Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Summery Garden Flag


Ever notice how those store-bought outdoor seasonal flags all look so cheesy? I bought this flag pole years ago, but I never found a flag that I liked enough to actually use it. Until now! I realized I could make my own!

I was at Joann's the other day and I found these discontinued outdoor upholstery sample swatches on clearance for $1. Perfect! I would definitely suggest using fabric that can handle the weather or your flag won't last very long. I also found some matching nylon fabric that would also be able to handle the Chicago weather.

I designed this flag to have a quilt-like look, so this is the layout I worked from.
(Darn, I worked so hard to get these to enlarge when you click on them and now it's not working. If you want a pattern, just email me!)
To follow this design, you'll need:
(using a 1/4" seam allowance)12.5" x 20.5" nylon for the back
Two 2" x 16" nylon strips for the sides
2" x 12.5" nylon strip for the bottom
3.5" x 12.5" nylon strip for the top
9" x 16" upholstery fabric for the middle section
extra nylon for applique letter
matching thread

First, I cut out all my pieces and pinned the side strips to the middle section. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance.

Then I pinned and sewed the top and bottom strips on. Note that the top strip is taller because it will be folded over later. Press open seams with a warm iron.

I printed out my letter T on the computer in a simple font. Then I placed a piece of nylon on top and traced the outline of the letter.

To stiffen the letter, I ironed a thin piece of interfacing on the back.

To applique the letter onto the flag, I set the sewing machine to a zigzag with the stitched very close together. It took a couple tries to get the ideal size stitch, so I would suggest playing with it beforehand.

Pin the letter securely to the flag.

Carefully stitch around the letter. This was pretty scary for me because it was my first real applique, but it wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be.

Once I stitched around the entire letter, I left some extra thread hanging so I could tie off the ends. I used a needle to bring the extra threads to the back side of the flag.

Then I tied a few knots to hold the stitches in place.

To attached the back side of the flag, I pinned the back piece to the quilted front piece with right sides together. Then I sewed around 3 sides, but left the top open. Flip the flag around so the right sides face out and press with an iron.

On the top of the flag that was still open, I folded over about 1/2" and pinned.

Then I folded over another inch and pinned. Sew across the width of the flag using a straight stitch and be sure to reinforce at both ends. This will create the pocket for the flag to hang from.



So happy with how this came out! I can't wait to make another one!

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Make it Yours @ My Backyard Eden

Frugal Mom x 3

18 comments :

  1. What's sad is that you posted step by step instructions...and I still don't get how to do it! I'm not even close to crafty. Le sigh. It's a super cute flag, though! I love it!

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  2. Adorable. You did so well in your stitching. The fabric colors you chose are perfect for summer. You're very creative and talented.

    Yoli :)

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  3. What a cute monogram flag! It turned out awesome! LOVE the colors, too! :)

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  4. That is so cute! I love the bright colors.

    Thank you for participating in the Creative Therapy Session with Life in the Pitts!

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  5. that turned out so fun & bright! great idea. and it's always great when it's cheap to make too :)
    thanks for your sweet comments on my "crafty crap"!! and spray paint is sooo hard to get off huh? my hands are always so colorful from my spray paint obsession :)

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  6. Are you taking orders??? That is so cute. Very creative!
    a Latte with Ott, A

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  7. Just wanted to let you know I left you an award on my blog today with a shout out about how great your blog is. Congrats!
    http://alattewithotta.blogspot.com/2010/07/awards-from-ott.html

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  8. This is so cute and no one will have one like it! Great idea ;)

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  9. Love this! You can do so much with those little fabric samples!! I made pillows the other day!

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  10. That looks great! Great job on it. I love the colours too.

    If you have a chance check out my Linky party, it's all about outdoor decor!!

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  11. What a good idea! I love it! You are so clever!

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  12. Your flag is totally chic...the colors and the monogram make it modern!

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  13. It looks great! I love your step-by-step tutorials. I hope the sunny colors reflect your mood :)

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  14. Hi Lisa!

    I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I featured your pretty garden flag on my blog. You can see the feature here:

    http://wwwbobbypinsboardwalk.blogspot.com/2010/07/featured-attractions-on-bobbypins_18.html

    Feel free to grab a "featured" button and I sure thank you for linking this project to the Boardwalk Bragfest!

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  15. This is so cool! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-a-garden-flag/2010/09/13/

    --Anne

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  16. Can you email the dimensions to me?
    Texasgunns@aim.com
    Thanks!

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  17. Your tutorial is great. I'm making a flag for our family's annual "Picklefest", at the request of my mom. I've been scouring the internet for ideas. Your site has eased my mind a bit; I think it's gonna be fun to sew something off the wall to make us smile and you make it look so easy. Thank you.

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  18. Your tutorial is great. I'm making a flag for our family's annual "Picklefest", at the request of my mom. I've been scouring the internet for ideas. Your site has eased my mind a bit; I think it's gonna be fun to sew something off the wall to make us smile and you make it look so easy. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

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