Wall-Mounted Wooden Chevron
One of the proudest moments for any service member is the moment they earn a promotion to the next rank. I fondly remember every one of my promotions, and the men and women besides me that helped me achieve that rank. If you’re interested in learning how to make an all-wood rank insignia (Chevron) you can decoupage, and proudly display your rank, follow the steps below.
From left to right: Evening Dress uniform, Dress Blue uniform, Service Dress Alpha coat, Service Dress Bravo and Charlie shirt, and combat utility pin-on insignia for a Staff Sergeant
The size of the chevron will vary depending on the rank. For example, a Sergeant’s chevron will be substantially smaller than a Sergeant Major, due to the increased number of chevrons on the senior ranks. This blog will show you how to make a Sergeant Chevron (Three stripes going up, crossed rifles in the middle).
Materials
- wood measuring approximately 3/4 x 5 x 5″
- glue/mod podge
- 120-grit sandpaper
- red paint
- sawtooth hanger (and nails)
Tools
- paint brush
- Saw, or Jigsaw, or scroll saw, or band saw
- paper
- printer
- ruler
- pencil
- scissors
- hammer
Use a scrap piece of wood that measures 5″ wide, and is 7″ long. The thickness of the wood depends on your preference, but I would recommend using a 3/4″ piece of soft wood (like pine) as its typically easily accessible. Heck, you might be able to pick up a scrap pallet and tear a piece for free!
Lets get started
Cut the piece of wood down to length (5″)
Lets first define and draw the top of the chevron
- draw a line down the center, to locate the tip of the chevron
- measure 2″ from the TOP, and draw a cut line to the tip of the chervron
- repeat for the other side
* Alternatively, you can download the enlisted rank .pdf listed at the end of this blog post, print the SSgt Chevron, cut it, trace it unto the piece of wood, and those are your cut lines!
Next, lets define and draw the bottom of the chevron
- measure 1″ from the BOTTOM, and draw a cut line to the bottom of the chevron as shown
- repeat for the other side
The third step is to cut the pieces along the previously drawn cut lines. I find a jigsaw or band saw the easiest tools to make these cuts.
Paint the piece red.
As the paint is drying, print and cut out the chevron you want to make with some scissors.
Once the paint dries, glue/paste the chevron, trimming the edges, unto the piece of wood.
Once the glue dries, add a layer of mod podge to the entire piece
Finishing touches
Find the center of the chevron, in the rear, and attach the sawtooth hangers, ensuring it is level.
Find a nice wall to mount the chevron, and you’re done!
Ready to start your very own? Click here to print a downloadable Chevron you can use to trace/cut/paste unto your piece of wood!
Short on time and rather we build this item for you? Click here to order it and we’ll make it for you.