For many college students and others who rent their homes or apartments, there is a major restriction on putting holes in walls. This includes nails, screws, or any other damaging hardware that makes decorating very easy. Typically, tape or double-sided tape is adequate in keeping posters on walls; however, some other decorations are a bit more difficult to show. In this specific case, I will be showing a possible option to show off soccer scarves, a typical team item for soccer fans. This specific design is built for a college student (and budget) so it is intended to be quick and relatively inexpensive. This can also be used for any type of clothing. The basic concept is to display the scarves over a dowel rod that is hanging onto a hook that is not damaging the wall like a command hook or any similar product.

Step 1: Obtaining Materials

Like all projects, the first step is to obtain all materials. Of course the scarves or item of your personal preference are the first objects to acquire. Next, the materials that must be used to build the physical hanging display must be purchased. Each of the materials were purchased at Wal-Mart and can be found at any hardware or craft store. The main materials are a wooden dowel rod, two command hooks, and safety pins. The dowel rod is for hanging the scarves, the command hooks for holding the rod, and the safety pins to keep the scarf attached to the dowel rod itself. More specifically, I purchased a 3/8 inch diameter rod that was three feet long and the largest command hooks in stock. I found the 3/8 inch diameter was thick enough to discourage any type of distortion caused by prolonged downward force as a result of the consistent (albeit minimal) force caused by the scarves. Additionally, the three feet in length comfortably fits three scarves across in the end product so plan the length of the dowel rod accordingly.

Step 2: Initial Set-Up

To begin with, find a large, clean, and flat area to lay the scarves out on. Lay out the scarves with the desired display side facing down. It is difficult to show this in the presented images, but as you can tell the “Virginia Tech” scarf is not two sided and the non-labeled side is facing up. In case the scarves are different length, make sure that one end of the scarves are all even to make sure that they are level when presented. I will refer to this “even” side as the bottom of the display. Additionally, keep the safety pins handy for the next step as the display starts to come together.

Step 3: Attach the Scarves to the Rod

With the scarves display-side face down, place the rod between four and eight inches from the “top” of the scarves. The top is the uneven side of the scarves. Keeping the scarves parallel and even at the bottom, fold the top end over the rod. Individually safety pin the scarf together to recreate a “crease” effect. This step ensures the scarf will not slip loose and fall off of the rod. I suggest two safety pins per scarf on each end. Ideally, the safety pins will be almost invisible if attached correctly, keeping the bulk of the pin on the side that was folded over the dowel rod. At this point, you should be able to pick up the rod (keeping it horizontal) and see the scarves hanging freely. If this is successful, space the scarves out keeping a few inches on either side of the rod for the hooks as seen in the images.

Step 4: Attach the Hooks to the Wall

This step is the most “technical” of the project. When the hooks are mounted, they should be completely level and the appropriate distance apart so that the dowel and all scarves fit between them. When the desired dowel rod is purchased, note the length. Next, select the location on the wall where you wish to keep the display. With a pencil, mark where the hooks should be located, I suggest separating them 6 inches shorter than the rod is in length (For my project the rods are thirty inches apart). After setting the distance, ensure the hooks are completely level. This can be done by using a level or straight edge. Note: if a sticker-style hook is used, leave the hooks without weight for a few extra minutes to ensure that they will be able to withstand the weight of the rod and scarves.

Step 5: Complete the Proudct

Keeping the scarves and entire display in hand and horizontal, slowly place the display onto the hooks. It is vital that this process is taken very slowly in case the hooks are not properly attached to the wall because it is possible that they may not be able to hold the entirety of the weight. If this is the case, a third hook may be added in the center of the rod to add an extra support. Following “Step 4” make sure that this potential extra hook is also equal distant from the other two hooks and level to them. If the two hook display is strong enough, have one final adjustment to the scarves and space them out how ever you feel is the most stylish. Give it one final look and you are done with the building process

Step 6: Display It Proudly

The last and final step is the most important in my opinion. This is a large display that will gain a lot of attention. This may be complimentary or maybe someone who disagrees with whatever team you affiliate with. Displaying something like this takes a lot of pride in your team. Therefore, you must be confident and prepared to defend whatever team you support. Personally, I have a “script” prepared to defend why I support each team I have displayed and a few comebacks for whatever insults I may receive. I suggest a similar course of action in case of other proud fans of rival teams, especially historically more successful clubs.