Flags provide you with an awesome way to decorate your home and show your loyalty. Making the perfect flag takes time. In fact, there have been 27 different versions of the American flag since 1777.
Whether you’re supporting your favorite sports team or displaying loyalty to your country, you can make your very own custom flag.
Read on to learn how to make a flag, so you can add a new look to your home or garden.
How to Make a Flag: Choose Your Material and Size
Most flags are made of nylon due to the fabric’s durable, weatherproof properties. If you’re making a flag for indoor use, you can choose other materials like felt, cotton, or even thick construction paper.
Standard flags are typically around three by five feet in size. You can always go smaller if you want to, but this size is a good start. Stick to a smaller flag for your first few until you have the process down to a science.
Aside from the flag’s material and size, you’ll need to choose a base color. This should be the main color of your flag and every other detail and color will be added to it later.
If you’re cutting the material to make your flag, make sure that the edges are straight. Use a paper cutter or a straight edge as a guide, and cut the edges with a sharp pair of scissors.
To prevent the threads of your flag from fraying, use a candle to melt the edges. If you’re handy with a sewing machine or needle and thread, hem the edges to make the flag look neat and even.
Choose Your Flag Pole or Handle
A lightweight handle is great for smaller flags, like those you’d bring along to a game. However, a more durable, heavy-duty flag pole is best for full-size flags.
As you think about how to make a flag, the pole is an important step in the process. You can choose something made of wood, such as a broom handle or a wooden dowel. If your flag will be displayed outside, select a pole made of sturdy aluminum instead of wood.
Make a Pocket
Once you choose your flag pole or handle, you’ll need to make a pocket so that you can attach the flag to it. Spread your flag base fabric out on a table and lay the handle along the shorter edge. This should be located on the right-hand side of the flag.
Fold the edge of the material over the handle, and pin it in place using small pins or safety pins. Next, remove the handle and sew the edges together. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. If you can’t sew, you can always sew your pocket using fabric glue, too.
After you’ve connected the edges of your pocket, you’ll want to close the top. This will ensure that your flag pole or handle can’t slip through and will keep the flag sitting on top.
Decorating Your Flag
You’ve chosen your fabric, color, size, and handle. Now the flag-making fun really begins! There are several ways you can decorate your flag to get the design you want.
Look for templates of your flag online that you can print out and make a stencil. Check out the beautiful military flags at Ultimate Flags – Military flags as an example.
Print your stencil and cut all of the pieces out. Use the pieces as a guide as you cut your fabric. This includes letters, images, and anything else you’re including on your flag.
After you’ve cut all of your decorative pieces out in their respective colors, position them on the flag. Once everything looks good and is in place, attach each piece to the base fabric by sewing them on or using fabric glue.
Let the glue dry, then place your flag into the handle or flag pole. Now it’s time to display your handmade flag and show it off to your family and friends.
If cutting out pieces of fabric and sewing them on isn’t your thing, you can always paint the design directly onto the fabric. Remember that making a flag is a personal thing, so how you choose to design it is entirely up to you. Choose paint that’s specially made for fabric if you decide to go this route.
Quick Flag Making Tips
Here is some quick flag making advice to ensure that your flag looks good:
- Practice making a flag by using colorful paper first
- Make sure your stencil is in the right proportion (size) to the base fabric
- Cut your pieces slowly and carefully
- Hem the edges of your flag with a candle or by sewing them
- Remember to secure the top of your flag pocket so that the flag doesn’t slip out of the handle
- Use durable, weatherproof materials if your flag will be outside
Use trial and error to make your own unique flag. Over time, you’ll perfect the process and have a beautiful flag to display.
Get Creative and Make a Flag Today
If you want to know how to make a flag, keep these helpful tips in mind. Remember to choose your flag material carefully, then have fun adding your own custom design. You don’t have to be a seamstress or crafty to make a flag, as long as you have fun doing it.
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