How to Sew a Flag + 10 American Flag Patterns

How to Sew a Flag + 10 American Flag Patterns & Tutorials

Learn how to make your own US flag with our guide. Plus, check out the free flag patterns for clothing and decor.

By: Nichole Pientka, Editor, AllFreeSewing.com

If you’re patriotic or team-spirited, you probably have flags somewhere in your house, but did you know that you can easily make your own flag?

Flag sewing may not be the first thing you think about when entering your craft room but it's true.

In just six simple steps, you can learn how to sew a flag that you can display proudly inside or outside your house or wave all around.

Your kids can even follow this flag tutorial if your handle the sewing machine or they can use glue to bind their flag.

Plus, want more patriotic sewing patterns? There’s a list of American flag patterns and tutorials to show your love of the USA, especially for when the Fourth of July comes along each year.

Learn how to sew stars on the American flag, make the perfect white and red stripes, and more with these creative designs.

Feel free to change the colors and designs up for your home country if you’re outside the United States or if you want to make something for your favorite city or sports team.

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How to Sew a Flag

Materials List
- Nylon or cotton fabric
- Fabric scraps in different colors
- Rod or pole for flag handle
- Sewing machine (or glue if you are making a no-sew flag)
- Thread
- Decorating supplies: embroidery needle and thread, fabric markers, sequins, etc.

Flag Sewing Tutorial:

Get a piece of nylon or cotton fabric that is the color that you want your flag to be. If you want to sew a large flag, your fabric measurements should be 1 2/3 yards by 1 yard. For a smaller flag, you can use a pillowcase or similar sized piece of fabric.
Gather other pieces of fabric for the details on your flag. These pieces can be any type of fabric, so feel free to use up some scraps.
Pick a flag handle like a tree branch, broom pole, a wooden rod you can find at most craft stores depending on the size of your flag.
In order to attach your flag to the handle, you have to make a pocket for the handle to slide into.
Spread your flag out on a table and put the handle along the short side of your flag on the right side.
Fold that edge loosely over the handle and pin the fabric in place.
Then, remove the handle so you can use a sewing machine to secure the pocket in place.
Sew the top of the pocket so that the handle doesn’t slide through the top, which will let the flag sit on top of the handle.
Next, you’ll decorate your flag! Get out your decorating supplies, whether you want to embroider a pattern, draw on it with fabric markers, or sew strips or shapes from colored fabric scraps. Have fun with it or model your DIY flag after your favorite country or team’s flag.
Lastly, you’ll put your flag pieces together. When you’re done decorating, slide the flag handle into the pocket that you sewed in Step 4.

If you're looking for patriotic flag quilts, visit our friends at FaveQuilts. The image below is the Star Spangled American Flag Quilt featured on their site.

American Flag Patterns and Tutorials

Flag Quilted Mug Rug - Bring your patriotism to your table with this DIY flag mug rug.
How To Make A Flag Rag Quilt - This rag quilt has the classic and rustic look you will love having in your home.
American Flag Clothes Tutorial - Turn your clothes into a DIY flag to show your USA pride!
Free Photo Pocket Flag Bunting Tutorial - Create a photo drop for your party with this flag tutorial.
American Flag Fabric Banner - Shown below! This easy flag tutorial gives you a bunch of little flags.

America the Beautiful Skirt - Twirl around in your skirt that looks like a DIY flag!
Quick Burst of Patriotism Pillows - The title of this flag tutorial says it all!
4th of July Shirts - Wear your pride across your chest as an American flag.
Flag Pillow Cover Tutorial - Turn your regular pillow into a DIY flag using scraps.
Americana Free Pillow Pattern - Shown below! Perfect for the 4th of July celebration. A bit modern and rustic at the same time.