Many years ago I found this beautiful non-traditional flag on Pinterest:
With Fourth of July coming up, I decided to try my hand at making my own ribbon flag and I figured I'd put together a tutorial so that you could make one too!
First of all, you will need a TON of ribbon and lace.
I used every single red ribbon I owned and could have used some more, frankly.
Choose a wide and sturdy ribbon as the base of your flag. Mark the center point.
Stitch red and white ribbons/lace to the base ribbon until you get to the pin.
After one row I realized that I was going to need to do several rows in order to get the density I was after.
Some of my ribbons weren't long enough, so I stitched them to each other.
Once the ribbon and lace are dense enough for your taste, remove the pin and fold the ribbon in half…
…and stitch it down.
Now use a zig zag stitch to seal the top and open side of the base ribbon.
To create the stars, I used a Thermofax screen.
You could also use a stamp or a stencil.
Trim the star fabric to the size you'd like.
Now it's time to add the finishing touches to the base ribbon.
Stitch down extra layers of ribbon and lace along with the star panel.
At this point, I decided to add a rod pocket to the back of the base ribbon to make hanging the flag easy. Just slip a dowel into the pocket.
I put a split in the rod pocket so that the flag can easily hang on a nail. If you don't want to add a rod pocket, you can simply nail the flag directly to the wall.
I thought I was done with my flag, but when I sent this photo to my Mother she told me that the stars were on the wrong side. Ooops! Apparently, when it's hanging down, the stars go on the left.
So, I had to rip out the stitching as best as I could and move the star panel to the other side. I destroyed the star panel in removing it, so I actually had to make a second one. Also, because of the rod pocket I couldn't stitch the star panel and decorative bits into place, so I glued them down with Fabri-Tac. I think you could actually use Fabri-Tac for the whole project and make this a total no-sew project.
So, here it is with the stars on the correct side:
There you have it! A fabulous non-traditional flag just in time for Fourth of July!
Thanks for stopping by!
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Fabulous!! Thanks for sharing-my daughter already said she wanted me to do this. Thanks for showing us how.
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wonderful project. I love it!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Wow, that looks amazing!! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
Came out great Julie. Happy Independence Day celebrations to you!
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
I’ve been wanting to make this flag for years, thank you for the tutorial, you saved me some brain power! Your flag is beautiful.
Nini~
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
This is great! I’ve seen this flag in person (at A Gilded Life studios). It’s STUNNING. I’ve been hoping they’d come out with another kit, but not so much (it’s made from hard to find vintage materials). I love your tutorial – may try to recreate one.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
What a great flag project and tutorial! I appreciate the advice about making the sleeve in two sections, never thought of it before. Thank you.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
I remember when you showed the original flag before and really liked it. Now I must go see what my ribbon stash looks like. I may try to whip up a smaller version so I can make it with what I have, and get it done in time for the weekend. Thanks for the inspiration.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Love this! Thanks for the tutorial. Iam in the process of gathering supplies.
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
Absolutely Gorgeous, I have pinned also, and have wanted to make one. Would look good on front door instead of wreath
That is just too cool for words!!!
That is just too cool for words!!!
That is just too cool for words!!!
That is just too cool for words!!!
That is just too cool for words!!!
That is just too cool for words!!!
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Great project, Julie! Your oops was correctable because you had stitched it; if it had been glued together, fixing it would have been MUCH harder! So a little research pays off when doing a project based on something else. Love your choices of ribbon and lace, and I was amazed at the stash you had on hand! It pays to be a pack rat of some supplies, I guess! Says she, who has never thrown anything away until things got desperately out of hand. I am like that frugal Yankee lady who kept everything, and had a box labeled “Pieces of String Too Short to Use.” Maybe in a collage?
Stunning!!
Stunning!!
Stunning!!
Stunning!!
Stunning!!
Stunning!!
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Love this flag. I’m just learning to sew at age 64, but think I can do this. Great directions.
Nice!! Happy 4th
Nice!! Happy 4th
Nice!! Happy 4th
Nice!! Happy 4th
Nice!! Happy 4th
Nice!! Happy 4th
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I think I have this project pinned, too. Always wondered how to do it. Thanks for the tutorial. Think I’ll start saving ribbons and put one together for next year.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
I love this project. I am not sure I have enough time to make one for the 4th, but I will try. Thank you, thank you for the idea.
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
beautiful! and learned something about our flag too, cool!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
I love the wonderful and original flag. Awesome!!
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
This is gorgeous. I’m making for sure.
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!It looked easy enough to make.BUT I just couldn’t get it.Every Pinterest diy took me for one on sale.Been looking for a tutorial FOREVER….AWESOME!!!
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
Can you please provide the dimensions of the overall flag and the size for the stars. Thank you
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?
I just saw your flag on Pinterest last night and pinned it! I really love it. How long are the strips of ribbon and lace?