Halloween Bat Banister Garland

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Sewing Machine
• Sewing Notions
• Iron & Ironing Board
• Thread, Black
• 2mm Craft Cotton Cord, Black

BATS:

• 9" x 19" Pellon® SF 101 Shape-Flex Interfacing
• 9" x 19" Flex-Foam 2-Sided Fusible Interfacing
• 1/4 yd Satin Fabric, Black (for each bat)
• Dowel Rod or Chopstick
• Optional: Fiberfill, (2 handfuls, for body)

GARLAND:

• 58" x 2 yds Costuming Fabric

DIRECTIONS:

GARLAND:

1. Make three swags from the costuming fabric that are 30" wide, and one 36" drape (for end post). Between each swag the fabric will be bundled together and wrapped with cord.
2. Cut off the selvage edges of fabric in an irregular line. Fold the fabric in half and cut an irregular line to end with two pieces approximately 29" x 2 yards. Fold the fabric WST lengthwise with edges slightly offset.
3. Cut 6" lengths of cord to mark the areas of fabric that will be bundled, the high points of the swag. Bundle one end of each length of fabric and overlap the ends by about 2". Keep the short edge of fabric to the same side. Tie the bundle together. Fold the ends of fabric to the center bundle and mark the fold with a tie. This will divide the length into quarters. The first quarter on one end may become a drape for the bottom post of the railing. If so, leave that end “as is". The opposite end may either be finished with a wrap or bundled with additional lengths of fabric swags.
4. The cord wraps at the high points of the sway will finish at about 1 1/2" L. Slightly fold back the cut ends of fabric at the end wraps and start the wraps close to the fold. Cut a 36" L piece of cord. Single knot one end to prevent fray. Hold the fabric at the bundle mark and remove the 6" marking cord. Hold the 36" cord to the bundle approximately 26" from the knotted end. Run the cord along the bundle about 2 1/2" then loop back to the 26" mark. Tightly spiral the unknotted end of cord around the double cord and bundle 12 times toward the loop of cord. Thread the end of cord through the loop. While holding the unknotted end of cord and the wrap pull the cord from the 26" knotted end. This should pull the unknotted end of cord under the cord wrap. Repeat.
5. Hang the garland up by tying the 26" cords around the railing, spaced approximately 30" apart with the folded edge of fabric at the top. Use scissors to cut irregular shapes up from the bottom edges of fabric. Keep the cuts on the front layer of fabric different from the back layer. Repeat with the drape.

BATS:

6. Print and cut out templates. To find the downloadable pattern click on the "GET PATTERNS" tab above.
7. Transfer full bat pattern (flip pattern to complete) to smooth side of Shape-Flex interfacing and one side of Flex-Foam Interfacing. Fuse the side of interfacing without the pattern to the WS of satin following Manufacturer’s directions. Cut along patterns.
8. Cut two 4’ lengths of cording. Fold each cord in half and locate on the satin side of one bat fabric. Location indicated on template. Place bat cutouts right sides together. Sew from the Shape-Flex side, 1/8" seam allowance, leaving the 2 1/2" opening to turn. The Flex-Foam side seam allowance may need to be trimmed to 1/8". Clip into tight curves along seams without cutting into seams. Turn right side out. Turn one wing as far as possible before attempting to turn the second wing. This will be a tight fit. Push out all edges with a dowel or chopstick. See “Optional" below if adding detail stitching to wings and fill to body.
9. Press from the Shape-Flex side of the bat pulling out any wrinkles. Start from the outer sections of the wings working toward the body. Fold in the opening edges to meet the seam. Hand stitch the opening closed.
10. Optional: Press the wings only. Do not press within the area of the body between the center stitching lines. Fold in the opening edges to meet the seam. Cut out the wing stitching template. Align the outer edges of the template with the edges of the bat. Align the tips of fingers with the low points of the wing. Sew a wide stitch starting and stopping at the bottom edge of the wing. Flip pattern and repeat. Fill the body with Fiberfill. Hand stitch the opening closed.
11. Add cord to tie bats to railing at the high points of the swag. Tie a knot in one end of cord. Slip the end of cord through both loops located at the tops of the bat wings. Test fit bat around the railing. Cut the desired length of cord and knot the end to prevent fray. Knot the cord to attach the bats to the railing.

JOANN HACKS:

• The bats without the additional stitching and fill may have a slightly wrinkled texture and the wings will naturally curve away from the Flex-Foam side.
• The 36" L of the cord for the wraps on the garland may need to be adjusted. This length will allow for approximately 26" of cord to wrap around and secure the swag to a handrail.
• The bats may be hung with wings outstretched or with wings folded together. A folded bat may be hung at the top of the bottom post drape without extending the wings beyond the post.