4th of July Flag Ideas

I am sharing more patriotic DIYs and thought you might like my hand-sewn 4th of July flag ideas that I made for my table.

I made these flags about four years ago and so many of you have made them! They are easy to make and add such patriotic fun to any table. If you’re looking for something a little more creative than the standard flagpole, this 4th of July flag project is for you!

Every 4th of July we have a big dinner on the patio of our beach house. I love to set a fun, themed table and these homemade flags are my favorite! I can’t wait to share how easy these are to make.

How to Make an Easy DIY 4th of July Flag

I am not sure if you have noticed but I love making crafts that look vintage. Anytime I can make something that looks amazing but vintage, then I am very happy. So how did I achieve that look?

I started by tearing all of my fabrics. When I use cotton fabrics, I always tear the fabric. When you tear fabric it tears on the grain so you will always get a straight piece. Tearing fabric is easier than cutting and it also creates a more handmade look. So of course I love it.

I also dyed my flags to make them look vintage. After I made the flags, I dipped them in some dye with hot water and salt to get an older, worn look. I didn’t leave them in the dye very long and you can barely tell. But I like that the fabric didn’t look so new. This is something you don’t have to do, which is perfectly fine! Keep reading, all of the instructions to make these flags are below!

My 4th of July flag ideas are a craft that you can make without a sewing machine. Technically you could probably just glue the fabric but I used a needle and thread. My goal for this DIY was to make these flags simple and something all of you could make!

What You Will Need to Make These Flags

• 1/2 yard medium to heavy weight muslin
• 1/4 yard assorted blue fabrics with stars
• 1/2 yard red cotton fabric
• Embroidery thread, needles, and scissors
• Tall sticks (from your yard or a craft store)
• Rit Dye (tan color)

As I mentioned, I wanted a very rustic look so instead of cutting the fabric I ripped it. You are welcome to cut the fabric with scissors too. Here are the size pieces you need for each of the fabrics to make one flag.

Step By Step

STEP  #1 

For the back of the flag, tear one piece of muslin into a piece the size of 6″ x 9″.

STEP  #2

For the stripes, tear the red fabric into 3/4″ strips. 

Next, cut the strips into 9″ lengths.

STEP  #3

Tear the blue cotton blue stars fabric into a piece measuring 3″ x 4″.

STEP  #4

Tear the ties out of muslin – 1/2″ x 5″ strips (two per flag)

When you are done you will have lots of pieces!

STEP  #5

Pin four red strips on each piece of the white muslin. Sew through the center of each red fabric strip. (Or attach with fabric or heat glue.)

STEP  #6

Sew one of the blue pieces around all of the edges, on the top left side of the flag.

STEP  #7

Tear two muslin strips per flag, 3/4″ wide and 7″ long.

Make a small cut on the left side of each flag between the bottom two red stripes and on the top side of the blue striped fabric. Be sure not to cut your hand-sewn stitches.

STEP  #8

Insert one small muslin strip in each cut.

STEP  #9 (not essential)

The last step is not-essential but I love it. I dyed my flags to make them look aged. You can do it or not, it’s up to you. I liked the vintage look so I included this step as I love how they came out.

To give your flags an aged look, mix half the bottle of Rit dye with 1/2 cup salt and very hot water (about 1 – 2″ deep) in a pan. Place the flags in the dye for about 30 seconds to give them an aged look. Rinse and lay flat to dry. Do not leave them too long or they may turn really brown.

STEP  #10

Once dry, cut the sticks into varying lengths and tie flags to the sticks.

And you’re done! It’s such a simple and festive touch that adds so much to a table or any home!

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