces small enough to fit inside the embossing folder and to cut the letters small enough to fit on the flag pieces.

You can cut any words or phrase that you like. I thought about going with “Comfy & Cozy,” which I think is a good fit for the sweater look, but I ended up choosing “Ho Ho Ho.”

Step Two. Emboss!

After you have your pieces cut, it’s time to emboss them. This is the fun part. Simply place your cut piece of cardstock inside the embossing folder, layer any necessary platforms according to your embossing machine’s instructions, and roll it through the machine.

And voila! You have a beautifully embossed flag!

I love the knit look you get with this embossing folder! It’s simple but definitely creates a cozy vibe.

Repeat this embossing process for each piece of cut cardstock.

Step Three. Optional Sanding.

I chose to use Coredinations Sandable cardstock for this project because it works great with embossing to give you a little extra color and texture, but if you are using a different type of cardstock, just skip this step.

After embossing each piece, I took a piece of sandpaper and lightly sanding the top of the embossed design. This brings out a different color depending on the cardstock you are using. The white cardstock I used revealed a tan color beneath.

I think this little step just really adds some extra depth to the project.

Step Four. Assemble Banner.

Finally, it’s time to assemble our banner! To do this, simply place each letter on it’s own flag using adhesive foam for added dimension.

Next, thread each banner piece onto your baker’s twine. I decided to add a little wool bead between each word as well, but that’s completely optional.

And that’s it! Your sweater embossed holiday banner is all ready for hanging and decorating your home this winter.

I just love that texture!

What do you think? Would you give this technique a try?

Alexis

Alexis Middleton is a lifelong crafter/DIYer and blogger at Persia Lou. She started crafting at a young age. As a girl, she spent summers with her grandmother crocheting baby doll afghans, making coasters out of plastic canvas and yarn, and canning apricot jam. Today, Alexis spends a lot of time dreaming up and working on projects for her family’s home. She loves mixing traditional crafting techniques with a more modern aesthetic.