Pole Pocket Banners & Artwork Setup Guide Pole pocket banners are commonly used for scaffold banners, stage backdrops, exhibition graphics, retail displays and hanging banner systems. Pole pockets allow poles,…
Pole Pocket Banners & Artwork Setup Guide
Pole pocket banners are commonly used for scaffold banners, stage backdrops, exhibition graphics, retail displays and hanging banner systems. Pole pockets allow poles, scaffold tubes, or cables to slide through the banner material for a cleaner, more secure installation.
At Banner World, we manufacture custom-printed banners with welded or stitched pole pockets for indoor and outdoor applications, including construction sites, events, theatres, retail displays, and large-format advertising.
What Are Pole Pockets On Banners?
A pole pocket is a folded section welded or stitched onto the edge of a banner. The pocket creates an opening which allows a pole, scaffold tube or cable to pass through the material.
Pole pockets are commonly used for:
- Scaffold banners
- Stage and theatre backdrops
- Event banners
- Retail hanging displays
- Lamp post banners
- Exhibition graphics
- March and protest banners
Pole pockets can be positioned at the top and bottom of the banner or on the left and right-hand sides, depending on the installation method required.
Scaffold Banners With Pole Pockets
Traditional scaffold banners generally use 150mm flat pockets at the top and bottom to fit standard 50mm scaffold tubes.
Pole pockets are often preferred over eyelets on scaffold banners because the fixing load is spread evenly across the width of the pocket, improving durability and reducing stress on the banner material.
How To Calculate Pole Pocket Size
The correct pocket size depends on the diameter of the pole or scaffold tube being used.
- Measure the diameter of your pole.
- Multiply the diameter by 3.14 to calculate the circumference.
- Divide by 2 to calculate flat pocket size.
- Add extra allowance to reduce stress on the weld.
This additional allowance allows the material to naturally form around the pole without excessive strain.
Making pole pockets too tight can increase stress on the welded seam and may reduce durability over time.
Typical Pole Pocket Sizes
| POLE DIAMETER | RECOMMENDED POCKET ALLOWANCE INCLUDING WELD |
| 25mm | 120mm |
| 30mm Dowel | 130mm |
| 35mm | 140mm |
| 40mm | 150mm |
| 45mm | 175mm |
| 50mm Standard Scaffold Tube | 200mm |
| 60mm | 220mm |
| 70mm | 250mm |
| 80mm | 260mm |
| 90mm | 270mm |
| 100mm | 290mm |
Artwork Setup For Pole Pocket Banners
When creating artwork for banners with pole pockets, always set your artwork at the finished banner size, including the pockets.
Please ensure:
- No text or logos enter the pocket area
- Background colours and images may continue into the pocket area
- Additional clearance is allowed for welds
For example, a 150mm pole pocket should have a 200mm clear area, allowing 150mm for the pocket and 50mm for the welded seam.
This clear area is sometimes referred to as the safe area. Important design elements should always remain outside of this zone.
How We Manufacture Pole Pocket Banners
At Banner World, pole pockets are created using high-frequency welding technology. This process uses pressure and electromagnetic energy to fuse the banner material together, creating an extremely strong welded seam.
High-frequency welding creates durable joins suitable for both indoor and outdoor banner applications.
For applications requiring additional strength, reinforced pole pockets can also be supplied with stitched reinforcement over the welded seam.
PVC Or Mesh Pole Pocket Banners?
Both PVC banners and mesh banners can be supplied with pole pockets depending on the installation environment.
PVC Pole Pocket Banners
- High-impact graphics
- Retail displays
- Indoor events
- Sheltered outdoor areas
Mesh Pole Pocket Banners
- Scaffold advertising
- Windy outdoor locations
- Construction sites
- Large building wraps
Benefits Of Pole Pocket Banners
- Cleaner appearance compared to eyelets
- Improved tension and reduced creasing
- Better weight distribution on scaffold banners
- Ideal for double-sided banners
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
- Compatible with poles, cables and rigging systems
Ordering Pole Pocket Banners
When ordering your banner, always enter the finished banner size, including the pockets.
If you are unsure which pocket size you require, our team can advise based on your installation method and pole diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pole pockets used for?
Pole pockets allow banners to slide over poles, scaffold tubes or cables for secure installation.
Can pole pocket banners be used outdoors?
Yes. PVC and mesh banners with welded pole pockets are commonly used outdoors for scaffold banners, construction sites and event signage.
What size pole pocket do I need?
The correct size depends on the diameter of your pole or scaffold tube. The sizing guide above can help calculate the required allowance.
What is a reinforced pole pocket?
A reinforced pole pocket includes additional stitched reinforcement over the welded seam for extra durability.
Can you print custom-sized pole pocket banners?
Yes. Banner World produces custom-printed banners with pole pockets in almost any size required.
Should artwork extend into the pocket area?
Background colours and images can continue into the pocket area, important text and logos should remain outside of the weld and pocket area.