Print Finishing Options for Large Format Banners UK: Eyelets, Pole Pockets & Hemming Explained

You've perfected your artwork, chosen the right material, and placed your order — but have you thought about how your banner will actually be hung? At PRiNT BiG UK, one of the most common questions we receive from customers is: "What finishing do I need?" It's a great question, because the wrong finishing can leave you scrambling for cable ties on the morning of your event. This guide walks you through every major large format print finishing option, so you can order with complete confidence.

Why Print Finishing Matters

Large format banners and signs are rarely displayed flat on a table — they're hung from scaffolding, stretched across exhibition frames, slid onto poles, or fixed to fencing. The finishing you choose determines how your print is secured, how long it lasts, and how professional it looks in situ. Poor finishing choices lead to torn edges, sagging displays, and banners that simply won't stay put — especially in the unpredictable British weather.

The good news is that most reputable large format printing UK suppliers, including PRiNT BiG UK, offer a range of finishing options at the point of order. Understanding what each one does means you'll never have to guess again.

Eyelets (Grommets): The Most Popular Choice

Eyelets — also called grommets — are small metal rings punched through the banner material and reinforced with a washer. They create a strong anchor point through which rope, cable ties, bungee cords, or hooks can be threaded.

When to Use Eyelets

• Outdoor banners on fencing or scaffolding — eyelets allow the banner to be tied securely while still permitting slight movement in the wind
• PVC and mesh banners — both materials work excellently with eyelets
• Temporary event signage — quick to install and remove

Standard eyelet spacing is typically every 500mm around the perimeter, though you can request closer spacing for very large or wind-exposed banners. For outdoor use across the UK — where coastal winds and autumn storms are a real consideration — closer eyelet spacing (every 300–400mm) is strongly recommended for banners over 3 metres wide.

Pole Pockets: Ideal for Neat, Frameless Displays

A pole pocket is a folded and sewn sleeve along the top (and sometimes bottom) edge of a banner, through which a pole or rod can be inserted. The result is a clean, taut display with no visible fixings.

Common Pole Pocket Applications

• Retail and shop window displays — a top pole pocket with a weighted bottom pocket keeps the banner perfectly flat
• Exhibition backdrops — pole pockets are standard on fabric exhibition displays
• Outdoor feather flags and teardrop banners — these use a full-length pole pocket running the entire height of the banner

When ordering, specify the diameter of your pole so the pocket is sized correctly — a pocket too tight won't slide on, and one too loose will bunch up. Standard sizes are 25mm, 32mm, and 50mm diameter pockets.

Hemmed Edges: The Foundation of a Quality Finish

Hemming involves folding the edge of the banner material back on itself and welding or sewing it down, creating a reinforced border. A hemmed edge dramatically increases the tear resistance of the banner, particularly around eyelet positions.

Most quality banner printing UK suppliers include hemming as standard on PVC banners. If you're ordering from a budget supplier and hemming isn't mentioned, ask — an unhemmed banner with eyelets punched directly through the raw material is far more likely to tear under tension.

For fabric and textile banners, a sewn hem is the norm. For PVC, a heat-welded hem is standard and equally strong. Either way, always opt for hemmed edges on any banner that will be displayed outdoors or under tension.

Bungee Loops and Velcro Strips

Beyond the classic eyelet-and-rope setup, there are several specialist finishing options worth knowing about:

• Bungee loops — elastic loops sewn into the hem at regular intervals, designed to hook directly onto mesh fencing or barriers. Hugely popular at outdoor events, festivals, and construction sites across the UK, they make installation a one-person job.
• Velcro strips — hook-and-loop fastening sewn along one or more edges, ideal for banners that need to be attached to fabric exhibition stands or repeatedly repositioned. Common in retail environments where displays change weekly.
• Magnetic strips — embedded into the hem, these allow banners to attach to metal surfaces such as van sides or steel-framed display boards without any drilling or fixings.

Reinforced Corners and Patch Reinforcement

For banners that will be under significant tension — stretched tightly between two anchor points, for example — corner patches provide additional reinforcement at the most stress-prone points. A patch is a small square of extra material heat-welded over each corner before the eyelet is punched through.

This is particularly important for large format outdoor signage UK in exposed locations: think motorway-adjacent hoardings, coastal event sites, or rooftop banners in city centres like Manchester, Birmingham, or London. The additional cost is minimal, but the difference in longevity is significant.

Choosing the Right Finishing for Your Project

Here's a quick reference to help you decide:

• Outdoor fence or scaffolding banner → Hemmed edges + eyelets every 400–500mm (or bungee loops for mesh banners)
• Indoor retail or exhibition display → Pole pockets top and bottom, or Velcro strips
• Fabric backdrop or tension display → Sewn hem + pole pocket or silicone edge for SEG frames
• High-wind or long-term outdoor installation → Hemmed edges + reinforced corner patches + close-spaced eyelets
• Van or vehicle-mounted display → Magnetic strip hem or suction-cup eyelets

Order Your Finished Banners from PRiNT BiG UK

Getting the finishing right is just as important as getting the print right — and at PRiNT BiG UK, we make it easy. Every banner order includes a choice of finishing options, and our team is always on hand to advise if you're unsure what's best for your installation. Whether you need a simple hemmed PVC banner with eyelets for a local event, or a complex fabric display with pole pockets and Velcro for a national exhibition, we've got you covered.

Ready to order? Get in touch with PRiNT BiG UK today for a fast quote on large format banners with professional finishing — delivered anywhere in the UK, typically within 3–5 working days.