How to make Minecraft banners: recipe, patterns and commands

1. Crafting the base banner

At the crafting table you need 6 wool of the same color and 1 stick. The wool color sets the base color. Alternatively you dye a white banner with a dye.

2. Patterns at the loom

The loom is made from 2 string and 2 planks. Put a banner and a dye in and pick a pattern. Every layer uses one dye. In survival up to 6 layers are allowed, in Java and Bedrock alike.

3. Patterns that need a pattern item

Most patterns only need dye. A few also need a banner pattern item: Creeper Charge (paper and creeper head), Skull Charge (paper and wither skeleton skull), Flower Charge (paper and oxeye daisy), Thing (paper and enchanted golden apple), Field Masoned (paper and bricks) and Bordure Indented (paper and vines). Globe, Snout, Flow and Guster are found as loot or through trading in structures. Locations can change with updates.

4. Banners by command

Commands give you any banner right away. The syntax depends on the version:

• Java 1.20.5 and newer: /give @p red_banner[banner_patterns=[{pattern:"minecraft:creeper",color:"white"}]]
• Java 1.13 to 1.20.4: /give @p red_banner{BlockEntityTag:{Patterns:[{Pattern:"cre",Color:0}]}}
• Bedrock: patterns cannot be given by command. Build them at the loom.

The banner creator generates the finished command for your design for every version.

5. Putting a banner on a shield

Put a shield and a banner into the crafting table and the shield carries the banner's design.

6. Removing a pattern

Use the banner on a cauldron with water. That removes the top layer and uses some water.

Frequently asked questions

How many layers can a banner have?

In survival the loom allows up to 6 layers. Commands allow more.

How do I craft a banner?

At the crafting table from 6 wool of the same color and 1 stick. The patterns are added afterwards at the loom.

How do I remove a pattern?

A cauldron with water removes the top layer of the banner.