How to Make a Charming All-American “Rag Flag”

Can’t stop staring at those gorgeous fabric streamer flags on every adorable porch you see? I get it! Same. Here is a simple, step-by-step tutorial on how to make your very own All-American Rag Flag. If you can tie a knot, you can make this adorable flag!

This is a perfect craft for kids, too, because there is hardly any cutting required. You literally just rip the fabric!

 

 

After seeing (and falling in love with) these adorable “rag flags” on Pinterest and Etsy for a while, I decided this was the year that I would dive in and make one of my very own.

This was one of my favorite craft projects to make.

Probably because it was truly so easy that I could do it in one afternoon.

My projects are usually large DIY projects, so this easy win was a treat for me!

I love the whimsical take on the standard Star-Spangled Banner and thought this would be adorable on my front porch for both Memorial Day and the 4th of July.

As it waves proudly to all who turn the corner onto our street, I can’t help but love it a little more every time I see it. 

I love it even more than I thought I would, and my neighbors love it, too!  

Choosing your Fabric for your No Sew Rag Flag

I visited the fabric store to explore the best options for my flag, and after long deliberation and searching for the perfect fabrics, here is what came home with me.

It all started with finding the perfect star-spangled blue fabric for my flag. It is traditional, and I love the antique coloring of the stars as they aren’t a true white.

Not all of the fabrics were traditional patriotic prints. Most were simple Calico fabrics, which offer more options, are a little less expensive than themed prints, and add some extra whimsy to the flag.

I chose various fabrics with polka dots, little stars, tone-on-tone white plaid, and pinstripes.

I ended up with 12 fabrics and two yards of each one.

Honestly, it was WAY too much fabric and could have done fine with one yard of each.

Now I have enough to make another flag for my daughter and possibly even one smaller one.

The plan is to mix non-traditional patterns with traditional ones to make it more fun! Adding ribbon and trimmings can also add to the fun of this project.

And I think it turned out pretty sweet!

Where to Find Patriotic Fabric Bundles

If you don’t have a fabric store nearby, or just want your fabrics delivered, you can order fabric by the yard over on Amazon.

If you want to make this REALLY simple and quick, I have found some pre-cut bundles for you and listed them below:

–This bundle is already cut into (22) 2.5″ x 44″ strips and has the prettiest vintage coloring!

–This bundle is a little more vibrant and has (40) strips already cut at 2.6″ x 40″.

–This star fabric is perfect for the “star” rectangle that lies over the rag flag!

Step-by-step instructions below are for a 4′ x 6′ flag.  A lot of them that you see are 3′ x 5′, but you can make any size you want!

Simply adjust the amount of fabric you buy based on the desired size of your flag.

Supplies Needed to DIY a No-Sew Rag Flag

• White patterned fabric
• Red patterned fabric
• Blue fabric with white stars
• Optional ribbons and trim
• Scissors
• Branch or dowel rod
• String
• Tape measure, cutting mat or ruler
• Somthing to hang your flag from. If you have brick these brick hangers are awesome!
• 2 hours of time

How to Make a Charming Fabric Rag Flag

Prep: 

• • Determine the size of the flag you want to make.
  • Buy the fabric that you want to use to make your flag. Find a combination you love. It can be any even mix of whites and reds, the amount based on the size you’re making. Don’t forget your blue fabric with stars.  *I chose to make mine 4′ x 6′ so I had two yards of each fabric cut, which is exactly the length I would need for my strips. And I have enough left over to make my daughter one for her home.  If you only want to make a 5′ x 3′ flag, you can have one yard cut of each fabric.
  • If adding trims, buy those, too!
  • Choose what you want to hang your flag from and cut to size. You can use a tree branch, like mine, or a dowel found at your local hardware store.

Cut:

1. 1. Lay a piece of fabric flat, with the short side on either a marked cutting mat OR in front of a tape measure/ruler on the counter, and put a little ‘snip’ in the fabric every two inches for a total of eight strips. These ‘snips’ will be what you use to get the strip started, and they don’t have to be perfect. **MAKE SURE THE CUTS ARE ALONG THE SHORT SIDE OF THE FABRIC, NOT THE LONG SIDE.
   2. Grab one of the “snipped” ends between your. Rip each strip all the way down. No cutting necessary as long as your fabric is 100% cotton. You literally just pull to create a strip. Repeat with each color until complete.
   3. As you rip your strips, lay each pile of different colored strips in an alternating pattern over a couple of bar stools or chairs to make assembly easier.

 

Assemble:

1. Start by grabbing one strip and tying a knot at the top 2″ in from one edge of your branch or dowel. You will want to leave about a 2-3″ tail at the top above the branch like mine.
   1. Continue alternating the strips as you work your way down the assembly line until the whole branch is covered. Be sure to leave 2″ open at each end of the branch so you can tie your string to the ends.
   2. Lay out your star fabric and cut a rectangle to fit your flag. I cut mine 20″ wide x 27″ long.
   3. On one end of your rectangle (the shorter side) cut a 4″ long slit every 2″.  You will use these to tie to the branch.
   4. Lay the star fabric on top of your flag and tie two of the 4″ strips together (that are still connected to the star fabric square) onto the branch until the star fabric is secure.
   5. Tie your string to the branch on each end, creating a way to hang your flag. I found this red and white string in my stash from the Target Dollar Spot!
   6. Hang and admire your craftiness! This brick hanger is perfect if you have brick on your exterior, like I do! You can also use them for wreaths, holiday lighting, and any other decor you want to hang on your brick!

You might be wondering why my flag is bowing in the center.

That is the branch that I chose. It is naturally curved from growing on a tree, and I think it adds to the charm. But if you don’t want to fuss with it, I suggest using a straighter branch or dowel.

What do you do with any leftover fabric? Consider making a smaller one as a hostess gift, for a kids’ playroom or playhouse. Make a rag wreath or garland for your mantle, or simple streamers that hang down from a basket or wreath!

How cute!!

Other projects for my front porch decor include:

A refresh for Spring/Summer (this outdoor rug tape is amazing!)

This darling summer lemon wreath

A spooky crow wreath for Halloween

Budget-friendly Halloween porch decor

I hope you are as charmed by this little festive project as I am.

I am so excited to have this adorning my porch for years to come!

Remember, you can do it yourself, but let’s do it together!