How to Make 21st Birthday Sashes

A 21st birthday is traditionally a milestone occasion. It brings with it the ability to purchase and drink alcohol. The 21st birthday is typically marked by an evening out, with friends (and sometimes strangers) buying drinks for the birthday girl. Help a friend celebrate the event with a festive satin sash that announces the occasion. At the end of the night, she can save the sash as a memento. It may be the only way she can remember the evening.

Things You'll Need

• Satin, 36 inches long by 6 inches wide
• Ribbon, 72 inches long by 1/2 inch wide
• Double-sided fabric tape
• Iron-on letters
• Safety pin

Instructions

1. Lay the satin on a flat surface. Fold under 1/2 inch of fabric along each side and secure with double-sided fabric tape to create a seam. This will prevent the satin from fraying along the edges.

2. Attach trim ribbon along each side of the sash satin using double-sided fabric tape. The ribbon should trim the entire length of satin. Choose a fun, contrasting ribbon for this. Fuchsia satin with zebra-print trim is a striking combination.

3. Fold the satin in half lengthwise with the shiny side facing out.

4. Iron letters on the sash according to package directions. You could put the birthday girl's name or a clever phrase, such as "Finally 21," "21st Birthday Girl" or "Buy Me a Drink."

5. Finish the ends of the sash by folding under 1/2 to 1 inch of satin and securing it with more double-sided fabric tape.

6. Place the sash over the birthday girl's shoulder and wrap the other half across her back. The words should face the front. Secure the two ends with a safety pin to fit at the hip.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay iron-on letters out on the sash to check spacing before you start to iron.

• You may choose to put words on the front and back of the sash.

• Add additional embellishments for fun. Attach beads, snapshots or plastic shot glasses to the sash.

References

• Chronicle Books: Amy Butler's In Stitches --- Sash With Beaded Fringe