How to Make a Carp Banner
In Japan, tradition remains strong as the annual celebration of Boys' Day takes place throughout the land each May 5th. Koinobori (carp banners) are hung outside homes, one for each son. There’s even a protocol to be observed when displaying them: the oldest boy’s banner is flown on top; the younger son's fish flutters below. Carp banners symbolize a family’s desire to see their sons grow up strong—just the way koi (carp) persevere when they swim upstream.
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Chalk or pencil
- Transfer paper (optional)
- Tracing wheel (optional)
- Fabric paint
- Paintbrush
- Fabric glue
- Embellishments (optional)
- Ribbons
- Stapler
- Cardboard
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
- Bamboo pole (optional)
Instructions
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1
Locate a drawing or photo of a carp banner online so you have a point of reference for your project. Blow up the image using a photocopy machine if you like to work with a pattern so that your carp outline measures no larger than 20 inches long by 18 inches wide.
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2
Buy one yard of fabric for every two carp banners you plan to craft. Choose a strong fabric like canvas in a solid color--red, pink, blue, purple, yellow and gold are all popular picks in Japan.
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3
Cut the fabric down to a section 20 inches long by 18 inches wide. Fold the material in half so it measures 9 inches by 20 inches. Draw a fish shape on the fabric or use your homemade pattern to transfer the outline of the carp using chalk, pencil or transfer paper and a tracing wheel. Cut out your carp shape. Make certain the “mouth” of your carp is at least 6 inches wide to accommodate a hanging ring.
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4
Experiment with fabric paints and small brushes to create a unique carp banner design. Paint in layers of scallops to replicate fish scales or add colorful patterns to both fabric cutouts. Add embellishments or trim to your carp banner if it’s to hang indoors.
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5
Apply fabric glue to the undecorated sides of your two fish sections, line up the shapes and press down on the carp banner to bond the two pieces. Don't glue together the mouth; you will need to insert a hanging ring. Allow the glue to dry and seal.
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6
Cut lengths of ribbon--as many as you wish--and staple them to the tail of your carp so the wind can flutter them and make the carp banner dance once it’s hung. Shape a 1-inch by 13-inch strip of cardboard into a circle, staple it together and slip it into the carp’s mouth. Fold the edges of the fabric over the circle and staple them into place.
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7
Punch two holes in the circle of the carp banner’s mouth. Attach string or ribbon. Hang the carp on a bamboo pole; that’s the most common way they’re displayed in Japan.
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References
- Photo Credit Japanese koi carp image by Geoff Hobbs from Fotolia.com
