If you're looking for a fun, reusable way to display a message or welcome sign at your next event, this DIY Fabric Banner with a PVC Sign Holder is just the thing!
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Whether it’s for Young Women Camp, a birthday party, or a church activity, this combo is lightweight, easy to assemble, and looks amazing in photos. Plus, you can customize the fabric to match your theme or colors!
How to Make a DIY Fabric Sign
Let’s start with the fabric sign.
Choose a sturdy cotton or canvas material that won’t wrinkle too easily. I used room darkening curtains that I found still in the package at the thrift store. If you can't find some at the thrift store you can get some here. You could also use thrifted sheets or even fabric. I would for sure use fabric that is thick.
Cut it to the size you want—we made ours about 24" wide by 36" tall, but you can adjust as needed. Hem the edges with a sewing machine for a clean look. If you use curtains, you can put a dowel in the the pocket to hold the sign straight.
Set grommets in the top of the sign and use black and white ribbon to hang the sign.
You can personalize your fabric with iron-on vinyl, fabric paint, stencils, or even cut-out letters glued on with fabric glue.
I made our sign for Girls Camp in which our main theme was Look Unto Christ in One Direction. Each day was a different sub theme that also tied in with songs from One Direction- You are Beautiful, One Thing, Author of Your Story, and Best Camp Ever. In the silhouette design studio, I designed the 4 different signs for each day of camp in a font similar to what 1D uses for their albums. I cut heat transfer vinyl and ironed it onto the fabric signs that I made.
How to Make a DIY PVC Sign Holder
Now for the PVC stand—the unsung hero of portable displays. Here is the Supply and Cut List to make a PVC Sign Holder:
- 3/4" inch PVC pipe cut into: 2 - 24" pieces, 2 - 36" pieces, 2 - 12" pieces and 4 - 8" pieces
- 2 : 3/4" elbows
- 4 : 3/4" caps
- 4 : 3/4" T pipe connectors
I bought 6 foot pieces of PVC at my local hardware store and cut it down once I got home. It is very easy to cut with a miter saw and miter box. I even cut it inside at my kitchen table. Once you have all the pieces cut, you can assemble.
How to Assemble PVC Sign Holder
Assemble from the bottom up.
- Use one of the T pipe connectors and place an 8 inch piece of PVC on each side directly across from each other
- Place one of the 12" pieces in the open hole in the T connector that goes up.
- Repeat with the other foot
- Place another T connector on each side
- Place one of the 24" pieces to brace across the sign
- Place the 36" pieces in the top of each T connector
- Use an elbow at the top of the 36" piece
- Place the last 24" piece in between each elbow
- Place the end caps on the feet pieces.
At this point you can keep the white of the PVC or you can spray paint in any color. I used black but I thing gold would look really good as well.
Using PVC is so great because then the sign can break down easily for transport and storage, but stands tall and sturdy once assembled.
Once you have the sign holder built, you can tie on the fabric signs. Using ribbon I was able to change out the signs without having to undo the entire sign holder.
You can see how we used the signs at YW camp. This was the first day- You Are Beautiful.
The second day of camp was the theme - One Thing.
The third day of camp was Author of Your Story.
This DIY PVC Sign Holder that holds Fabric Signs is a game-changer for any event setup. It’s lightweight, customizable, and reusable—which checks all the boxes for church camps, seasonal parties, or even home decor. Plus, you’ll love how easy it is to switch out the fabric sign for different occasions. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how professional and polished it looks, even on a budget!
