What Materials Would Work Well For A Flag?

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles November 21, 2019 - 12:16 pm 0 548 Views

Americans love to express their patriotism, pride, and appreciation for their country by hanging the flag proudly in their homes or workplaces. But when it comes to purchasing one, they have to consider which material ensures longevity and sustains the quality of the flag. Below, we have compiled a list of excellent fabrics used to produce a quality flag to help you decide which one suits you best.

The most common materials:

Nylon

Nylon is the number one choice of fabric by industrial, residential, and commercial consumers as it is the most versatile fabric, and it serves a variety of purposes. This material embodies strength and ensures longevity. Nylon dries quickly, so it is suitable for rainy or damp areas. Many people hope to purchase quality flags to put on display, and a nylon flag is an excellent choice as its lightweight material, and close weave demonstrates a beautiful sight when the wind blows, causing it to fly freely. Onlookers will stop and admire its eye-catching visual effect.

Nylon flags are manufactured using 100% heavyweight 200-denier nylon bunting that is designed to prevent the colors from fading due to the sun and other elements that cause chemical deterioration.

Polyester

Polyester is another sought-after material when it comes to flags. It combines strength and durability, much like nylon, and is resistant to dirt, wind, and moisture. Polyester is thicker and richer in quality, making it ideal if you are located in areas with extreme weather conditions. It is suitable for high-wind areas and is sustainable through stormy weather conditions, even when displayed daily.

Polyester flags are made from thick, two-ply 100% polyester bunting. These are skillfully designed to determine maximum durability and are likely to outlast other flags made of different fabrics.

Cotton

Cotton is a very traditional material. It contains vibrant and rich colors, which will not fade easily with time. Cotton ensures your flag will maintain its long-lasting quality when it comes to stabilizing its overall appearance and value. Even though cotton flags maintain their quality when it comes to beauty, they aren’t equipped to handle the outdoors for a long period of time.

Certain weather conditions such as wet weather can saturate the material and make it very heavy. Strong winds can shorten the lifespan of a cotton flag and put an awful amount of strain on the flagpole as it cannot withstand the pressure. So this beautifully crafted piece is best kept as an indoor display in your home or workplace, to remain in good condition. If you do wish to place it outdoors, make sure it is for very short periods of time, such as a special occasion, in which it would only be put out on display for no longer than a day.

Other fabrics occasionally used:

Silk

Silk is not the most common option out there, but the material has its benefits, as it is a protein fiber. Silk is used to produce military flags as the fabric can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Wool

Wool was the fabric originally used to create American flags. It is water-resistant and has the ability to withstand mold. Wool is also a protein fiber, so it doesn’t deteriorate as quickly as cotton or linen flags.

Canvas

Canvas is a material that’s appropriate for the outdoors. It is a high-quality, heavyweight fabric that embodies strength and texture, and maintains its durability. It is very adaptable no matter what weather conditions it is exposed to.

How to make a flag:

Material and size

If you trust your DIY skills, you can also design and craft your own flag. Once you have chosen your desired fabric—nylon and polyester are the top recommendations—you need to decide whether you want the size to be large enough for the outdoors or small enough to be used as an indoor display. Once you’ve determined its size, outline the shape and cut the material accordingly.

Stitching

Hem the four ends of your flag, and make sure the hem on the side of your flagpole is only one or two inches long. On that same side, fold the material over four inches from its hem; this is where the flagpole will be inserted. Pin the material down in order to sew along the hem to create the gap.

Decoration

Once the stitching is complete, it’s time for the fun part. Some people choose to dye the cloth using synthetic dye, and others opt for sewing the desired colors together with the applique technique.

As for the stripes, it’s best to attach them to each other, and alternate between red and white stripes. Start with red, and end with red.

There are two methods used to apply the stars via stitching:

Single Applique: This involves cutting out white stars as well as cutting out the star outline from your cloth. Make sure you use a template to ensure they are all the same size, then stitch them onto your cloth.
Double Applique: This involves cutting out two white stars and stitching them back to back, one on each side of the cloth.

A simpler technique, which is less time-consuming, would be to paint the stars on your cloth. This option is preferred if you are using a lighter piece of fabric, such as cotton, as the paint will last longer.

The lifespan of flags:

All flags, no matter the fabric used to craft them, will wear out over time. The more they are subjected to extreme weather conditions, the sooner this will happen. It is hard to determine the lifespan of a flag, as it varies depending on the hours of display and the conditions it is kept in. Flags that are used all day and night generally have a lifespan of six to nine months. Well-constructed flags can prevail for up to two years.

Before making your purchase, be sure to read this list carefully and assess the materials to ensure that you’ve chosen the right one for you. And once you’re ready to hang your new flag, try to avoid wear and tear by taking its location into consideration, preventing it from flapping into objects, and keeping it indoors during extreme weather conditions.