Simple Garden Flag Blank

This is how I make blank garden flags; they can be decorated with heat transfer vinyl from your craft cutter, screen print, or any other fabric decorating method. A flag finishes to to 12-1/2" x 18".

These instructions are how to make a flag using a basic non-printed fabric with a hem on the backside.

Supplies

• One piece of duck canvas or other suitable fabric, cut to a 14-1/2" x 22".
• Coordinating thread
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• ruler or measuring tape
• Sewing gauge (optional)

Step 1: Fold the Hem on 3 Sides

1. Fold and press a 1/4" crease on the two long sides towards the back side of the fabric.
2. Fold and press a 1/4" crease on one of the short sides.
3. Fold over and press the same three sides again, creating a double hem.

Step 2: Stitch the Mitered Corners

1. Open up the pressed corner.
2. Turn the flag over.
3. Fold the corner in half along a 45 degree angle, with the front side together.
4. Stitch and backstitch from where the inner-most hem fold meets the folded edge, to the next hem crease (shown by the pin).
5. Repeat for the other hemmed corner.

Step 3: Clip and Re-press the Hems

1. Clip the corners about 1/8" from the corner stitch.
2. Flip the fabric so the back side is again facing up.
3. Push out the mitered corners and re-fold the hems.
4. On the remaining un-hemmed edge, fold and press over 3/8" once. I find it works best if you do the first fold on the long edge, then fold the remaining edge, then do the second fold on the long edge.
5. Press all the hems and corners again.

Step 4: Stitch the Hems Down

1. Stitch the three hemmed edges about 1/8" from the inner fold. Be sure to backstitch at the start end end to lock the stitch.
2. When you reach the seam at the corner, leave the needle in the fabric, and rotate to the next side.

Step 5: Fold and Sew the Pocket

1. Fold the un-hemmed short edge over the back so the total flag length is 18".
2. Stitch as close to the fold as you can, backstitching at the start and end.
3. Stitch a second line about 1/4" to the right of the previous stitch to lock in the un-finished edge, backstitching at the start and end.

Step 6: Decorate As Desired

1. Flip the flag back over so the hem is face-down.
2. Decorate as desired with heat transfer vinyl or other process.